Job Description Registered Nurse (RN) - New Graduate - Adult Behavioral Health

Join the Adult Behavioral Health Unit at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center as a Registered Nurse (RN) serving adults experiencing acute psychiatric conditions. This full-time position offers a rewarding opportunity to provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care in a 24-bed unit dedicated to stabilization and healing. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team committed to creating a therapeutic environment that empowers individuals to achieve their recovery goals.

Clinical Setting

The Adult Behavioral Health Unit is a 24-bed inpatient setting focused on acute psychiatric care. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to deliver evidence-based practices and apply trauma-informed approaches to patient care.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, diagnose, implement, and evaluate nursing care using the nursing process, engaging patients and families throughout the continuum of care
• Monitor patient conditions, adjust care plans, and mobilize resources to influence positive care outcomes
• Administer medications, treatments, and therapies safely according to clinical protocols and procedures
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic health record (EHR) documentation
• Delegate appropriately to other registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and unlicensed assistive personnel
• Demonstrate effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution to foster team collaboration
• Perform physical safety interventions such as patient restraint and verbal de-escalation as needed
• Participate in unit councils, professional governance, and quality initiatives to improve care processes
• Continuously evaluate patient, team, and unit outcomes and take action as needed
• Uphold and promote a culture of safety
• Pursue professional development, complete required education, and maintain certifications
• Adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics and practice ethical decision-making
• Provide age-appropriate care and demonstrate knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan
• May be required to float to other units, departments, care areas, or facilities within the designated service area to meet patient care needs

Schedule

• Full-time position, 36 hours per week
• Three 12-hour shifts per week
• Day and night shift availability required
• Weekend and holiday rotation requirements

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of a Board of Nursing approved nursing education program
• Active registered nurse (RN) multi-state compact and/or single-state license with privileges to practice in the state(s) where providing client nursing services
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills
• Time management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficiency in computer functions including email, electronic records, and digital platforms

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders, and twist frequently throughout the workday
• Ability to lift and support the weight of 35 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies
• Ability to push/pull with 30 pounds of force and perform a sliding transfer of 150 pounds with a second person present
• Functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with ability to use fine hand manipulation skills for IV insertion and other procedures
• Ability to maneuver foot pedals on carts or machines
• Ability to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions
• May be exposed to chemical and hazardous waste as well as blood and body fluids and communicable disease; protective clothing and equipment must be worn as necessary
• Physical Abilities Testing may be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN)

Compensation and Benefits

• Base compensation: $38.20 - $57.30 per hour, based on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Sign-on bonus available to applicants who have not received a sign-on bonus from the company for another role within the past 24 months
• Premium pay for shift differentials, on-call, and other applicable duties
• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits including adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for benefits programs may depend on your FTE or employment status (full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.). Please ask a recruiter for more information during your interview.