Staff Nurse (RN)

Position Summary:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Staff Nurse (RN) for the Inpatient Units, Crisis and Acute Psychiatric Services within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Staff Nurse (RN) is to deliver person centered goal directed nursing care in alignment with the departmental and hospital policies and procedures and all regulatory requirements. The staff nurse functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team; participates in quality improvement activities, educational activities, and supports research endeavors. The role is consistent with the scope and standards outlined in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Assesses and diagnoses patient, family and significant other needs in order to provide quality care to assigned patients.
• Documents initial nursing assessment and individualized, goal directed plan of care considering the psychological, social, physical health and safety needs of the patient, in accordance with unit standards.
• Identifies discharge planning needs of patient, family and significant other at time of admission.
• Develops, discusses and communicates a realistic, individualized plan of care for each patient, in collaboration with the patient, family and significant other in an effort to promote wellness and recovery.
• Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to implement the plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures as necessary for the care and safety of the patient.
• Evaluates identified problems and care provided and the patient's responses are reassessed in order to meet the patient and family/significant other needs to ensure overall quality of care delivered.
• Maintains concurrent and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the multidisciplinary team, in order to ensure quality care.
• Performs all responsibilities/duties required by Acute Services as defined in the scope of service, to ensure that the uniqueness of the individual is addressed. This includes but is not limited to the age of the patient served.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all individuals served, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a state accredited school of nursing.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires standing 2/3 of the time, walking 2/3 of the time, requires sitting 1/3 of the time, use of hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of the time, reach with hands and arms, 1/3 of the time, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time. Manual dexterity and intermittent physical exertion when performing job activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, both medical and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment. May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures.