RN SCU

• Job Title: GeriPsych RN – Senior Care Unit
• Reports To: Senior Care Department Director / Chief Nursing Officer
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Position Type: PRN

• The GeriPsych RN is responsible for leading shift operations in the 8-bed Senior Care Unit, ensuring the delivery of compassionate, safe, and evidence-based care to geriatric psychiatric patients. This role oversees staff workflow, coordinates patient care, maintains a therapeutic environment, and acts as the on-site clinical lead. The Charge Nurse must demonstrate sound clinical judgment, maintain regulatory compliance, and uphold standards of care while promoting dignity and safety for this vulnerable population.

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• Serve as the clinical leader during operations on the Senior Care Geripsych Unit.
• Coordinate staffing assignments according to acuity, census, and staff competencies.
• Provide direct nursing care, including assessments, medication administration, documentation, and care planning for geriatric psychiatric patients.
• Monitor for changes in mental status, safety concerns, and escalating behaviors; intervene and escalate per hospital protocols.
• Ensure compliance with CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) practices to maintain a safe environment.
• Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and care transitions, ensuring thorough and accurate documentation.
• Promote adherence to infection control, patient safety, and behavioral health standards.
• Facilitate shift huddles, safety rounds, and communicate effectively with providers and interdisciplinary teams.
• Provide support, coaching, and mentoring to nursing staff and CNAs on the unit.
• Respond to emergencies including medical or behavioral crises with calm, appropriate action.
• Serve as a liaison with hospital leadership for urgent clinical or staffing issues.
• Support compliance with documentation standards, EMR charting, and policy adherence.
• Maintain availability of essential supplies and monitor functionality of equipment.
• Encourage a respectful, calm, and therapeutic milieu that supports both patients and staff.

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Arkansas (or compact state).
• Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification required.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Minimum 1 year of nursing experience required, preferably with behavioral health or geriatric populations.
• Strong leadership, de-escalation, and critical thinking skills required.
• Comfortable working independently with overnight team structure.

• Prior experience as a charge nurse or in a leadership role.
• Psychiatric or behavioral health nursing experience in a hospital or long-term care setting.
• Familiarity with EMR systems and behavioral health documentation standards. Physical

• Regular standing, walking, and lifting.
• Must be able to assist with patient mobility and manage behavioral episodes safely.
• Must be able to lift and support at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to psychiatric or medical emergencies. Work Environment:
• Secure, team-oriented behavioral health unit with geriatric psychiatric patients.
• Exposure to aggressive behaviors, bodily fluids, and infectious materials.

• Full-Time (12-hour shifts)
• Includes rotating weekends and holidays as needed Core Values:
• Commitment to safety, empathy, and therapeutic engagement.
• Respect for the dignity and needs of the geriatric behavioral health population.
• Accountability, teamwork, and a strong focus on quality and service.