Registered Nurse - Outpatient

Registered Nurse – Outpatient 

Department: Structured Outpatient Services Program - Adult Unit
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
 

Position Summary 

Registered Nurses (RNs) at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility play a vital role in supporting the stabilization and treatment of individuals participating in our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Working under the supervision of the Director of Outpatient Services and the Hospital Administrator, Outpatient RNs deliver coordinated, high-quality care in a structured behavioral health setting. 

Core responsibilities include conducting patient assessments, implementing individualized care plans, monitoring treatment responses, administering medications, and addressing clinical concerns throughout the outpatient treatment process. Outpatient RNs also serve as a primary clinical resource for nursing-related matters in the PHP/IOP programs and contribute to interdisciplinary treatment planning. 

This role requires strong clinical judgment, effective communication, and a commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Apply the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to coordinate individualized patient care within the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Develop, implement, and revise nursing care plans based on bio-psychosocial assessments and clinical observations
• Accurately document patient symptoms, responses to treatment, and overall progress in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Transcribe and implement verbal and written physician orders in accordance with nursing scope of practice and facility protocols
• Administer medications and treatments consistent with licensure, medication safety guidelines, and physician directives
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning and case conferencing to ensure coordinated patient care
• Provide nursing support during individual, group, and family therapy sessions, as appropriate
• Communicate relevant nursing and treatment needs to non-clinical staff to support continuity of care
• Offer timely, clear, and compassionate communication to patients and families regarding treatment progress and care plans
• Promote mental health awareness and support through interactions with family members and visitors
• Participate in hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives and uphold compliance with regulatory standards
• Support referral development, patient outreach, and coordination with external providers as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Outpatient Services

Minimum Qualifications 

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of California
• Demonstrated knowledge and competencies in behavioral health nursing, including familiarity with DSM-5 diagnoses and psychiatric medications (e.g., antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anxiolytics)
• Ability to assess, monitor, and care for adult psychiatric patients in an outpatient setting
• Understanding of psychiatric regulations, HIPAA, patient rights, and applicable accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, Title 22). 
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or hospital setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable).
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments.
• Demonstrated sound professional judgment; clinical judgment where applicable to licensure/role.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
• Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment (waivable for certain non-clinical positions, as appropriate).

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• ANCC Certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMHN)
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or related human-services setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable)
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and coordination of care
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and/or cloud-based communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, or other languages commonly spoken by the patient population
• Crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., HWC, CPI, PMAB) or de-escalation certification
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Title 22, and other applicable regulatory standards
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and culturally responsive practices
• Leadership experience or demonstrated capacity to mentor others (if applicable to the role)

Benefits 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying employees
• Paid time off after 90 day probation period
• 401(k) retirement savings plan after 90 day probation period
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization

Physical & Environmental Requirements 

• Frequent walking, standing, sitting, twisting, and bending are required.
• Must possess adequate auditory capacity to communicate clearly and follow verbal instructions.
• May be required to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely assist with the physical management, lifting, or repositioning of adult patients, including those who may be physically resistive or assaultive, potentially weighing 100 pounds or more, in accordance with facility safety protocols and training.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate standard office and/or clinical equipment requiring repetitive hand movements, manual dexterity, and fine finger coordination, including the use of computers, telephones, and related devices.

Special Conditions 

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting, background check clearance, and verification of required licenses, certifications, and education
• Satisfactory completion of professional reference checks
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Ocean View does not provide visa sponsorship for certain roles unless otherwise specified
• Compliance with all required health screenings and immunizations in accordance with regulatory guidelines and facility policy, which may include tuberculosis (TB) testing, N95 fit testing, annual trainings, and proof of vaccination for certain communicable diseases
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (and other required immunizations) or an approved exemption, in accordance with current public health guidelines and facility policy.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or variable shifts as needed, based on operational or patient care needs