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The Special Needs Unit is a highly specialized program serving youth ages 8–17 with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, congenital conditions, and co‑occurring psychiatric needs. The RN in this unit plays a critical role in providing trauma‑informed, sensory‑aware, developmentally appropriate care while ensuring safety, emotional regulation, and individualized support for each patient.

This role is ideal for nurses who are passionate about neurodiversity, behavioral health, and working within a structured, team‑driven environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assesses/re-assesses by collecting and analyzing data through a systematic process of interaction with patients, guardians, and the appropriate health care providers regarding the patient’s physical, psychological, environmental, self-care, educational, spiritual, cultural, and anticipated discharge needs.
• Ability to perform suicide assessments and understands suicide precautions.
• Identify and incorporate each patient’s unique needs into a comprehensive and individualized care plan.
• Identify and include into the care plan of each patient the disease, condition, impairment or disability.
• Evaluate each patient care against the goals and plan of care and revises the care plan periodically, as needed.
• Accurate and litigable documentation that meets current standards and policies.
• Treats and cares for patients competently and as based on current developmental theories and psychiatric nursing knowledge and standards.
• Understands a wide range of psychosocial, cognitive and/or developmental disorders and physical disabilities.
• Rounds on patients, ensuring patient care and environment that optimizes patient safety.
• Demonstrates knowledge of medication management to ensure patient care and reduce the likelihood of medical/health errors.

Additional responsibilities specific to the Special Needs Unit:

• Assesses sensory needs, communication styles, and behavioral triggers unique to patients with autism or developmental disabilities.
• Implements individualized behavioral support strategies, including visual schedules, sensory tools, and structured transitions.
• Collaborates with BCBAs and RBTs to reinforce behavior plans and ensure consistency across the care team.
• Provides clinical guidance and support to MHTs during behavioral escalations and crisis interventions.
• Uses non‑violent crisis intervention techniques tailored to neurodiverse youth, emphasizing prevention and de‑escalation.
• Partners with guardians and caregivers to understand baseline functioning, routines, and effective calming strategies.
• Supports patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) when developmental or cognitive limitations require assistance.
• Monitors for medical conditions commonly associated with developmental disabilities (e.g., seizure disorders, GI issues, sleep disturbances).
• Ensures a low‑stimulus, safe environment by identifying and mitigating sensory overload risks.
• Provides trauma‑informed, sensory‑aware nursing care tailored to patients with autism and developmental disabilities.
• Collaborates closely with Mental Health Technicians (MHTs), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to ensure consistent, coordinated care.
• Utilizes structured routines, visual supports, and communication strategies appropriate for nonverbal or limited‑verbal patients.
• Supports implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) developed by BCBAs.

Requirements

• Current State of Nevada Registered Nurse license required
• Current CPR certification
• Demonstrates sound leadership skills
• Ability to organize activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks for patients.
• Ability to stabilize acute psychotic and non-violent crises by using accepted intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of autism spectrum characteristics, including communication differences, sensory processing challenges, and behavioral manifestations.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary behavioral teams (MHTs, BCBAs, RBTs).
• Understanding of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and how to support their implementation in a clinical setting.
• Knowledge of alternative communication methods (e.g., PECs, visual cues, simplified language).

Benefits

A full benefits package is available the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

Desert Parkway offers competitive benefits to include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Healthcare spending account
• Dependent care spending account
• PTO Plan with holiday premium pay
• Discounted cafeteria meal plan
• Life insurance (including plans for spouse and children)
• Short- and long-term disability (with additional buy-in opportunities)
• Pet Insurance
• Identity Theft Insurance