$54.15 - $78.82 Posting Date: 9/16/2026 Internal Closing Date: 9/22/26 * Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights. Responsible for the delivery of coordinated clinical nursing care on a Laterman- Petris-Short Act (LPS) designated outpatient psychiatric receiving unit and crisis stabilization unit. Provide nursing care to the mental health client whose condition may be unstable and ever changing.
In collaboration with the physician, evaluates for suicidal or homicidal tendencies and inappropriate responses indicating psychosis, anxiety and/or depression in order to determine if the patient's condition is severe enough to be admitted to a higher level of care. Oversees direct patient care, performs patient assessments, Behavioral Health assessments, eligibility for 5150 designation and is responsible to ensure safety at all times.
Other duties include patient and family education, health and medication education, treatment and discharge planning. Provide treatment and discharge planning by interfacing with physicians, providers, families, and all relevant internal and external resources. Responsible for the management of the Crisis stabilization unit clinical activities and will coordinate the plan of care with the patient, their family and the interdisciplinary team.
Emphasis is placed upon the effective assessment of the client's needs, safety, effective available resources and delivery of mental health services to include: crisis intervention, medication support and potential admission to a Behavioral Health Unit. Also responsible for supervising and responsibly directing the activities of various levels of assigned nursing and ancillary personnel, utilizing both professional and supervisory discretion and independent judgment.
Understands and adheres to the California Nurse Practice Act, The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses, the ANA Bill of Rights for Registered Nurses and the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing. Responsible for the observation and direction of patient lifts and mobilization and shall participate as needed in patient handling. Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job.
Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.
Job Requirements Minimum
As required by certification and/or licensure Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Minimum
1 years of experience as RN in acute adult outpatient/inpatient psychiatric or urgent care setting Background and knowledge of psychiatric and medical-surgical illnesses and treatments Preferred
3+ years of directly related RN experience in area of specialty Required Certification: Crisis Prevention (CPI) within 6 months of hire American Heart Association recognized BLS - Healthcare Provider 150 designation and certification by Palomar Health Behavioral Health Services and San Diego County Mental Health to place patients on involuntary holds and maintains all aspects of ensuring patient rights within 1 year of hire Preferred Certification: Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health RN Required License: Current CA RN License Preferred License: Not Applicable We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.