Job Summary:  Full Time and PRN options available

Day Shift or Night options available

Additional compensation for Bachelor's of Science in Nursing

RiverValley Behavioral Health Children's Hospital is an 80-bed, private, not-for-profit inpatient psychiatric hospital licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. We serve children and adolescents ages 517 who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric challenges. Every child receives individualized, trauma-informed care designed to help them build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and thrive at home, in school, and in the community.

The Inpatient Nurse at RiverValley Behavioral Health children's hospital provides essential care and support to children and adolescents in acute psychiatric crisis. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the nurse administers medications, performs assessments, responds to crises and supports individualized treatment goals in a trauma-informed, CARF-accredited environment. The Inpatient Nurse ensures compliance with all applicable state, federal and CMS regulations for inpatient psychiatric care in a pediatric population.

Essential Functions: 

• Deliver nursing care for youth in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Assess patient needs, implement appropriate nursing interventions and respond effectively in emergencies.
• Administer medications, monitor side effects and document outcomes in accordance with hospital policy.
• Conduct nursing assessments and participate in daily rounds and team meetings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment team to implement person-centered treatment plans.
• Provide therapeutic interventions and emotional support during behavioral crises using de-escalation techniques.
• Ensure timely and thorough documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain accurate medication administration records (MARs) and comply with medication safety protocols.
• Supervise and guide Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) as assigned.
• Educate patients and families on medication regimens, discharge planning and care continuity.
• Adhere to infection control, safety protocols and CARF standards.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and audits to support regulatory compliance.
• Respond to medical emergencies and provide first aid and basic life support when required.
• Maintain required training and certifications, including Mandt System and BLS/CPR.
• Support a therapeutic milieu through consistent structure, supervision and positive role-modeling.
• Other duties as assigned.

Why Choose RiverValley?

RiverValley is now a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), expanding access to high-quality, integrated care in the communities we serve. Join a mission-driven organization committed to clinical excellence, professional growth, and meaningful impact.

We offer:

• Competitive pay

• Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, Telehealth)

• Paid time off + 9 holidays

• Retirement plan options

• Tuition reimbursement + free CEUs

• Clinical supervision

• Wellness & employee assistance programs

• Mileage reimbursement for work related travel

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer 

Education and Experience: 

• Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution. BSN preferred.
• Current, unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Kentucky.
• Previous experience in pediatric or adolescent mental health nursing is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a hospital or inpatient setting is a plus.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) training provided. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) preferred certification.

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Strong clinical assessment skills, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities and a compassionate approach to patient care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Verbal, writing, and analytical skills.
• Skills and knowledge of principles of the organization, strategies of nursing and foundation of health laws.
• Able to make complex decisions.