(RN) Per Diem Nurse - Senior Behavioral Health - 117399

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

The Senior Behavioral Health Unit (SBH) is a 14-bed voluntary inpatient unit for patients 65 years and older with psychiatric disorders, or for younger patients with confirmed or probable cognitive disorders. The Unit specializes in caring for older patients with acute psychiatric illnesses which may be complicated by co-morbid medical conditions. Older patients may present with medical problems, complicating their psychiatric problems. Staff is proficient in providing both psychiatric and medical care.

All patient are followed by both a Board-certified Geriatric Psychiatrist and a Geriatric Internist. Treatment is multidisciplinary in approach, and may include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions, group therapy, family/caregiver and patient education, including family meetings, occupational and physical therapy, and neuropsychological evaluations. The Unit philosophy is to integrate family members into treatment and discharge planning as much as possible.

Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care populations based on competence, professional expertise, and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously consistent with ANA Standards of Practice and Professional Performance. Independent judgment is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.

While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.

• Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program.

• RN license issued by the State of California.

• BART or BLS/CPR at time of hire with commitment to get BART within (6) six months of hire date.

• Must have one (1+) year or more of psychiatric RN experience, including acute care.

• BSN.
• Two (2+) years of recent RN experience in Geriatrics, Med-Surg, and/or Psych.
• One (1+) year of psych-geriatric experience.
• ANCC certified as a Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse or in Gerontological Nursing.

• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call and various locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!

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UC San Diego Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:

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