MILLIONS OF AMERICANS FACE THE REALITY OF LIVING WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS. THIS IS NEARLY ONE IN FIVE ADULTS. ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THESE INDIVIDUALS? ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT DISPELLING WIDESPREAD STIGMA AND MISUNDERSTANDING ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH?

For more than 70 years, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital has been a national leader in the treatment of mental health and addictive disorders throughout the lifespan. In conjunction with the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, we continue to strive to be one of the nation’s foremost academic- based psychiatric care facilities and remain dedicated to providing professionals with state-of-the-art training and assistance.
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse to help support the Integrated Health and Aging (IHAP 12th Floor) Department for its Oakland location. The Integrated Health & Aging Program (IHAP) is a specialized program serving older adults who are experiencing psychiatric issues in late life. This position will work day/evening rotation, with three 12-hour shifts.

• Performs a nursing assessment and initial plan of care within 8 hours of patient’s admission.
• Orients/educates patient regarding hospitalization.
• Documents in the medical record according to established policies.
• Maintains current knowledge of medication policies and practices, including side effects, dosage and patient response.
• Completes medication administration safely and accurately, including transcription, administration and documentation according to established policies.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of DSM IV diagnosis as evidenced by individual, group and milieu therapeutic interventions.
• Manages crisis situations effectively using positive approaches.
• Adheres to Nursing Standards and Policies including ANA Standards for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, ANA Professional Code for Nurses, the WPIC policies and procedures and the Nurse Practice Act. Performs point of care testing per unit (i.e., glucose monitoring, urinalysis, Hemocults.)
• Performs charge RN responsibilities competently and effectively.
• Participates with unit management in Program Development and Performance Improvement Activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary activities including, treatment team, staff meeting, co-worker feedback process and other committees as assigned.
• Follows research protocols as required.
• Maintains competency requirements.
• Attends two unit-based or institute-wide in-services yearly.
• Serves as mentor to students and new employees.
• Learns and utilizes up-to-date technology in delivery of patients care.
• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing required.
• BSN preferred.
• Six months of experience in Clinical Psychiatry preferred.
• Successful completion of the central and unit specific orientation programs including the medication proficiency examination.
• The incumbent must by physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent, mentally ill patients as necessary including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing and pulling equipment, such as, wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds.LICENSURE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND CLEARANCES:CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.