Registered Nurse - Mental Health Unit

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN) to join our dedicated Child / Adolescent Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit in Kankakee, Illinois. In this role, you will provide comprehensive psychiatric nursing care to children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health crises. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care, ensuring that each patient receives developmentally appropriate, individualized, high-quality treatment in a supportive and therapeutic environment. This position requires a deep understanding of psychiatric nursing principles, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex and often challenging situations with professionalism and empathy. Additionally, this position requires flexibility with assignments within professional scope / duties / licensure.

Essential Duties

• Patient Assessment and Care Planning : Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, including mental status examinations and risk assessments. Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team.
• Treatment Administration : Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, monitor patient responses, and adjust care plans as needed. Ensure safe and accurate medication management and document all interventions.
• Therapeutic Interventions : Provide direct psychiatric nursing care, including facilitating psychoeducational groups, crisis intervention, and providing support. Employ therapeutic communication techniques to build rapport and support patient engagement in their treatment.
• Patient Monitoring : Monitor and document patient progress, vital signs, and behavioral changes. Identify and report any significant changes or concerns to the healthcare team promptly.
• Collaboration and Coordination : Work closely with psychiatrists, social workers / case managers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and holistic patient care. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care planning and discharge planning.
• Education and Advocacy : Educate patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies. Advocate for patients needs and rights within the healthcare system.
• Crisis Management : Respond effectively to psychiatric emergencies, including managing aggressive or self-harming behaviors and implementing de-escalation techniques.
• Patient Experience : Engage with patients and their families in a manner that promotes comfort, trust, and understanding. Address patient concerns with empathy and professionalism, striving to create a positive and supportive environment that fosters a sense of security and well-being.
• Employee Experience : Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. Offer constructive feedback and assistance to peers, and engage in open communication to promote a culture of mutual respect and teamwork.

Non-essential Duties

Preferred Experience :

Required Licensure / Education :

Preferred Education :