Behavioral Health Nursing at RWJBarnabas Health
Each year more than 65,000 patients seek
behavioral health care at RWJBarnabas Health throughout the state. As a leader in providing mental
health care, we have a robust continuum of services in New Jersey that
provide unparalleled expertise and stigma-free behavioral health treatment
for children, adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with mental
health issues and addiction. Our focus is on giving support in a time
of need and healing invisible wounds that often have deep roots.
Who Are RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Nurses?
At RWJBarnabas Health, we are proud to have a diverse team of behavioral health nurses who are committed to comprehensive, compassionate and patient-centered care. The choice to work in behavioral health stems from an interest in forming therapeutic relationships with patients, working collaboratively with physicians and other health professionals, and returning patients to their highest level of functioning. Hospitalization for psychiatric reasons crosses all demographics and may be prompted by a crisis or serve as a re-evaluation of an ongoing chronic illness. Behavioral health nurses are in a unique position to transform lives amid some of the greatest challenges that affect the body, mind and spirit.
Our nurses work with individuals, families, groups and communities as an integral part of the care team, helping patients regain a sense of hope for their future. Behavioral health nurses provide patient-centered care in the following settings:
- Inpatient units
- Outpatient services
- Partial hospital programs
- 24-hour psychiatric emergencies
- Early intervention services
Through our collaborative approach, everyone plays an important role in shaping and enhancing our patients’ experiences and works in the best interest of our patients and families every day, in every moment.
A Different Kind of Nursing
Behavioral health units present challenges that are different than other hospital units and this is reflected in the role of the behavioral health nurse. Patients in our units are typically ambulatory because they are busy attending groups, individual counseling or other activities as part of their treatment. Our behavioral health nurses help to create the therapeutic milieu – the structured environment that is safe and secure for people who are in therapy – and work in partnership with psychiatrists and other health care professionals to:
- Deliver patient-centered care
- Facilitate group therapy sessions
- Provide medications and monitor health conditions
- Collaborate with patients and family members to determine the best level of care
- Work with community agencies to link patients to care following hospitalization
- Advise patients and families on their illness, care, and continued care after hospitalization
RWJBarnabas Health's Behavioral Health sites are equipped to deliver the highest standards of patient care throughout New Jersey with adult, pediatric and behavioral health emergency care. Our network also has special expertise in:
- Adult psychiatry
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Eating disorders
What Is the Culture of Behavioral Health Nursing at RWJBH?
RWJBarnabas Health behavioral health nurses are committed to education and the RWJBarnabas Health system supports our ongoing journey to learn and grow. The Center for Professional Development, Innovation and Research offers continuing education opportunities year-round with innovative programs that advance skills and help cultivate new nurse leaders. Many of our facilities have earned Magnet status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), acknowledging that RWJBarnabas Health truly values nursing talent and a commitment to excellence.
We offer:
- A comprehensive orientation program for all Behavioral Health Nurses
- A new graduate RN Residency program
- Mentorship and leadership opportunities
- Opportunities to participate in performance improvement, nursing research and Behavioral Health committees
- Team-building education
- Continuing education opportunities aimed at growth and advancement
- Research opportunities
Why Consider Behavioral Health Nursing at RWJBarnabas Health?
As behavioral health nurses at RWJBarnabas Health we take pride in our profession and work hard to provide patients with the highest level of care. We are a committed team of individuals with vast talent and expertise who promote an environment of diversity and inclusion. We partner with our patients to transform lives.
We know that mental health challenges can upend the lives of individuals and loved ones. Our extensive Behavioral Health services provide an environment where behavioral health nurses can make a difference. Nurses in this specialty are uniquely positioned to contribute to the healing and recovery of individuals, families and society.
RWJBarnabas Health is the place to go in New Jersey for the best environment in behavioral health nursing. As behavioral health nurses:
- We are empathetic and committed to listening, not judging
- We believe in teamwork and keeping the patient at the center of everything we do
- We partner with patients to transform lives
How Is RWJBarnabas Health Committed to Excellence?
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University work in partnership to offer a world-class academic health system dedicated to life-changing research, clinical training of tomorrow’s health care workforce and high-quality patient care. Through collaborative partnerships between leaders in health care and higher education we enhance research, professional education for medical and health professionals, improve access to care and reduce health disparities in New Jersey. Our health system has dedicated adult, pediatric and behavioral health emergency care, rapid diagnostic and observation units, and provides all medical and surgical specialties.
We are RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health nurses. Come join us and be part of our team!
Let’s Shape the Future of Nursing Together
Search nursing jobs at RWJBarnabas Health