Job Summary  

The Analenisgi Inpatient Registered Nurse delivers comprehensive, trauma-informed nursing care to individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use challenges. As a licensed professional, the RN independently performs assessments, develops individualized plans of care, implements nursing interventions, and evaluates outcomes. This role supports recovery through clinical excellence, compassionate communication, and coordination with a multidisciplinary team. The RN is accountable for ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellness of patients across the lifespan, with sensitivity to cultural and community context. This position supports CIHA’s mission to provide culturally competent, community-driven, and integrated care to patients of all ages.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Clinical Care & Assessment

• Performs ongoing patient assessments, collects biological, psychological, social, and cultural data, and develops individualized plans of care.
• Responds to acute and chronic care needs, including psychiatric crises, withdrawal management, and medical concerns.
• Supports health promotion and disease prevention by delivering patient education and guidance aligned with best practice standards.
• Administers medications per protocol and monitors for therapeutic effects, side effects, and complications.
• Conducts screenings upon admission (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, substance use, suicide risk, PHQ-9) and ensures timely follow-up.

• May be required to float to other clinical areas within the hospital to provide coverage and support as needed, based on staffing demands and patient care needs. 

Coordination & Collaboration

• Collaborates with psychiatry and MAT providers to manage care and monitor treatment progress.
• Supports discharge planning and care transitions by coordinating with outpatient providers, case managers, and residential programs.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to promote recovery and continuity of care.
• Collaborates with tribal programs (e.g., Kanvwotiyi, Tsali Manor, MAT services) to ensure continuity of care, culturally appropriate discharge planning, and timely access to community-based supports.

Nursing Leadership & Coverage

• Serves as charge nurse when assigned, overseeing staff assignments and prioritizing patient safety.
• May be required to float between departments including Analenisgi Inpatient, Kanvwotiyi, the Emergency Department, or other clinical areas to support emergent psychiatric coverage or operational needs.
• Participates in cross-training and rotation between nursing units to ensure flexible, competent staffing.
• May cover weekend or early morning medication administration as needed; subject to call-back and on-call rotation as needed for facility crisis or emergency.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains timely, accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Ensures adherence to nursing standards, hospital protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Participates in performance improvement, quality assurance, and risk management activities.

Patient Education & Advocacy

• Educates patients on harm reduction strategies (e.g., naloxone use), medication management, and available resources.
• Promotes patient advocacy, empowerment, and health literacy.
• Leads or supports educational sessions and group-based interventions.

Professional Development

• Attends training, maintains required certifications, and seeks opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
• Supports onboarding and mentoring of new nursing staff and behavioral health support staff.
• Participates in nursing department meetings and interdisciplinary case reviews.

Other Duties

• Maintains a clean, safe environment and adheres to infection control protocols.
• Participates in emergency response and disaster preparedness.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Nurse Manager or leadership team.
• Maintains professional boundaries, professionalism and ethical behavior with all persons encountered. 

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications  

• Associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited program required.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program preferred.
• Two years of behavioral health nursing experience preferred.
• Current, unrestricted RN license valid in North Carolina required.
• Current BLS certification required; if not current, must be obtained within six months of hire.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license required.
• Must meet CIHA credentialing and privileging requirements.

Job Knowledge  

Complexity of Duties  

This role requires advanced clinical judgment, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. Nurses must interpret clinical data, anticipate complications, and intervene in crises while maintaining composure and professionalism. Independent judgment is necessary when guidelines may not directly apply, and decisions often have a significant impact on patient safety, treatment outcomes, and team functioning.

Supervision Received  

The RN works independently within established procedures, with oversight from the and Analenisgi Inpatient Leadership Team. Performance is evaluated based on adherence to nursing standards, policy compliance, and patient care outcomes.

Responsibility for Accuracy  

Nurses are responsible for the accuracy of assessments, documentation, and clinical interventions. Errors can result in serious patient harm or regulatory noncompliance. The RN must maintain meticulous attention to detail and uphold all CIHA policies and professional standards.

Contact with Others  

The RN interacts with patients, families, interdisciplinary staff, and external partners. These interactions require tact, empathy, and the ability to manage sensitive situations while upholding patient dignity and confidentiality.

Confidential Data  

Access to confidential patient information requires strict adherence to HIPAA, CIHA, and tribal privacy regulations. Breaches of confidentiality are subject to disciplinary and legal consequences.

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment  

This position requires physical mobility, mental focus, and emotional resilience. Duties involve standing, walking, lifting, and responding quickly to emergencies. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are essential for safe medication administration and equipment use.

Work Environment 

Work is performed in an inpatient behavioral health setting with potential exposure to infectious diseases, behavioral escalation, and medical emergencies. Use of personal protective equipment and compliance with safety standards is required. Flexibility in scheduling is essential. Work involves managing unpredictable behavioral health crises, including verbal escalation, medical deterioration, and active psychiatric symptoms.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.