Entry Level Mental Health Nurse Jobs

Overview: Provides basic, quality patient focused care in clinical setting under daily direction and supervision of Registered Nurse (RN) in accordance with the standards of practice within guidelines of corresponding state regulations. Performs clerical and system coordination for the nursing units. Provides supportive nursing care and schedules diagnostic and therapeutic services. Ensures accuracy and frequent updates of unit census, patient information, and level of care. Coordinates all nursing unit communications and activities. Acts as a receptionist, greeting and/or directing patients, visitors, physicians, and other health care providers.

Responsibilities:

• Assists RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation which may include use of therapeutic assistive devices, proper positioning, range of motion and special transferring as indicated.
• Measures and documents blood pressures, TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration), I & O (Intake and Output), daily weights, and other patient data as requested.
• Documents accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Participates in admission, transfer and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings.
• Ensures patient call light is always in reach of patient and answers call-lights promptly.
• Performs purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicates observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN. Documents appropriately.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices.
• Performs tasks related to nutritional needs of the patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning and diet selection.
• Performs tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care.
• Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices.
• Collects urine, stool, and sputum specimens and performs point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification.
• Maintains competency as required.
• Under direction of RN and as determined by site/unit requirements, may be required to remove IVs, provide post mortem care, perform phlebotomy, ECGs, bladder scans and other skills as allowed under state regulations.
• Practices within policies and procedures of infection prevention by demonstrating hand hygiene and knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation.
• Coordinates tests and treatments with and between various departments for patients on nursing units.
• Maintains a working knowledge of functions and services offered by all diagnostic and treatment departments to facilitate the scheduling of tests and treatments.
• Maintains working knowledge of EHR system and other computer systems for ordering patient and unit supplies and equipment.
• Processes daily patient charges and/or related procedures through the system.
• Facilitates communications required to support patient care, including the multiple-line telephone, unit/site paging and the hospital information system.
• Screens incoming telephone calls.
• Monitors department office equipment and troubleshoots minor problems. Arranges repair of major malfunctions.
• Compiles necessary chart forms for admissions, transfers, discharges and expirations.
• Obtains appropriate copies of medical records for transfers to nursing homes and other health care facilities.
• Verifies medical records contain complete and accurate patient demographic information, patient identification and registration in the medical record, including appropriate level of care.
• Establishes and maintains positive customer relations and contributes to a harmonious work environment.
• Quickly and courteously acknowledges requests, responds to call lights, demonstrates proper phone etiquette and fosters communication between the health care team.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.
• Performs detailed safety monitoring for patients at risk of harming self or others.
• Demonstrates a calm approach to redirecting inappropriate patient behaviors.
• Collaborates with nursing and therapy team members to provide therapeutic milieu environment.

Qualifications:

• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Education: H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• Work Experience: Carle Health Company Overview:

Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.

Our more than 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include seven, award-winning hospitals across eight hospital campuses and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Physicians Group, Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center including Carle Eureka Hospital and associated Carle Health Medical Group clinics all hold Magnet® with Distinction designation, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital and Carle Health Pekin Hospital all hold the exclusive Magnet® designation.

We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.

Salary Range: The compensation range for this position is $17.89 per hour - $28.98 per hour. This represents a good faith minimum and maximum range for the role at the time of posting by Carle Health. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model. Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. To learn more visit careers.carlehealth.org/benefits.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.