In-House Contract Registered Nurse (RN)

Nurses who transition to full-time employment will become eligible for the benefits available to Freedom employees, in accordance with applicable benefit eligibility requirements.

We are currently seeking In-House Contract Registered Nurses (RNs) for 12-hour shifts working a 2/3 block schedule.

Contract details

• 6-week in-house RN contract

• 12-hour shifts

• 2/3 block schedule

• Opportunity to transition to a full-time RN position following successful completion of the contract

• Full-time employees are eligible for Freedom's available employee benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements

• Opportunity to become a permanent member of the Freedom Behavioral Lake Charles nursing team

Position summary

The In-House Contract Registered Nurse (RN) provides compassionate, patient-centered nursing care to adolescent and geriatric patients receiving acute inpatient behavioral health treatment. The RN plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment while supporting each patient's physical, emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric needs.

In-house contract RNs are expected to maintain reliable attendance, fulfill their established scheduling commitments, follow all hospital policies and clinical standards, and work collaboratively with hospital leadership and the interdisciplinary treatment team throughout the six-week contract period.

Geriatric Patient Population

RNs assigned to the Geriatric Unit provide comprehensive nursing care to older adults experiencing acute psychiatric and behavioral health conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Responsibilities include completing patient assessments, implementing individualized treatment and nursing care plans, administering medications and treatments, monitoring physical and mental status, and evaluating patient responses to care. RNs also implement fall-prevention and safety measures, respond appropriately to changes in patient condition, maintain accurate clinical documentation, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to promote stabilization, recovery, and quality of life.

Adolescent Patient Population

RNs assigned to the Adolescent Unit provide nursing care to adolescents experiencing acute behavioral health and psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, implementing individualized care plans, administering medications and treatments, monitoring emotional and behavioral status, and supporting therapeutic interventions. RNs maintain a safe and structured treatment environment, respond appropriately to crisis situations, utilize therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques, document patient progress, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to promote stabilization, healthy coping skills, and recovery.

In-House Contract RN Responsibilities

Regardless of unit assignment, the In-House Contract RN is responsible for:

• Providing safe, professional, and compassionate nursing care in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

• Observing, assessing, documenting, and reporting changes in patient condition and behavior.

• Administering medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and established nursing standards.

• Utilizing therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques.

• Maintaining patient safety and supporting a therapeutic treatment environment.

• Responding appropriately to psychiatric and medical emergencies.

• Collaborating with physicians, therapists, social workers, nursing leadership, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.

• Providing education and support to patients and families regarding medications, treatment plans, and ongoing care needs.

• Completing all required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.

• Maintaining reliable attendance and fulfilling all scheduling requirements established under the In-House RN Contract.

• Complying with all Freedom Behavioral Lake Charles policies, procedures, orientation requirements, competencies, and clinical standards throughout the contract assignment.

Position Type: 6-Week In-House Contract

Schedule

12-hour shifts | 2/3 block schedule Location: Freedom Behavioral Lake Charles Post-Contract Opportunity: Option to transition to full-time employment with available Freedom employee benefits

Preferred knowledge, skills, and/or experience required

Education

A minimum of an associate degree in nursing.

• License: Licensed as a RN to practice in the state

Experience

One year of RN experience is required; experience performing duties in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Freedom Behavioral Hospital Lake Charles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.