Clinical Nurse (RN) Behavioral Health Unit/Per Diem at CHRISTUS Health

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Registered Nurse is a clinical practitioner who coordinates and implements patient care specific to the age of the patient population served on the assigned units.  He/she ensures that quality care is provided in an efficient and safe manner, consistent with the unit’s standards of care. He/she demonstrates performance consistent with the mission, philosophy and goals of the unit and organization.  Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice.  Treats staff, physicians, patients and families with consideration and respect.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:  Graduate of an accredited program for Registered Nursing.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES:  Current New Mexico RN license or current Compact state license. BLS Certification required or within 2 weeks of hire date.  All other required certifications must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.  If nurse has the required certifications at time of hire, they must maintain the certifications and will not have a grace period to renew. (See Required Department Certification List detailed on the last page of this document.)

SKILLS: 

• Current knowledge and skills appropriate to age/type of patient population served
• Knowledgeable and sensitive to patients’ rights in the delivery of care
• Communicates in a clear concise manner appropriate to the developmental age of patient.

EXPERIENCE:

NATURE OF SUPERVISION:

-Responsible to:  Patient Care Director or Manager

 ENVIRONMENT:

• Bloodborne pathogen C (OR, PACU, L & D);
• Bloodborne pathogen B (other Patient Care areas). Exposure to infectious diseases and x-rays.

Works in a clean, well lighted, ventilated smoke-free environment.  Subject to stressful professional relationships.  Working hours are varied, with flexibility due to unexpected changes in schedule and emergencies. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to handle emergency/crisis situations, prolonged, extensive or considerable standing and walking.   Requires heavy physical effort to position, push and/or transfer patients or equipment and supplies. Requires considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching.  Ability to judge distance and space relationships, see peripherally, distinguish and identify different colors.  Hearing and visual acuity within normal or correctable limits.  Manual dexterity and fine motor coordination required.