Charge Nurse-Behavioral Health EmPATH

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 Charge Nurse-Behavioral Health works collaboratively with the department leadership to provide clinical supervision of a team of licensed and unlicensed staff during an assigned shift on a designated unit. Serves in a Magnet Recognized large tertiary academic medical center with level one trauma designation. Utilizes discretion and independent judgment to coordinate daily operations for designated shift based on the needs of the patient population served, established professional practice model (Duffy's Quality-Caring Model), applicable regulatory standards and requirements, and approved clinical practice standards, policies and procedures. Makes assignments based on staff competency, patient acuity, staffing ratios and productivity standards. Assigns and re-assigns staff and workloads to provide uninterrupted, cost-effective patient care and patient flow with optimum productivity. Flexes staff up or down as appropriate. Provides direct patient care and takes full or partial patient care list when needed, e.g., lunch relief coverage, emergency situations, high census, patient flow. Promotes the empowerment of the nursing profession and excels in implementing new knowledge, innovations and improvements in practice to enhance the patient experience and clinical outcomes. Facilitates a positive environment and provides hands-on guidance to engage staff in adopting a care delivery model of accountability, empowerment, and excellence in practice.
Contributes 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 of Science Degree in nursing required if hired after October 1, 2020. If hired prior to October 1, 2020, Bachelor's degree may be in progress, or, an Associate's Degree in nursing with a Bachelor's degree in another field and a Master's Degree in nursing required. If hired prior to October 1, 2020, Master's Degree may be in progress. Minimum three years of nursing experience required, preferably in acute psychiatric, emergency room, or specialty field. One year of prior management or supervisory experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills: Substantial knowledge of state and federal behavioral health care regulations, 5150, and accreditation, finance, performance improvement, quality, patient safety, evidenced- based clinical practice standards, medical staff structure, legal aspects of care, and nursing scope of practice required. Ability to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice and continually expands knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in area of specialty and population served. Obtains cooperation and support from a broad range of licensed and unlicensed staff. Knowledge and application of adult learning principles. Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of staff. Able to read; write and speak with professional quality; use computer and software programs necessary to the position; operate/troubleshoot patient care equipment required for the position. Able to communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; provide leadership; be assertive and consistent in enforcing policies ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, rules and laws; think critically; use sound judgment based on factual information and clinical knowledge; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction. Able to communicate effectively in English (and Spanish preferred) in person, in writing, and on the telephone; think critically; work independently; perform basic math and statistical functions; manage multiple assignments; compose written material; work well under pressure; problem solve; organize and prioritize workload; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail. Able to distinguish colors as necessary; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone, and identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the workplace; see adequately to read computer screens, and written documents necessary to the position.

Licensures and Certifications: Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association required. Other certifications as outlined in the department Plan for Providing Care.