Behavioral Health Nurse - RN

1.0 FTE / 40 hours per week

Come join us at Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) and be a part of an organization committed to the highest level of healthcare! At GHC-SCW every member of the organization can contribute meaningfully to improving patient experience and eliminating barriers to care. The Behavioral Health department is an exciting place to be right now as it deploys strategic changes to improve access for patients, enhance employee satisfaction, and expand services beyond traditional outpatient treatment.

The Behavioral Health Nurse (BH RN) works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Behavioral Health Therapists and others to coordinate, support and deliver efficient, high-quality mental health services to patients. The BH RN supports psychiatry prescribers and their patients by managing communication between provider and patient; providing information and education regarding medication dosing, side effects, and interactions; assisting with prescription refills; performing brief triage and safety assessments; completing medication prior authorizations, referrals, labs or other orders; and coordinating with other healthcare providers. The incumbent responds to crisis/urgent care requests and provides screening and triage assessments as needed. The incumbent also provides direct patient care to established patients of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), including patient admissions, discharge, education and screenings and triage as needed.  The BH RN works under the general supervision of the Medical Director for Behavioral Health, with additional guidance and direction from the Behavioral Health Coordinators and prescribing psychiatry staff. Behavioral Health practitioner staff may delegate activities to the BH RN that are within the RN scope of practice.

The incumbent knows and abides by all Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) organizational and departmental policies, sets personal standards and strives for high quality work in completing assignments, performs job duties in a timely manner, and represents the organization in a positive manner. The incumbent understands our Mission, Vision and Common Values (stated below) and is committed to promote these values in behavior and attitude. 

Our Mission Statement: We partner with members and the communities we serve to maximize health and well-being.

Our Vision: As a local, not-for-profit, member-owned Cooperative, we are the most trusted resource for lifelong health and well-being in the communities we serve.

Our Values:

• We are a not-for-profit Cooperative
• We are member-centered
• We are equitable and inclusive
• We are quality-driven
• We are innovative
• We are community involved

GHC-SCW is committed to fostering a caring and compassionate environment while ensuring that individual differences are valued. GHC-SCW is a quality driven cooperative built on collaboration, community involvement, innovation, and belonging. It is essential that all employees, members, and patients feel secure and welcome, that the opinions and contributions of all individuals are respected and that all voices are heard.

We believe:

                Healthcare is a human right.

                In treating all people with dignity and respect.

                There is strength in diversity.

                Equity celebrates our humanity.

                We are better together.

JOB SPECIFIC MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Current licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is required.  Must be licensed in the State of Wisconsin OR hold a multistate license in a state in the licensure compact (eNLC). 
2. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university is preferred but not required. 
3. Two years of professional nursing experience is required.  Experience working in behavioral health setting is preferred. Experience in crisis intervention is preferred. Experience with children and adolescents is desirable.
4. Possession of a valid, Wisconsin driver license; and ability to travel to various work sites is required. Employee is expected to provide personal transportation. 
5. Possession of or eligibility for a valid Healthcare Provider CPR/AED certificate is required. Employee must obtain certification within four (4) months of employment.  
6. Knowledge of scientific nursing principles, methods and techniques in an ambulatory behavioral health and/or primary care setting as a basis for quality decision-making ability is required. Current knowledge of and maintenance of nursing trends, techniques and certifications is required. Participation in pertinent continuing education courses is required.
7. Knowledge related to psychotropic medications and their management is strongly preferred.
8. Demonstrated ability to work productively both independently as well as on teams with prescribers, therapists/counselors, other health care providers, and community agencies is required.
9. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills are required.
10. Ability to educate patients and/or families as to the nature of behavioral health issues and to provide support and intervention as well as instruction on proper care, treatments and follow-up is required. 
11. Ability to perform (within 6 months of hire) a variety of clinical skills which may include but are not limited to crisis risk assessment, crisis intervention strategies, monitoring of psychoactive medications, performing initial mental status exams, and giving injections is required.
12. Ability and willingness to provide coordination of services in addition to providing direct services is required.
13. Excellent interpersonal skills including verbal communication and listening skills, both in-person and on the phone, are required.
14. Ability to recognize and identify symptoms and problems, particularly in behavioral health, and good nursing assessment skills are required.
15. Ability to be calm, resourceful and flexible in emergency situations is required.
16. Ability to prioritize changing patient conditions is required.
17. Knowledge of interviewing practices and techniques used to gather information is required.
18. Ability to work some evening hours is required.
19. Ability to maintain quality, safety and /or infection control standards is required.
20. Excellent customer service skills, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be culturally competent and work with a diverse patient population are required.      
21. Knowledge of and/or ability to learn and use computer based applications such as MS Office, electronic medical record (EMR) systems and scheduling applications is required.  Experience with EpicCare EMR is desirable.  Must type a minimum of 30 WPM with minimal errors
22. Knowledge of medical records, appropriate documentation, patient confidentiality and HIPAA is required. 
23. Basic understanding or ability to learn about reimbursement/insurance practices for medical care is required.
24. Ability to maintain good working relationships with patients and staff is required.
25. Good organizational skills in the delivery of clinical care are required.
26. Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor always is required.
27. Ability to climb, stoop, kneel and crouch is required.  Ability to bend, reach, lift, pull, push and/or carry up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally is required.   Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time is required.    Ability to talk (speak clearly), hear (conversation), see (corrected vision for near and far sight, color vision, and depth perception) on a frequent basis is required.
28. Ability to continuously stand and transport, with occasional sitting is required.