Staff Nurse; Per Diem

Staff Nurse (Per Diem) Overview

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC's 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey.

Services are readily accessible and include inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers.

In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.

Rutgers is interviewing for this position during our hiring event on Tuesday, September 23, and we will be extending offers immediately following successful interviews! To schedule an interview, please apply to this posting and contact Tracie Ciancio at 732‑235‑5081 or ciancitlgers.edu. Our hiring event will be held at 57 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Walk‑ins are welcome from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The primary purpose of the per diem Staff Nurse is to provide essential, goal‑directed nursing care for individuals served in mental health or substance use crises, adhering to departmental policies and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing crisis care plans, administering medications, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to stabilize and support patients.

• Documents initial nursing assessment and individualized, goal directed plan of care considering the psychological, social, physical health and safety needs of the patient, in accordance with unit standards.
• Identifies and documents patient, family and significant other learning needs upon admission.
• Develops, discusses and communicates a realistic, individualized plan of care for each patient, in collaboration with the patient, family and significant other in an effort to promote wellness and recovery.
• Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to implement the plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures as necessary for the care and safety of the patient.
• Demonstrates proper procedures in all methods of medication administration.
• Maintains concurrent and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the multidisciplinary team, in order to ensure quality care.
• Utilize crisis intervention techniques to de‑escalate individuals experiencing acute distress, following established protocols and principles of trauma‑informed care.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.

Certifications / Licenses:

• Current License to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey.
• Valid driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to provide person‑centered nursing care.
• Ability to relate to clients.
• Ability to use the nursing process.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to direct non‑professional staff and the ability to request help as needed.
• Demonstrate strong clinical nursing specialty.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must be PC literate with proficiency in word processing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One (1) year of…