Assessment Rn-Intake*

Job Summary: The Intake Assessment Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for clinical evaluation and disposition of all patients referred to the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center. Coordinates contact with the appropriate clinical, hospital and community resources. Coordinates with clinicians and hospital staff to facilitate hospital admissions according to appropriate department guidelines and criteria. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Associate's Degree in Nursing required. Minimum of one year of experience in Medical/Surgery required; and, as applicable: (1) Minimum one year of experience in age group preferred. (2) Minimum one year of experience in acute psychiatric of age group preferred. (3) Minimum one year of experience in chemical dependency/detox preferred. (4) Minimum one year of experience in psychiatric intake preferred.

Knowledge and Skills: Basic clinical skills in delivery of nursing care in acute care facility. Ability to speak clearly in person and over the phone; ability to write clearly and concisely; ability to listen well and interact appropriately with other employees and outside agencies; ability to input data into computer; good eye-hand coordination. Ability to develop positive therapeutic interactions with patient, patient families, co-workers, supervisors, medical staff and outside agencies; maintains calm demeanor in crisis situations; communicates clearly and effectively. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to assess patients' conditions, interpret care plan, comprehend appropriate interventions, evaluate patient response to care, teach patients and families; requires higher level mental faculties accompanied by short and long-term memory; ability to concentrate on several assignments simultaneously; ability to organize and prioritize; ability to work with limited supervision; ability to execute duties in an efficient manner with attention to detail; ability to receive and accurately carry out instructions. Demonstrates an understanding of patient rights and the hospital policy and philosophy of care of the patient requiring restraint and or seclusion. Has a good working knowledge of Insurance and Managed Care criteria. Has a thorough knowledge of BMC and department admission criteria and the ability to screen and prioritize patients according to clinical needs. Demonstrates the ability to complete an assessment within 45 minutes using the nursing process of therapeutic communication and interviewing skills and clinical assessment with the patient and their family, if available, while using an empathetic and caring approach. Knowledge of psychotropic medications. Knowledge of appropriate age group(s). Excellent knowledge of English usage and grammar.

Licensures and Certifications: Current and unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Prevention and Management of Assaultive Behavior (PMAB) certification required within first thirty (30) days of hire; and, as applicable: (1) Psychiatric nursing or clinical specialist certification preferred. (2) Chemical dependency nursing certification or specialist preferred. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. 5150 certification preferred.