Facility

Behavioral Health Care of Cape Fear Valley Health

Location

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Department

Adult Psych Unit

Job Family

Nursing

Work Shift

Days (United States of America)

Summary

Plans and implements professional nursing care for patients in accordance with hospital policies. Assumes charge nurse responsibilities as assigned.

Major Job Functions

The following is a summary of the major essential functions of this job.  The incumbent may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below.  In addition, specific functions may change from time to time:

• Assesses the patient and identifies patient care needs

• Uses patient assessment information to organize appropriate patient care

• Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates patient care

• Facilitates a safe environment

• Maintains required competencies

• Functions as charge nurse as assigned

• Maintains an accurate and relevant record of patient care

• Administers medication as ordered by physician

• Recognizes life threatening situations and responds appropriately

• Establishes collaborative interdisciplinary relationships with other Health System staff and medical staff

• Monitors the quality of care based on pre-established outcome-oriented indicators

• Actively participates in cost containment and assists in accurate charging for patient services

• Adjusts care based upon age-specific physiological and psychosocial needs of patients

• Supports patients in the practice of their cultural and spiritual beliefs within limits of medical regimen

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications, or equivalents, are the minimum requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of this job:

Education and Formal Training: 

• Associates Degree in Nursing or equivalent required

• Bachelors Degree in Nursing preferred

• Current licensure in North Carolina as a Registered Nurse or Compact state licensure

Unit Description

• The APU Unit is a 32-bed facility designed specifically to provide help to patients and their families during periods of acutely exacerbated psychiatric illness in the CFVHS service area.
• The unit is a short-term treatment program with an average length of stay of 5-10 days. Some patients are under Involuntary Commitment (IVC) status.
• Target population: Adults (18+) experiencing acute mental health crisis, including but not limited to:
  • Psychotic disorders (e.g., Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder)
  • Mood disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder)
  • Anxiety disorders (e.g., Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
  • Substance use disorders with co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Personality disorders with acute exacerbations
  • Trauma-related disorders (e.g., PTSD)
• Services Provided:
  • 24/7 Nursing Care: Registered nurses provide continuous monitoring, medication administration, and support.
  • Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment: Board-certified psychiatrists conduct comprehensive assessments, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication.
  • Individual Therapy: Psychotherapists offer one-on-one counseling to address individual needs and promote coping skills.
  • Group Therapy: Facilitated group sessions provide a supportive environment for patients to share experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and develop social skills.
  • Medication Management: Close monitoring and adjustment of medications to ensure effectiveness and minimize side effects.
  • Case Management: Connecting patients with aftercare resources, including outpatient therapy, support groups, and community services.
  • Milieu Therapy: A structured therapeutic environment designed to promote healing and recovery through daily activities, social interaction, and therapeutic programming.
  • Crisis Stabilization: Focus on de-escalating acute symptoms and developing strategies for managing future crises.
  • Discharge Planning: Collaborative planning with patients and their families to ensure a smooth transition back to the community and continued support.

• Unit Features include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Secure Environment: Designed to ensure patient safety and prevent elopement.
  • Therapeutic Environment: A calm and supportive atmosphere conducive to healing.
  • Common Areas: Spaces for meals, group activities, and socialization.
  • Private or Semi-Private Rooms: Accommodations for patients.
  • Outdoor Areas: Opportunities for fresh air and recreation.
  • Our Care team consists of: Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Residents in the Psychiatric Residency Program, Psychotherapists, Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants, Recreational Therapists, Registered Nurses, and Behavioral Health Technicians.

Work Experience: 

• We are looking for candidates who have at least 1-3 years of psychiatric experience highly preferred.
• Other experiences in different units are welcome (i.e. Med Surg, ED, ICU etc.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: 

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language

• Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills 

• Verbal and written skills required 

• Demonstrates effective organizational and leadership skills

• Has knowledge of the age-specific physiological and psychosocial, developmental and spiritual needs of the patients typically served

Physical Requirements: 

• Speech and auditory acuity for communication of patient needs 

• Visual acuity for observation of patients 

• Much standing, walking, bending, and lifting 

• May involve skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material

• Must be able to lift 35 pounds

Required Licenses and Certifications

BLS - American Heart Association, RN - Board Of Nursing

Cape Fear Valley Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity