Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center

Registered Nurse (RN), Adolescent Psychiatry

Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Associate/Diploma prepared RNs from an accredited institution (ACEN, CCNE, NLN CNEA)
  • Must enroll in a BSN or MSN program within 1 year of hire if hired as an external candidate
  • Active Ohio RN License, potentially requiring other state licensure
  • License validation via TruMerit for foreign graduates as per Ohio Board of Nursing code
  • Completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification Course during orientation

Responsibilities

  • Create a safe, supportive environment using trauma-informed strategies for various psychiatric challenges.
  • Implement a token economy to encourage positive behaviors among patients.
  • Proactively manage crisis situations using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques.
  • Lead interventions during behavioral crises based on individualized care plans.
  • Conduct safety checks and maintain awareness of environmental risks.
  • Administer medications and monitor their effectiveness as part of patient care.

Benefits

  • Full-Time Benefits Eligible
  • Promotes professional development through ongoing education and training
  • Opportunity for advancement in a team-oriented environment
  • Involvement in family-centered care and support
  • Engagement in safety and compliance best practices
Full Job Description
Primary Location
College Hill A
Department
PA4.400 Adolescent Inpatient
Shift
Rotating (United States of America)
Schedule
Full time
Weekly Hours
32
FTE
0.8
Employee Status
Regular

Department/Unit: Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry

Hours/Shift: Full-Time (32 hours/week) - Day/Evening rotating shift (every other weekend required)

Benefit Eligibility: Full-Time Benefits Eligible

Expected Starting Salary Range: $37.00 - $43.02

Job Responsibilities

Milieu Management & Patient Safety
  • Create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment and utilize trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies to support patients experiencing a range of psychiatric challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, aggression, self-harm, eating disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Implement a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors.
  • Proactively prevent and respond to crises using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies, including verbal de-escalation and physical interventions when necessary due to imminent risk.
  • Lead and intervene in behavioral crises, apply appropriate strategies based on the Stress Model of Crisis and individualized care plans.
  • Perform safety checks, room, and patient searches, and maintain awareness of environmental risk factors.
  • Ensure continuous compliance with departmental policies, hospital protocols, and regulatory standards (CMS, Joint Commission).


Nursing Care & Clinical Judgment
  • Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to assess patient care needs and develop care plans.
  • Administer medications and monitor for effectiveness.
  • Develop, coordinate, and implement nursing care interventions across physical and mental health needs.
  • Deliver support for activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, toileting) and provide developmentally appropriate care in both group and individualized settings.
  • Maintain designated observation levels (e.g., continuous observation, 15-minute checks, remaining within arm's-length of patient) with accuracy and compassion.
  • Recognize changes in patient condition, respond to deteriorations, and escalate concerns as needed.


Group Programming & Therapeutic Engagement
  • Lead or support structured group programming modifying delivery to meet developmental needs.
  • Engage patients meaningfully and observe behaviors to inform treatment progress and problem-solving.
  • Build therapeutic rapport while maintaining professional boundaries and advocating for patient needs.


Compliance & Safety Leadership
  • Maintain current knowledge of relevant accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Complete all certifications, licensure renewals, and Safety College trainings on schedule.
  • Partner with nurse councils, Magnet representatives, and leadership to promote safety best practices and continuous performance improvement.
  • Identify and report safety and compliance concerns promptly to support a culture of accountability.


Documentation & Communication
  • Accurately document assessments, care interventions, incident reports, safety checks, and patient progress.
  • Review and ensure timely, accurate documentation from Behavioral Health Specialists, especially around incidents, safety checks, and behavioral observations.
  • Serve as the communication bridge between Behavioral Health Specialists and the interdisciplinary team. Clarify clinical priorities and ensure team members are informed and coordinated.
  • Actively participate in family-centered rounds; provide updates and education to families and caregivers, promoting transparency and support.
  • Utilize teach-back and other strategies to support understanding of care goals.
  • Contribute meaningfully to shift reports, handoffs, and interdisciplinary care planning.


Professional Development & Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with physicians, advanced practice RNs, social workers, allied health providers, and families to support continuity of care.
  • Assign tasks such as safety checks, group facilitation, or patient support, while monitoring for completion, quality, and safety.
  • Engage in shared decision-making through unit-based councils or ongoing communication with peers and leaders.
  • Participate in performance reviews, peer feedback, and clinical education to maintain competency and promote growth.
  • Support student and new nurse onboarding through role modeling, mentoring, and shared learning experiences.
  • Collaborate effectively across disciplines using the Interprofessional Practice Model (IPM), ensuring cohesive and coordinated care.


Cultural Competence & Advocacy
  • Assess cultural factors and individual preferences that may impact care, integrating needs into nursing practice.
  • Advocate ethically for patients and families, particularly when they are unable to advocate for themselves.

Qualifications

Required:
• Associate/Diploma prepared RNs from ACEN, CCNE or NLN CNEA accredited institution
• If hired as an external candidate without BSN or MSN, must enroll in a BSN or MSN program within 1 year of hire date and complete program within 5 years of hire date
• Active Ohio RN License. May be required to obtain other state licensure
• Foreign graduates must have license validated through TruMerit per Ohio Board of Nursing code for Foreign Graduates
  • Pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification Course during orientation

Preferred:
• BSN from ACEN or CCNE accredited institution or MSN

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

About Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is a pediatric hospital that provides comprehensive clinical services, from treatments for rare and complex conditions to well-child care. The hospital is affiliated with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and is consistently ranked as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the United States.
Learn more about Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center
Size
16,000 employees
Industry

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