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Ventura County

Mental Health Nurse - Hospital

Ventura County, Ventura, California, United States

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Overview

Under general direction and following established medically approved policies and procedures, implements specialized skilled nursing processes in the Psychiatric Acute unit of the Ventura County Medical Center. The Psychiatric Acute unit serves a wide range of critical mental health needs from short-term through long-term stabilization. Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, adaptable, and clinically skilled registered nurse who excels in delivering comprehensive care to patients with complex medical and mental health needs. They will have significant experience in a mental health care setting and demonstrate sound clinical judgment along with strong communication skills. The ideal candidate is also confident in crisis intervention, medication management, and safety protocols, while consistently demonstrating empathy and effective collaboration. Payroll Titles and Approximate Salaries

Registered Nurse II: $52.07 - $62.27 hourly Per Diem Registered Nurse II: $52.75 - $69.62 hourly Registered Nurse-Mental Health: $53.89 - $66.80 hourly What We Offer

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. In addition to the annual salary, an employee within these positions may also be eligible for the following, subject to the applicable section of the respective Memorandum of Agreement. To learn more about what we have to offer, please note the following highlights: Per Diem – Highlight of Per Diem CNA Benefits Regular – Highlight of Regular CNA Benefits Agency/Department

Health Care Agency – Ventura County Medical Center Registered Nurse II, Per Diem Registered Nurse II, and Registered Nurse-Mental Health are represented by the California Nurses' Association (CNA) and are eligible for overtime compensation. Salary placement will be determined according to the current CNA memorandum of agreement. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies. There is currently one Regular vacancy and three Per Diem vacancies. Note: If appointed at the lower level, the incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the department's business needs. Tentative Schedule

OPENING DATE: July 1, 2025 CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend on the number of qualified applications received FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: July 15, 2025 Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Register Nurse II – Uses the full scope of the Nurse Practice Act to assess, plan, organize, and provide nursing care to assigned patients. Follows prescribed doctors' orders concerning treatments and medications. Documents patient treatment and dispensing; makes patient observations and records and reports on changes in patient condition and general progress. Provides follow-through on judgment within the scope of accepted nursing practice. Assists doctors in examination and treatment; provides unit organization and is responsible for completion of delegated nursing duties by the end of the shift. Assists in training, supervision and evaluation of new and ancillary personnel; maintains current knowledge of nursing care developments and therapeutic measures; attends department in-services and staff development programs. May participate in quality assurance/utilization review or other non-direct patient care nursing assignments; may interpret and monitor cardiac rhythms; participates in crisis response interventions and safety protocols as required. Performs Registered Nurse–Mental Health duties in training or supervised capacity while gaining full responsibilities; performs other related duties as required. Registered Nurse-Mental Health Administers psychotropic medication, monitors effectiveness and side effects, and provides drug education to clients and families. Conducts initial interviews and ongoing assessments of client problems, mental status, functioning, social skills, co-occurring issues, and educational needs. Provides periodic re-assessment of changes in mental/physical health status and progress toward recovery. Provides individual counseling, leads or co-leads group counseling, and conducts family conferences. May provide functional and clinical supervision to student nurses and other disciplines. Evaluates client outcomes and consults with the psychiatrist to determine care plan adjustments. Participates in team meetings to discuss client needs, shift activity, and program policies and procedures; assesses safety risks and determines the need for involuntary treatment when appropriate. May provide triage, information and referral; may assess incoming clients for assignment within the unit. Provides crisis intervention, including evaluation and coordination with law enforcement; may escort patients for involuntary admission under Section 5150 and explains legal rights. Participates in development or amendment of program policies and procedures; coordinates tasks related to service delivery in the unit/department. Performs other related duties as required. These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list. Education, Training, and Experience

Registered Nurse II Requires six months of recent full-time acute care nursing experience in an acute hospital or equivalent setting, or Completion of Ventura County Medical Center competency requirements as evaluated and approved by the Chief Nursing Executive. Registered Nurse-Mental Health Requires one year of full-time professional nursing experience in a mental health setting. Necessary Special Requirements

Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing Current valid Registered Nurse license issued by the State of California (or license in another state with California licensure pending) Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification by first day of employment and maintained thereafter Current Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification within six months of hire and maintained thereafter Current Violence Prevention (VADE) certification within six months of hire and maintained thereafter Must successfully complete the Health Care Agency Pharmacology examination within three months of hire Desired

Experience caring for patients with multiple diagnoses (mental disorder, substance abuse, homelessness) Experience in an Inpatient Unit, Emergency Room Quad, Jail Mental Health Unit or equivalent Bilingual English/Spanish is desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of nursing theory, medical terminology, hospital routines and equipment, medications, mental and medical nursing practices, patient growth and development, current mental health treatments, community resources, mental health laws, and related social/political factors. Working ability to plan and organize nursing care, train and supervise staff, maintain patient confidentiality, work across departments, communicate effectively, participate in multidisciplinary planning, make independent patient decisions, and provide leadership. Final Filing Date

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; apply as soon as possible. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. To apply online, visit www.ventura.org/jobs. For paper applications, contact the County of Ventura Human Resources for materials and submission. Additional Notes

Lateral Transfer option may be possible. For more information, contact the Recruitment office. Note: Complete all application sections and supplemental questionnaire; attachments are optional but not a substitute for the application. Supplemental Questionnaire – Qualifying: All applicants must complete and submit the questionnaire at filing. Application evaluation will determine licensure, certification, and experience. Candidates meeting requirements will be placed on the eligible list for one year. Background Investigation: A thorough pre-employment background may be required. For more information contact Maritza David at 805-677-5162 or Maritza.David@venturacounty.gov. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

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