Role Overview

This position provides clinical and administrative nursing support within a behavioral health setting. The Registered Nurse delivers patient-centered care under physician direction, supports therapeutic interventions, and contributes to treatment planning, education, and discharge coordination. The role plays a key part in maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for patients and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive psychiatric nursing care in alignment with clinical standards and established protocols.
• Build and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Assess patient needs using the nursing process and document findings accurately and consistently within required timeframes.
• Administer medications and treatments safely, ensuring accurate documentation in the medical record and medication administration system.
• Participate in treatment planning, progress reviews, discharge planning, and referral coordination.
• Monitor patient behavior, intervene appropriately, and support a structured therapeutic milieu.
• Facilitate patient education, group activities, and rehabilitation support as required.
• Review and transcribe physician orders with attention to accuracy and clarity.
• Recognize and respond to medical and psychiatric changes in patient condition, documenting interventions clearly.
• Support unit operations through effective organization, prioritization, and follow-through on assigned responsibilities.
• Provide guidance and support to nursing staff when assigned, and step into leadership responsibilities as needed.
• Maintain required competencies, certifications, and ongoing professional development in psychiatric nursing practice.
• Participate in meetings, training sessions, and quality or program initiatives as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical foundation in psychiatric nursing principles and practices.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills in high-acuity or emotionally complex environments.
• Sound judgment, emotional resilience, and the ability to manage stress professionally.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail in clinical documentation.
• Current Basic Life Support certification.

Education

Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program.

Experience

Prior experience in psychiatric or behavioral health nursing is preferred.

Licensure and Certifications

• Active Registered Nurse license eligible for practice in Iowa, including multistate licensure where applicable
• Iowa Mandatory Reporter certification for child and dependent adult abuse
• Current BLS certification