Registered Nurse Tier 1 (Union) Psych
Company : Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Location : Harlan, KY, 40831
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 30 December 2025
Overview
The Registered Nurse requires substantial specialized knowledge, judgement and nursing skills based upon the principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences in the application of the nursing process in the respective departments in which assigned. The RN must collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary team members; provide physical and psychological support to patients, friends, and families; supervising assigned team members and students.
Responsibilities
- Completes patient assessments, formulates plan of care, oversees implementation of plan of care, evaluate and adjust plan of care utilizing critical thinking skills
- The performance of other nursing acts which are authorized or limited by the board, and which are consistent either with American Nursing’s Association Standards of Practice or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of registered nurses.
- Care, counsel health teaching and promotion, utilizes Teach Back methodology as affirmation of comprehension
- The administration of medication, intravenous therapy and treatment as prescribed by a LIP
- Supervision, delegation and follow-through to other personnel in the performance of activities relating to nursing care.
- Mentors and precepts students and orient new staff as assigned
- Reports up chain of command Clinical Nurse Manager/Nurse Manager/House Nurse Coordinator pertinent information
- Participates on various teams, committees or performance improvement initiatives
- Ensures a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers and self
- Participates in Discharge Planning and Transition of Care (able to define pt needs)
- Serves as a patient advocate and escalates patient related concerns timely
- Timely documents pertinent findings in medical record
- Assist patients in performing activities of daily living and functions as an active team member
- Assumes responsibility for personnel professional development
- Utilizes effective communication skills and active listening, exhibits compassionate and empathetic attitude
- Practices Hands Off communication utilizing SBAR; Performs Bedside Shift reporting utilizing SBAR (unless contradicted)
- Functions as a positive influence, role model and adheres to professional code of conduct
- Respects dignity and confidentiality of all matters relating to patients
- Refer to Special Addendum and Staff Nurse Position Description
- Performs other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Associate's Degree in Nursing Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Preferred
- Up to 1 year Preferred
- Mastery of problem solving and decision making skills.
- Mastery of collaboration and teamwork.
- Mastery of growth mindset (agility and developing yourself and others) skills.
- Mastery of execution and delivery (planning, delivering, and supporting) skills.
- Ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Ability to function in clinical setting with diverse cultural dynamics of clinical staff and patients.
- Mastery knowledge of phases of care transitions and resources available for patients.
- Mastery of digital literacy skills.
- Registered Nurse Required
- BLS upon hire Required
- De-Escalation Training within 6 months of hire Required
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Frequently asked questions
Beyond the mandatory RN license and BLS certification, completing de-escalation training within six months is essential. Additional psychiatric nursing certifications can enhance job performance and marketability, especially in Harlan’s healthcare environment where mental health expertise is increasingly valued.
This position emphasizes specialized psychiatric care, including patient assessments, medication administration, and active collaboration with mental health professionals. Unlike general nursing, it requires nuanced psychological support skills and adherence to psychiatric nursing standards, tailored to the unique demands of Harlan’s patient population.
Psychiatric nurses can progress to senior clinical roles, nurse management, or specialize further as psychiatric nurse practitioners. Opportunities often expand with additional education such as a BSN or advanced certifications, enabling mobility beyond regions like Harlan into larger urban healthcare systems.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare prioritizes multidisciplinary collaboration and patient advocacy, bringing challenges like managing complex psychiatric cases and working in rural settings. Nurses must balance clinical demands with community-specific cultural sensitivity, ensuring compassionate care within union guidelines.
The organization fosters professional development through mentorship programs, orientation for new staff, and participation in committees. This structured support helps nurses refine psychiatric skills while aligning with union standards, promoting both clinical excellence and career progression.
Registered Nurses in psychiatric settings around Harlan typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually. Salary depends on experience, education level such as ADN or BSN, and union-negotiated pay scales specific to Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
Given the increasing focus on mental health services in Kentucky, Registered Nurse Tier 1 (Union) Psych roles enjoy steady demand in Harlan. This local need for qualified psych nurses contributes to job security and ongoing recruitment efforts by regional healthcare providers.
Harlan’s rural setting means many psych nurses may face longer commutes, but community ties often offset travel challenges. Flexible scheduling and union protections can mitigate commute impacts, helping maintain work-life balance for Appalachian Regional Healthcare staff.
Applicants should emphasize strong clinical assessment abilities, psychiatric medication administration, effective communication, and teamwork. Showcasing experience with de-escalation techniques and digital literacy also aligns well with Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s expectations.
Certifications like the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) enhance credibility. Local employers in Kentucky, including Appalachian Regional Healthcare, appreciate nurses who pursue these credentials to deepen expertise in psych nursing and improve patient care.