Psych-Mental Health Nurse (RN)

The Austen Riggs Center is seeking RNs who are inspired to help patients who are experiencing complex psychiatric problems. Come join a vital therapeutic community and open psychiatric residential center, and partner with a dynamic interprofessional team.

The Austen Riggs Center is a psychodynamic, psychiatric residential treatment center and a leading center for education and research located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The nursing staff provides care to adults (18+) and promotes resilience and self-direction, with a focus on treating the individual and not the diagnosis. The average minimum stay is 6 weeks.

Overview

The nurse in this position actively listens to our patients, forges therapeutic relationships, and fosters patients’ strengths by supporting their capacity to handle stress. The nurse supports our patients in learning new ways of engaging in treatment, making sense of relationships, and joining a therapeutic community where other patients are also resources. The RN works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to provide medical and psychiatric nursing interventions and directs and guides other personnel in the delivery of nursing care.

We provide opportunities for learning and development for RNs at all levels.

 Job Responsibilities:

• Practices and promotes psychodynamic nursing while assessing, treating, and evaluating patients.
• Meets one-on-one with patients and works in group settings as a facilitator.
• Assesses physical and mental status.
• De-escalates patients and assists in managing crisis situations.
• Administers medications.
• Attends and contributes to Riggs clinical staff meetings and patient community meetings.
• Attends weekly team meetings.
• Facilitates therapeutic and community groups.
• Participates in therapeutic community events with patients to enhance patient learning.
• Participates in consultation and supervision to maximize skill development, including understanding the patient’s dynamic formulation, enhancing creativity, and developing the therapeutic use of self.
• Maintains a stable, safe, and therapeutic environment.
• Completes patient assessments, including safety/suicide, CIWA, COWS, functional, and MoCA assessments.
• Speaks directly, professionally, and respectfully.
• Implements the nursing process competently and writes comprehensive reports.

Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. RN/BSN preferred.
• Current license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
• Current CPR and CPI training/certification preferred; however, training will be provided.
• Psychiatric nursing experience preferred; however, we are willing to train the right candidate.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to be aware of various dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, identity, and ethnicity.
• Ability to concentrate despite interruptions, tolerate anxiety, and remain reflective under stress.
• Ability to use computer, telephone, fax, and other office equipment.

Benefits:

• Health insurance: medical, dental, and vision.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Flexible spending account and health reimbursement account.
• Generous paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a generous employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site library.
• Maximize pay with evening, night, weekend, and holiday differentials.