Behavioral Health Charge Nurse

Tanner Clinic has an immediate opening for a full-time Behavioral Health Charge Nurse at our East Layton location. 

Job Description:

The Behavioral Health Charge Nurse will manage the behavioral health department’s Spravato (Ketamine) program. This will include coordination with drug vendors and insurances to facilitate smooth acquisition of medications and prior authorizations. Schedule management to ensure patients are scheduled in a timely manner. Administration of controlled medications in accordance with all laws and regulations. 

The Behavioral Health Charge Nurse will have responsibility over all patients in their care while on-site at Tanner Clinic. The RN will administer controlled substances through an intravenous (IV) line, IM injection, or intranasal spray depending on patient-specific treatment plans. The RN will be responsible for all safety measures including assessment and planning for any potential drug contraindications/complications, evaluation of patient response to IV therapy, and adequate patient observation to promote safety throughout the patient’s visit. 

The Behavioral Health Charge Nurse will be the point of contact for all Tanner Clinic behavioral health providers for the Spravato/Ketamine program. This individual will be responsible for communication and patient-specific follow-up with providers to ensure adherence to treatment plans. The RN will also be expected at times to assist in treatment planning as this individual is heavily involved in the care plan. 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Clinical

• Administration of controlled substances through an intravenous (IV) line, IM injection, or intranasal spray.
• Assess and plan for any potential drug contraindications and complications. 
• Assessment of patient response to intravenous therapy.
• Adequate patient observation to ensure patient safety.

Medication Management and Compliance

• Orders, stores, tracks, and oversees the use and disposal of controlled substances.
• Ensures proper documentation and reconciliation of medication usage.
• Maintains compliance with state, federal, and FDA drug storage and handling regulations.
• Provides training and supervision related to medication preparation and administration.

Clinical Quality Assurance

• Trains and mentors new and existing nursing staff on clinical procedures and patient care standards.
• Oversees adherence to established protocols and best practices.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Responds to emergencies and unexpected clinical situations to ensure patient safety and effective care delivery.

Administrative Duties

• Maintains accurate records of medication utilization.
• Completes required documentation related to drug use, including prior authorizations when applicable.
• Supports workflow efficiency and compliance auditing.

Education:

• Professional RN degree from an accredited school of nursing. BSN preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience preferred
• Current ACLS certification/ability to complete certification within 3 months of employment

Experience:

• Proven experience in sedation nursing or a related field.

Other Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of sedation medications, their effects, and potential complications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound clinical judgments.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to patient safety.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of the job

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of nursing processes; health care systems, structure, and functions; and community resources. Understanding of health care technology, equipment, and supplies. Familiarity with state law on nursing care, nurse practice guidelines, and clinic policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of wellness/illness, growth and development, human behavior, psychosocial factors, and alternative health care treatments. 
• Knowledge of chart/medical record documentation requirements and federal/state laws related to release of health care information.

Skills:

• Skill in time management, problem solving, multitasking, prioritizing, and medical care coordination.
• Skill in initiating appropriate crisis interventions and emergency response.
• Skill in patient triage in person and on the phone.

Abilities:

• Ability to analyze options and then counsel patients and families about choices and make referrals to other providers and resources.
• Ability to engage clients and families in the development and implementation of a care plan.
• Ability to read and interpret physicians’ orders and notes from other providers.
• Ability to calculate and administer drug dosages and injections and measure results.

Equipment Operated:

• Standard nursing equipment and supplies including thermometer and syringes.
• May involve use of assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, ventilators, pulse oximetry units, and oxygen tanks. May require use of computer.

Work Environment:

• Medical exam/treatment rooms and medical offices. 
• Controlled lighting, acoustics, air quality, and temperature settings.
• Environmental hazards may be unpredictable including exposure to communicable diseases and biohazards.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

• Involves standing, walking, bending, grasping, manipulating, and squatting.
• Occasional need to lift patient during transfer/turn process with or without assistance.
• Stress can be triggered by workload and complex cases.