Nursing Jobs in Walpole, MA

$5,000 to $10,000 sign-on bonus available based on hours worked and position eligibility Are you a compassionate Registered Nurse who is passionate about mental health and making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives? Join the Behavioral Health team at Emerson Health and become part of a supportive, collaborative environment dedicated to providing exceptional psychiatric care. We are seeking a skilled Behavioral Health RN to deliver patient-centered care using the nursing process to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, therapeutic, and evidence-based care. Flexible scheduling options with both 8-hour and 12-hour shifts are available. What You’ll Do Provide comprehensive nursing care to behavioral health patients using the nursing process Assess patient needs, develop care plans, and monitor progress throughout treatment Collaborate with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and multidisciplinary care teams Support patients and families through education, communication, and compassionate care Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients experiencing mental health crises Document patient care and maintain accurate medical records in the electronic health system Follow regulatory, hospital, and professional nursing standards to ensure high-quality care Promote patient dignity, privacy, and recovery-focused treatment Why Join Emerson Health Collaborative behavioral health team environment Flexible scheduling with 8 or 12 hour shifts Opportunities to grow your psychiatric nursing skills Supportive leadership and interdisciplinary care teams The chance to truly impact patients and families during vulnerable moments Minimum Qualifications Education Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program required. Experience Behavioral health, psychiatric nursing, or mental health experience preferred, but motivated RNs interested in mental health nursing are encouraged to apply. Licensure and Certification Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts required. BLS Healthcare Provider certification required. CPI certification required within 30 days of hire. Skills and Competencies Strong nursing assessment and clinical judgment skills Excellent communication and patient interaction abilities Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced behavioral health setting Strong organization and documentation skills Computer proficiency and electronic medical record experience Commitment to patient privacy and confidentiality Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English Join a team where your compassion, expertise, and dedication to mental health care can make a lasting impact.

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) Flexible 8 or 12 Hour Shifts

$5,000 to $10,000 sign-on bonus available based on hours worked and position eligibility Are you a compassionate Registered Nurse who is passionate about mental health and making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives? Join the Behavioral Health team at Emerson Health and become part of a supportive, collaborative environment dedicated to providing exceptional psychiatric care. We are seeking a skilled Behavioral Health RN to deliver patient-centered care using the nursing process to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, therapeutic, and evidence-based care. Flexible scheduling options with both 8-hour and 12-hour shifts are available. What You’ll Do Provide comprehensive nursing care to behavioral health patients using the nursing process Assess patient needs, develop care plans, and monitor progress throughout treatment Collaborate with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and multidisciplinary care teams Support patients and families through education, communication, and compassionate care Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients experiencing mental health crises Document patient care and maintain accurate medical records in the electronic health system Follow regulatory, hospital, and professional nursing standards to ensure high-quality care Promote patient dignity, privacy, and recovery-focused treatment Why Join Emerson Health Collaborative behavioral health team environment Flexible scheduling with 8 or 12 hour shifts Opportunities to grow your psychiatric nursing skills Supportive leadership and interdisciplinary care teams The chance to truly impact patients and families during vulnerable moments Minimum Qualifications Education Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program required. Experience Behavioral health, psychiatric nursing, or mental health experience preferred, but motivated RNs interested in mental health nursing are encouraged to apply. Licensure and Certification Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts required. BLS Healthcare Provider certification required. CPI certification required within 30 days of hire. Skills and Competencies Strong nursing assessment and clinical judgment skills Excellent communication and patient interaction abilities Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced behavioral health setting Strong organization and documentation skills Computer proficiency and electronic medical record experience Commitment to patient privacy and confidentiality Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English Join a team where your compassion, expertise, and dedication to mental health care can make a lasting impact.

