Clinical Nurse B-Behavioral Health EmPATH NEW

The EmPATH unit is a behavioral health unit designed to treat patients who have traditionally been cared for in the emergency department (ED). This unit, opening in 2026, will accept patients from both the adult and children’s hospital. Candidates hired into our EmPATH positions will begin their employment in Fall 2025 and Winter 2026.

Job Summary: The Clinical Nurse B-Behavioral Health utilizes discretion and independent judgment to prioritize, coordinate, provide and document direct/indirect age-specific and developmentally appropriate quality patient centered care in a fast-paced behavioral health inpatient and or outpatient environment with minimal supervision. Performs the nursing process (assessment, care planning, intervention, evaluation) in accordance with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) established Professional Practice Model (Duffy’s Quality Caring Theory) to achieve individualized physical, psychosocial and spiritual wellness and provide compassionate bereavement support as appropriate. Continually expands knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in acute phases of various mental health diagnoses, applies critical thinking skills to identify and respond to triggers and risk factors that can cause a patient’s behavior to escalate and takes appropriate action to maintain patient, visitor and staff safety. Functions in a skills mix environment and supervises and delegates tasks to a team of licensed and unlicensed staff. Works in tandem with staff to maintain unit milieu. Actively participates in the multidisciplinary healthcare team planning provides perinate information to aid in the development of and or revision of individualized treatment plans for patients. Serves as a patient advocate and has a good understanding of patient rights and 5150 laws. Uses available resources to address ethical issues. Embraces new knowledge, innovations and improvements in practice to enhance the patient experience and clinical outcomes. Functions within the expectations of a professional nurse and contributes to nursing excellence standards. Represents nursing as an empowered profession and readily embraces new knowledge, innovations and improvements. Provides a positive influence to facilitate change and optimize patient satisfaction and outcomes. Demonstrates behaviors which support excellence in customer satisfaction, patient safety and professionalism. Develops skills that contribute to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. If in a recovery program, at least two years of sobriety is required for staff and at least five years for Management. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required for external hires. Exception(s) may be granted as follows: 1) if currently enrolled in a nursing bridge program (AS degree to DNP degree), proof of 25% program completion required. DNP degree to be completed two and a half years post hire date. Exception to completion date may be granted for extenuating circumstances; 2) if employed in a LLUH entity with an Associate or Diploma Degree at time of application, AS or Diploma degree is acceptable. Minimum one year of experience in nursing required, preferably in acute psychiatric, emergency room, or specialty field. The CN-B is eligible to be promoted into the CN-C classification when criteria outlined in the Clinical Advancement Program (CAP) handbook and job specifications outlined in CN-C job description are met.

Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrates competencies and knowledge in behavioral/mental health and substance use recovery inpatient and or outpatient nursing care. Ability to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice and continually expand knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in the specialty practice in nursing. Basic knowledge of mental healthcare regulations, 5150 regulations, mental health laws, patient rights and accreditation required. Exhibits professional behavior at all times and works calmly and responds courteously when under pressure. Able to: speak, read and write legibly in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, electronic medical record, electronic event reporting program; and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; lead, supervise, teach and collaborate; accept direction; think critically; work independently with minimal supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; problem solve; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; discern temperature variances through touch; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position.

Licensures and Certifications: Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association required. Psychiatric nursing or clinical specialist certification preferred. Chemical dependency nursing certification or specialist preferred.