Staff Nurse (RN)- Behavioral Health Unit

External Applicants Earn up to $15,000 Sign on Bonus! Work Shift Day/Evening Scheduled Weekly Hours 36 Summary This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by being a competent, respectful, and compassionate professional who is able to safely, appropriately, accurately, efficiently and independently follow Mercy's standards along with policies and procedures while caring for patients. The Registered Staff Nurse works with the unit specific team members to identify clinical problems, develop a plan, and educate patients and families.

Job Description

Job Duties Ensures that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcome. Demonstrates competent assessment, planning, intervention, coordination and evaluation skills based on the individual patient plan of care. Continually assesses patient and family needs in order to provide quality care based on a patient centered care model. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and judgment necessary to implement a patient plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures. Maintains accurate and real time documentation of nursing care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team, according to hospital policy and procedure related to documentation parameters. Functions as a role model for current and new staff by creating a healthy work environment to facilitate the department's or unit's ability to meet identified goals and objectives. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitor and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment. Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel in the provision of care to patients as assigned. Demonstrate effective and age-appropriate communication as well as the ability to understand the needs of the patient including non-verbal communication, fears, anxieties and language/cultural barriers. Responds within scope of practice to emergencies and life-threatening conditions. Adheres to and promotes patient safety practices throughout the patient experience. Communicates and collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team. Provides ongoing education to patients and families. Delegates to other staff registered nurse, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians, unit secretaries, and other staff positions specific to the department. Remains current on Evidence-based practice as well as appropriate Protocols and Procedures. Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries. Department Specific Duties Behavioral Health (for assigned position within the Healing Center) Assesses and reassesses Suicide Risk, per policy, utilizing the tools provided and adapts the plan of care with appropriate interventions based upon assessment. De-escalates patients in crisis to prevent acts of aggression towards self and others. Conducts psycho educational groups as needed and/or educates one to one on diagnosis, symptom management, medication, wellness, and positive coping skills. Monitors for withdrawal from alcohol and other substances and follows protocols and utilizes appropriate interventions based upon assessment. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Sound background in basic nursing principles and procedures. Demonstrates competency in unit specific skills. Demonstrates ability to provide safe and effective basic nursing care. Role Models exemplary customer service skills including verbal and non-verbal skills and proper phone etiquette. Creates a welcoming environment for all healthcare team members. Committed to ongoing self-development and learning. Professional Experience Previous RN experience in an acute care setting preferred. Department specific experience requirements are noted below: Behavioral Health Experience in mental health and/or chemical dependency is preferred. Education Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing preferred. Licensure, Certification, Registration Requirements listed below are applicable to all departments. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Iowa or compact state required. Current certification in Basic Life Support, in accordance with the American Heart Association required. Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse/Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required. Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date. Pay Rate Type Hourly Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years. Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Proud to be highest-ranked healthcare employer on the Forbes Best-In-State Employers, 2025 Iowa list. Talent Tuesdays An open-house hiring event at Mercy Cedar Rapids - 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Tuesday We welcome the chance to meet with you and share our current opportunities, including information on our exciting sign-on bonuses for select positions! Mercy Cedar Rapids is a growing healthcare system, rooted in purpose and driven by people - like you. We care for those who care for others with competitive pay and generous benefits. But we don’t just offer jobs, it’s the sense of community and shared purpose – our dedication to caring for the sick - that really sets Mercy apart as an employer. No appointment necessary – just bring your résumé! The Mercy Touch® — it’s compassionate people taking care of patients and each other. And, at Mercy Cedar Rapids, there's something for anyone who wants to have an influence on their community and grow their career. We are proud of our mission-centered culture and our employees enjoy growth opportunities, supportive team members, a generous benefits package and more. If you don't see the position you're looking for - or if you're not sure what you're looking for, we invite you to join our Talent Community to stay informed about future opportunities!