Position Summary: Guided by the leadership of the Director of Nursing, this role serves as a vital connector between nursing, medical, and clinical teams-ensuring seamless, compassionate, and coordinated care. Acting as a trusted liaison, this position supports and empowers nursing staff while advancing a culture of clinical excellence, safety, and accountability.
Through thoughtful planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care, this role helps shape a healing environment where every patient is seen, supported, and cared for with intention. By delivering exceptional care-grounded in thorough assessment, continuous monitoring, and clear communication with the treatment team-you play a critical role in improving outcomes and supporting each patient's journey toward recovery.
Key Responsibilities:Patient Care & Clinical Support- Develops and initiates individualized Nursing Care Plans that reflect each patient's medical and psychological needs, as appropriate within scope of license.
- Completes comprehensive medical assessments upon admission, including chemical dependency and suicide history, documenting all findings appropriately.
- Assesses psychological and medical concerns, prioritizing needs and communicating with appropriate clinical staff and leadership.
- Provides primary first aid and determines need for physician notification, ensuring timely and appropriate intervention.
- Coordinates emergency medical care for medical and psychiatric emergencies.
- Promotes restoration of health through patient-centered care, education, and advocacy for both patients and families.
- Maintains safety and security of patients, staff, and medications at all times.
- Maintains, adheres to, and promotes infection control measures in alignment with best practices.
Medication Administration & Management- Implements physician orders and administers medications as prescribed in accordance with DBH and facility policies.
- Oversees administration, maintenance, and documentation of medications, including proper disposal of medications after discharge.
- Ensures Medication Administration Records (MARs) are completed accurately in the electronic medical record system.
- Counts narcotics daily and ensures all narcotic logs are completed each shift in compliance with policy and regulatory standards.
- Administers TB testing in accordance with Department of Health, facility, and DBH policies.
Collaboration & Patient Education- Collaborates with physicians, psychiatrists, and medical staff to ensure appropriate and coordinated medical interventions.
- Meets regularly with medical staff to discuss patient treatment and progress.
- Communicates effectively with BHT staff and serves as a critical link to the clinical team in delivering patient care.
- Works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to resolve patient concerns while maintaining the ability to function autonomously.
- Provides orientation and training to new nursing staff, supporting team development and clinical excellence.
- Facilitates therapeutic nursing and health groups to promote patient education and engagement.
- Demonstrates leadership, cultural humility, and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrates respect, empathy, professionalism, and a non-judgmental approach in all patient and team interactions.
Documentation & Compliance- Adheres to all DBH policies and procedures and ensures compliance with TJC/CARF regulatory guidelines.
- Provides clear, accurate, and timely clinical documentation that meets organizational and regulatory standards.
- Ensures completion of documentation requirements in accordance with medical record review processes and timelines.
- Completes reports on unusual incidents in alignment with policy and regulatory expectations.
- Ensures admissions and discharge protocols are followed and documented appropriately.
Professional Practice- Conducts self in a manner that reflects DBH mission, vision, and values at all times.
- Serves as shift supervisor for nursing care in collaboration with the Director of Nursing, leading staff and delegating responsibilities in a positive and professional manner.
- Assists with scheduling nursing staff and supports staffing needs, including covering shifts to ensure appropriate nursing coverage.
- Demonstrates tact, initiative, resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and professionalism in all aspects of the role.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance as an essential function of the position.
- Performs additional duties as assigned to support program needs and patient care.
Residential Treatment Only:- Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, medical appointments, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle)
- Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division:
- Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols.
- Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox.
- Provide assistance to Utilization Review in communicating pertinent nursing information
- Eating Disorder Division:
- Sits with patients for a minimum of one meal or snack per week but as needed to cover the program schedule
- Will work during meal periods to provide supervision and support to patients.
- Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
- Full adherence to the Center for Discovery policies and procedures.
- Maintains NG Tube and administration of bolus feeds, where applicable
Knowledge, Education, and Experience:- Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with a current licensure from an appropriate state licensing board. RN preferred; LVN/LPN required. In programs that employ RN's, RN licensure is required.
- One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders field.
- Ability to draw blood required.
- Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
- Obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.
- Must possess a current Driver's License in good standing.
- *Eating Disorder Division: Obtain Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire.
Employment Status: Full Time
Schedule: Rotating Overnights
Work Location: On Site - Irving, TX
Compensation: Pay Range: $44.50-53.00/hr.
