Job Title: Registered Nurse
Profession: Nursing
Specialty: Adolescent Psychiatric
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: 12-hour Days
Hours per Shift: 34.5 hours per week
Experience: Minimum 1 year in psychiatric nursing and some pediatric clinical experience
License: Valid nursing license required
Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, CPI or PMCS prior to start preferred
Must-Have: BSN preferred
Description:
Department focuses on adolescent psychiatric care.
Unit has 27 beds with an average census of 11.
Care is divided between child and adolescent sides.
Nurse-to-patient ratios are 1:6.
Minimum staffing on the floor includes three nurses.
Patients on the child side are aged 5-11, and those on the adolescent side are aged 12-17.
Common diagnoses include ADHD, depression, mood disorders, autism, and some history of substance abuse.
Average length of stay is approximately three weeks.
The unit is medically stable and does not handle detox or rehabilitation patients.
Focus is on connection, communication, and engagement rather than physical touch.
Experience working with children and a compassionate approach are essential.
Physical restraints are seldom used, especially on the child side.
Charge nurses and assistant nursing care coordinators manage the unit.
Patient care technicians are present for direct observation and support.
Emergency respiratory therapy is available only in emergencies.
Shifts include both day and night schedules.
Weekend work is required every other weekend.
At least one holiday during the holiday season is expected to be worked.
Float requirements include having travelers float to both adult and children’s psychiatric units as necessary.
Scrub colors for RNs are royal blue.
Orientation includes three days on the unit with additional orientation to units where floating may occur.