The CU (Child Unit) is a 24 bed secure psychiatric unit providing care for children between the ages of 3 and 12. The unit is located at our CHA Somerville Campus. A multi-disciplinary approach is used to provide patient and family centered care. A continued emphasis on restraint reduction is ongoing and treatment focus is on assessment, stabilization, and after care treatment planning. The average length of stay is 7 days.

Job Purpose:

The role of a Psych RN is to provide quality patient care according to Cambridge Health Alliance standards of nursing practice and the role expectations of the patient care unit, including administration of medications and treatments. RN must demonstrate ability to respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies in a prompt, precise and professional manner and be able to work in collaboration with nurse manager to provide comprehensive, cost effective care and to support a problem solving approach to issues. Assess, plan, document and evaluate patient care in an adult locked psychiatric unit. Participates in quality improvement projects. Administers medications and treatments as needed. Acts as a resource for nursing issues and keeps abreast of all aspects of assigned patient care. Contributes to multidisciplinary treatment planning by bringing a nursing focus to team collaboration and contributing to multidisciplinary treatment planning. Communicates effectively with health team members. Interacts effectively with patients, families and significant others.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education/Training: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing. BSN strongly preferred; BSN required within 1 year of hire date for newly hired RNs

Licensure: Current MA RN Licensure required.

Certifications: AHA Healthcare Provider BLS is required. BSN strongly preferred; BSN required within 1 year of hire for new RNs

Work Experience: One year of current nursing experience on a Child Psychiatric locked inpatient unit is required.

Physical Skills: Newly hired candidates are required to successfully complete a job specific agility test

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