Psychiatric Nurse

About the Role:

Amedisys is seeking a compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Nurse to join our team in providing high-quality care to patients in their homes. As a Behavioral Health RN, you will be responsible for performing initial nursing evaluations, observing and evaluating patient physical and mental status, and instructing patients and caregivers on cognitive and technical aspects of care.

Responsibilities:

• Performs initial nursing evaluation, including behavioral health/psychiatric nursing needs.
• Observes and evaluates the physical and mental status of the patient for complications and medication side effects.
• Maintains awareness for indicators in patients' behavior that call for change in the treatment modality (crisis, suicidal ideation) as well as other medical signs and symptoms.
• Instructs patient/caregiver in cognitive and technical aspects of care, medication regimes, disease processes, safety interventions, ADL care, coping skills, symptom management and other interventions.
• Administers IM medications, performs lab draws and specimen collections.
• Acts as a case manager in coordinating care for patients as assigned.
• Completes documentation timely and accurately.
• Supervises LPNs and HHAs.
• Regularly communicate patient progress to the clinical manager, psychiatrist and care team.

Qualifications:

• Current RN license, specific to the state(s) you are assigned to work.
• Must have one of the following to meet CMS requirements for psychiatric nursing in the home care setting:
  • An RN with a master's degree in a mental health nursing or psychiatric specialty. Must have nursing experience in an acute treatment unit or other psychiatric setting.
  • An RN with a bachelor's degree in nursing. Must have one year of recent nursing experience in an acute treatment unit or other psychiatric setting.
  • An RN with a diploma or associate's degree in nursing. Must have two years of recent nursing experience in an acute treatment unit or other psychiatric setting.
• Current CPR certification.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and liability insurance.

About Amedisys:

Amedisys is a leading provider of home health, hospice and high-acuity care, dedicated to helping patients and families navigate the complex healthcare system. With a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care, you would be joining a team of professionals committed to improving the lives of those they serve.