RN SCU

Job Summary:

·         Job Title: GeriPsych RN – Senior Care Unit 

·         Reports To: Senior Care Department Director / Chief Nursing Officer

·         FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

·         Position Type: PRN

Position Summary:

·         The GeriPsych RN is responsible for leading shift operations in the 8-bed Senior Care Unit, ensuring the delivery of compassionate, safe, and evidence-based care to geriatric psychiatric patients. This role oversees staff workflow, coordinates patient care, maintains a therapeutic environment, and acts as the on-site clinical lead. The Charge Nurse must demonstrate sound clinical judgment, maintain regulatory compliance, and uphold standards of care while promoting dignity and safety for this vulnerable population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Serve as the clinical leader during operations on the Senior Care Geripsych Unit.

·         Coordinate staffing assignments according to acuity, census, and staff competencies.

·         Provide direct nursing care, including assessments, medication administration, documentation, and care planning for geriatric psychiatric patients.

·         Monitor for changes in mental status, safety concerns, and escalating behaviors; intervene and escalate per hospital protocols.

·         Ensure compliance with CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) practices to maintain a safe environment.

·         Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and care transitions, ensuring thorough and accurate documentation.

·         Promote adherence to infection control, patient safety, and behavioral health standards.

·         Facilitate shift huddles, safety rounds, and communicate effectively with providers and interdisciplinary teams.

·         Provide support, coaching, and mentoring to nursing staff and CNAs on the unit.

·         Respond to emergencies including medical or behavioral crises with calm, appropriate action.

·         Serve as a liaison with hospital leadership for urgent clinical or staffing issues.

·         Support compliance with documentation standards, EMR charting, and policy adherence.

·         Maintain availability of essential supplies and monitor functionality of equipment.

·         Encourage a respectful, calm, and therapeutic milieu that supports both patients and staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

·         Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Arkansas (or compact state).

·         Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification required.

·         CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

·         Minimum 1 year of nursing experience required, preferably with behavioral health or geriatric populations.

·         Strong leadership, de-escalation, and critical thinking skills required.

·         Comfortable working independently with overnight team structure.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Prior experience as a charge nurse or in a leadership role.

·         Psychiatric or behavioral health nursing experience in a hospital or long-term care setting.

·         Familiarity with EMR systems and behavioral health documentation standards.

Physical Requirements:

·         Regular standing, walking, and lifting.

·         Must be able to assist with patient mobility and manage behavioral episodes safely.

·         Must be able to lift and support at least 50 lbs.

·         Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to psychiatric or medical emergencies.

Work Environment:

·         Secure, team-oriented behavioral health unit with geriatric psychiatric patients.

·         Exposure to aggressive behaviors, bodily fluids, and infectious materials.

Schedule:

·         Full-Time (12-hour shifts)

·         Includes rotating weekends and holidays as needed

Core Values:

·         Commitment to safety, empathy, and therapeutic engagement.

·         Respect for the dignity and needs of the geriatric behavioral health population.

·         Accountability, teamwork, and a strong focus on quality and service.