Brown University Health Providence, RI

Registered Nurse

$35.70 - $71.40 / hour

SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Nurse Manager (or designee), and within hospital and departmental policies and procedures, the professional registered nurse acts as a patient advocate in the application of the nursing process. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate RESPONSIBILITIES: Recognizes and reports deviations from patient or established norms. Identifies deviations from established norms not related to chief patient’s complaints. Reports patient’s responses to treatment(s), and documents nursing interventions.Provides basic comfort and support according to patient needs. Fosters patient(s) and family participation in achieving optimum level of patient’s functioning and performing activities of daily living. Sets priorities in individual patient’s assignments. Seeks guidance and resources, when necessary, in management of patient care.Identifies and assesses emergency situations. Initiates appropriate response and intervention. Plans for potential needs during emergency situations.Defines nursing diagnosis and expected patient’s outcomes. May modify nursing plan of care based on diagnosis and/or outcomes. Documents on appropriate nursing assessment forms.Implements nursing interventions and evaluates based on patient’s outcomes. Modifies plan or care accordingly, including documentation.The Registered Nurse maintains knowledge of contemporary, professional nursing practice within the legal framework of the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act. Attends training and retraining, as needed, to maintain current knowledge of hospital and patient’s care practices and procedures.Utilizes established protocols and collaborates with the health team to facilitate therapeutic interventions and attainment of desired patient outcomes.Participates in quality improvement processes and risk management activities. Attends unit-based, or hospital meetings to facilitate patient care management.Functions in a cooperative and productive manner in the work environment.Integrates complete physical assessment with nursing assessment, and records reviews in developing a comprehensive and individualized plan of care.Follows all documentation guidelines per policy and procedure.Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures, and objectives. Maintains safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.Demonstrates self-direction in maintaining and advancing clinical and professional competency.Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.Provides functional guidance and direction to LPNs, CNAs, and other licensed personnel, as required.May assume shift charge responsibility on an assigned unit. Responsibility includes maintaining an overview of unit activities and delegating work responsibilities with equitable assignments. Makes bed and patient assignments, and assigns primary patients to staff. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing or licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.BASIC KNOWLEDGE:Graduate of a school of nursing, Baccalaureate in Nursing preferred, with current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island. Conformity to the Code of Professional Nurses. Understanding of the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act of the state of Rhode Island. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and sensitivity to cultural diversity in each step of the care process.Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation upon hire.EXPERIENCE:Registered nurses should develop general proficiency as a staff nurse within three months of employment. For specialty units, general nursing experience, appropriate to the specialty, is preferred.WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Prolonged standing and walking. Exposed to all patient elements. May be required to lift/turn patients and equipment. Repeated bending, squatting, stooping.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:None. Pay Range $35.70-$71.40 EEO Statement Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Location: The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906 Work Type 36 hours per week, 7a-7:30p, every other weekend, every other holiday, on call requirement Work Shift Day Daily Hours 12 hours Driving Required No

LPN

Benchmark Senior Living Lincoln, MA

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - Assisted Living

$36.50 - $40.50 / hour

Join, stay, and grow with Benchmark. Connect with your calling. Inquire about availability. The Commons in Lincoln , a premier campus within Benchmark, is looking for a compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join our Assisted Living team! As a Licensed Practical Nurse, your main role will be to deliver nursing care to our residents within a warm, comfortable, and home-like environment. You will be part of a team of dedicated, like-minded individuals whose support and camaraderie build community, and where long-lasting relationships with both associates and residents await. If you possess a dedication to assisting others, take immense pride in your work, and are looking for a remarkable company that aligns with those values, then this opportunity is made for you! Responsibilities Accurately assesses, communicates, and documents residents' status Observes and reports any significant changes in resident behavior and health to the Resident Care Director, physician, family, RCAs, and Executive Director per state regulations Directs and supervises the daily work assignments of the Resident Care Assistants Closely mentors, guides, and directs the Lead Resident Care Assistants in all aspects of their job Coordinates care needs with community providers via an effective case management process Effectively balances service demands with supporting resident independence Recognizes and assists in the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (financial and other) and reports to appropriate sources per state regulations Responds to emergencies and personal emergency response system and knows when to call for backup Requirements Current state license as an LPN and CPR certification Graduate of an approved LPN program, per state requirements Minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience working as a nurse preferred Previous experience working with the elderly in a paid or volunteer position is highly desirable As a community associate at Benchmark, you will have access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following: 8 holidays & 3 floating holidays Discounted Meal Program Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms Associate Referral Bonus Program Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match* Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits* Tuition Reimbursement Program* Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off* *Eligibility may vary by employment status

