Clinical Nurse II, RN | Behavioral Health (5 South) | Days

Clinical Nurse II, RN Behavioral Health (5 South) DaysHoward University Hospital Washington, DCRole SummaryThe Clinical Nurse II (CN II) is a Registered Nurse reporting directly to the Nurse Manager and embedded on Howard University Hospital's 5 South Behavioral Health inpatient unit, where you will deliver safe, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care to adults experiencing acute psychiatric and behavioral health crises. Working alongside psychiatrists, psychiatric advanced practice providers, social workers, mental health technicians, and a multidisciplinary team, you will provide skilled assessment, therapeutic engagement, medication management, and milieu leadership across the full spectrum of acuity - from voluntary admissions to involuntary holds.You will exemplify HUH's CARES values, adhere to ANA Psychiatric-Mental Health standards of practice, and play a meaningful role in supporting patients and families through some of their most vulnerable moments.What You'll DoPerform comprehensive psychiatric nursing assessments including mental status examination, suicide and self-harm risk screening, violence risk assessment, withdrawal screening, and physical health evaluation on admission and throughout the inpatient stayDevelop, implement, and update individualized, recovery-oriented plans of care in collaboration with patients, families, psychiatrists, and the interdisciplinary teamAdminister and monitor psychotropic medications safely - including antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and PRN agents for acute agitation; recognize and respond to side effects, EPS, and signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or serotonin syndromeLead therapeutic milieu management to maintain a safe, structured, and recovery-focused unit environment; conduct environmental safety rounds and ligature risk checks per policyApply evidence-based de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques as the first-line response to escalating behavior; coordinate emergency response and least-restrictive interventions when neededImplement and document levels of observation (routine, close, 1:1) per ordered safety status; communicate observation responsibilities clearly to assigned staffApply restraint and seclusion only as a last resort, in strict accordance with CMS Patient Rights and Joint Commission standards; perform required monitoring, documentation, and post-event debriefsProvide therapeutic communication, brief individual interventions, and co-facilitate or support psychoeducation and process groups as scheduledConduct contraband searches and belongings inventories on admission and as clinically indicated; maintain unit security protocols including key, badge, and elopement-prevention proceduresRecognize and escalate medical emergencies and acute medical decompensation in psychiatric patients; activate Rapid Response or Code Blue per protocol and provide BLS interventions pending team arrivalPartner with social work and case management on discharge planning, coordinating warm handoffs to outpatient psychiatry, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), substance use treatment, housing, and community resourcesProvide patient and family education on diagnoses, medications, relapse prevention, safety planning, and crisis resources including the 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineDocument patient care, assessments, behavioral observations, medication administration, restraint/seclusion events, and outcomes accurately in the electronic health recordDelegate tasks appropriately to mental health technicians and other non-licensed personnel; provide oversight and clinical directionAdhere to infection control, medication administration and storage, and controlled substance regulationsParticipate in unit performance improvement programs and engage in education, engagement, and practice committeesMaintain and grow clinical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, and professional societiesPerform other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of this roleRequired QualificationsAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferredGraduate of an accredited school of nursingCurrent, active Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the District of ColumbiaMinimum one (1) year of clinical experience as a Mental Health Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse in an inpatient, emergency, or acute behavioral health settingCurrent Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) requiredWorking knowledge of psychotropic medications, DSM-5-TR diagnostic categories, DC involuntary commitment processes, and patient rights regulations regarding restraint and seclusionStrong therapeutic communication, de-escalation, clinical judgment, and team collaboration skillsPreferred QualificationsPsychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing CenterCrisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification or equivalent de-escalation and behavioral emergency trainingExperience caring for patients with co-occurring substance use disorders, trauma histories, or forensic involvementFamiliarity with trauma-informed care frameworks and recovery-oriented practice modelsWhat We OfferWork-life balanceRecognition and rewards for professional expertiseCompetitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement planTuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children - up to two (2) courses per semesterA mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serveAbout Howard University HospitalHoward University Hospital (HUH) is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 - when it operated as Freedmen's Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere - HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.Position DetailsDepartmentBehavioral Health (5 South)Reports ToNurse Manager, 5 South Behavioral HealthFLSA StatusNon-ExemptBargaining UnitDC Nurses Association (DCNA)ScheduleFull-Time Three (3) 12-hour day shifts per week 7:30 AM - 8:00 PMWeekend RequirementEvery other weekendPay & ScheduleThis is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the DC Nurses Association (DCNA) collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $37.33 - $62.43/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications.Compliance StatementsCulture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.