The New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) Department of Nursing firmly believes that health care is a human right. The Department of Nursing promotes an environment where nurses are an integral part of an interdisciplinary, collaborative process fostering a caring, healing, patient, and family-centered environment. The nursing staff strives to create a milieu whereby patients actively participate in their treatment. We demonstrate excellence in clinical care through our commitment to evidence-based practice, and delivery of culturally competent approaches in a multi-disciplinary, therapeutic environment. Our clinicians strive to provide the highest quality care and treatments in the least restrictive, recovery-focused, and curative environment possible. Health promotion, maintenance, and rehabilitation are viewed as essential in meeting the needs of patients, their families, and significant others. Nursing staff provides patients with interactive education and incorporates teach back methodology throughout all phases of treatment. Additionally, NYSPI nursing staff help formulate, support, and participate in beneficial, cutting-edge, research protocols.
Continuous Quality Assessment and Improvement Program
The NYSPI Department of Nursing has an active Continuous Quality Improvement Program to ensure quality care for patients and research subjects, fostering the professional development of nursing staff. Activities include careful risk assessment strategies, risk reduction programs, and a host of current state-of-the-art topics focused on behavioral health nursing. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for many of these activities. Board Certification is encouraged.
Staff Development
Education and training of nursing personnel (i.e., registered nurses and mental health therapy aides) is an integral part of the nursing department’s mission. This mission includes extensive orientation of all new employees, provision of a Basic Life Support (BLS) Course, first aid and Preventing and Managing Crisis Situations (PMCS), Mock Codes (Medical and Cardiac Emergencies), competency assessment of skills, identification of training needs at unit-based in-services, and other forums including Nursing Grand Rounds. The Nursing Department continues to train a new generation of healthcare providers in both traditional and novel therapies and offers a robust mentorship program for new personnel.
Contact
NYSPI Chief Nursing Officer
Rebecca A. Owens, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN-BC
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10032
646-774-7866 | Rebecca.Owens@nyspi.columbia.edu
Administrative Assistant
Leticia Chand
646-774-8037 | Leticia.Chand@nyspi.columbia.edu