Kayla Griffith
Chatsworth,CA
Summary
Compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Registered Nurse with 2+ years of experience delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care to adolescent and adult populations in acute inpatient settings. Demonstrated success working in interdisciplinary teams to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychiatric care aligned with recovery-based models. Strong leadership, communication, and time management skills with a commitment to UCLA Health’s mission of excellence, respect, and patient-centered service.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Registered Nurse – Outpatient Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry
Pacifica Behavioral Health Urgent Care
01.2023 - Current
- Delivered nursing care to adolescents with mood disorders, behavioral dysregulation, trauma, and co-occurring substance use in a secure outpatient unit.
- Participated in daily treatment team rounds with psychiatrists and social workers to coordinate individualized care plans.
- Applied trauma-informed interventions during behavioral crises using AVIP techniques to ensure safety and reduce use of restraints/seclusion.
- Facilitated group sessions focused on emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and stress management.
- Actively contributed to care conferences and discharge planning with families and community resources.
- Trained and mentored new RN hires and nursing students, supporting professional development and skill-building.
- Frequently functioned as charge nurse, coordinating interdisciplinary workflows and delegating tasks appropriately to ensure smooth unit operations.
Float Nurse – Psychiatric Emergency Room and Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit
Olive View Medical Center
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Provided comprehensive psychiatric nursing care to adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders and dual-diagnosis presentations in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.
- Ensured medication compliance and monitored patients for adverse effects or clinical deterioration.
- Conducted patient safety rounds and documentation in accordance with regulatory and hospital policy.
- Experienced in responding to critical incidents and maintaining calm under high-pressure situations.
Receptionist
The Skin Agency
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Answered phones, worked with a booking system, resolved customer issues, maintained adequate work ow for nurses.
- Applied numbing cream to clients prior to treatments.
- Communicated with all providers regarding patient treatment outcomes.
- Trained 5 new hires, worked independently at second location, open and closed store, and was given autonomy in best assisting with arising customer issues.
Guest Advocate
Target
06.2018 - 06.2022
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, maintaining positive relationships with guests while adhering to company policies.
- Increased guest satisfaction by engaging in friendly conversations and offering personalized recommendations.
- Assisted coworkers when needed in various departments in order to maintain smooth functioning of the store.
- Optimized store operations by assisting with opening or closing procedures as needed.
- Assisted guests in quick and efficient check outs.
- Cross trained in several different positions within the front end department including customer returns, self checkout, front end leadership and drive up.
- Managed 10+ employees at a time, covered for management during shift shortages, gained time management to allow for complete coverage during breaks and lunches, gained prioritization skills in dealing with arising issues.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
West Coast University
North Hollywood, CA10-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA05-2018
Skills
- Psychiatric Assessment & Crisis Intervention
- Adolescent & Adult Behavioral Health
- Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning
- Trauma-Informed & Evidence-Based Care
- Leadership & Clinical Supervision
- Therapeutic Communication & Counseling
- Medication Administration & Patient Education
- Time Management & Organizational Efficiency
- MediTech/Empower/ORCHID Documentation & Compliance
- Suicide prevention
- De-escalation techniques
Certification
- Registered Nurse – California (Active) 95313902
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association
- Advanced Violence Intervention and Prevention (A.V.I.P) – Certified
Professional Development
- Continuing Education: Attended CEUs in Adolescent Trauma, DBT Skills for Inpatient Nurses, and Family Engagement in Psychiatry
- Quality Improvement Participation: Contributed to nursing-led initiatives to reduce restraint use and increase engagement in therapeutic programming
Timeline
Float Nurse – Psychiatric Emergency Room and Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit
Olive View Medical Center
08.2023 - 03.2024
Psychiatric Registered Nurse – Outpatient Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry
Pacifica Behavioral Health Urgent Care
01.2023 - Current
Receptionist
The Skin Agency
08.2021 - 08.2022
Guest Advocate
Target
06.2018 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
West Coast University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University Channel Islands
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