Benchmark Senior Living Lincoln, MA

RN - Registered Nurse - Assisted Living

$43 - $47 / hour

Join, stay, and grow with Benchmark. Connect with your calling. Inquire about availability. The Commons in Lincoln , a premiere campus within Benchmark, is looking for a compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Assisted Living team! As a Registered Nurse, your main role will be to deliver nursing care to our residents within a warm, comfortable, and home-like environment. You will be part of a team of dedicated, like-minded individuals whose support and camaraderie build community, and where long-lasting relationships with both associates and residents await. If you possess a dedication to assisting others, take immense pride in your work, and are looking for a remarkable company that aligns with those values, then this opportunity is made for you! Responsibilities Accurately assesses, communicates, and documents residents' status Observes and reports any significant changes in resident behavior and health to the Resident Care Director, physician, family, RCAs and Executive Director per state regulations Directs and supervises the daily work assignments of the Resident Care Assistants Closely mentors, guides, and directs the Lead Resident Care Assistants in all aspects of their job Coordinates care needs with community providers via an effective case management process Effectively balances service demands with supporting resident independence Recognizes and assists in the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (financial and other) and reports to appropriate sources per state regulations Responds to emergencies and personal emergency response system and knows when to call for backup Requirements Current state license as an RN and CPR certification Graduate of an approved RN program per state requirements Minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience working as a nurse preferred Previous experience working with the elderly in a paid or volunteer position is highly desirable As a community associate at Benchmark, you will have access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following: 8 holidays & 3 floating holidays Discounted Meal Program Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms Associate Referral Bonus Program Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match* Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits* Tuition Reimbursement Program* Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off* *Eligibility may vary by employment status

Nurse Practitioner

Job Summary Reporting to the Director of Hospital Medicine, provides daily evaluation and management to inpatients. This work will be in collaboration with the hospitalist service physician or surgical attending physician, and any physician specialists involved with each patient. The supervising physician of record will be one of the hospitalist physicians for purposes of establishing a collaboration agreement for licensure and prescribing status as well as periodic performance reviews. A second supervising physician may be established for surgical cases. Day-to-day nurse practitioner patient care supervision may be delegated to any one of the on-site hospitalist physicians or surgeons, as applicable. The degree of autonomy of the nurse practitioner’s daily practice will depend on the details of each particular case and the preferences and skills of the NP. The NP will always have access to an on-site hospitalist for help with clinical evaluation, decision-making and logistical back-up. The NP works in accordance with Hospital privileges. Minimum Qualifications Education Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree and an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program. Experience Acute-Care Nursing Practitioner Diploma or Adult Nurse Practitioner graduate with 2 years of acute care or inpatient experience. Licensure and/or Certification Current licensure as nurse practitioner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required. National certification with recertification as required every six years. ACLS certification required. BLS Healthcare provider required. Must be able to attain and maintain privileges at Emerson Hospital as Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner Skills Strong clinical, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to work as a team. Excellent computer skills. Ability to read, write, and communication in English. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to maintain confidential information.

Job Summary The Registered Nurse is responsible for utilizing the nursing process to provide comprehensive care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the Behavioral Health unit, as directed by nursing management. Nursing care is provided in accordance with the stated philosophy and standards established by the Nursing Service Department and Behavioral Health unit, regulatory agencies and professional organizations. The Registered Nurse is accountable for the safety of nursing care they deliver or supervise. The Registered Nurse is responsible to the patient and the family or significant others for the quality of direct and indirect nursing care delivered. Line responsibility to the Director, Behavioral Health Services or designee. Minimum Qualifications Education Graduate of professional accredited nursing school required. Experience Previous experience in a mental health environment preferred. Licensure and/or Certification Currently licensed to practice professional nursing in Massachusetts required. BLS Healthcare provider required. CPI achieved within 3 months of hire required. Skills Basic nursing skills and assessment skills required. Must have strong communication skills. Critical Thinking Skills Required. Strong organizational skills. Computer skills and proficiency. Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English. Ability to protect confidential information.

Nurse Practitioner

Job Summary Reporting to the Director of Hospital Medicine, provides daily evaluation and management to inpatients. This work will be in collaboration with the hospitalist service physician or surgical attending physician, and any physician specialists involved with each patient. The supervising physician of record will be one of the hospitalist physicians for purposes of establishing a collaboration agreement for licensure and prescribing status as well as periodic performance reviews. A second supervising physician may be established for surgical cases. Day-to-day nurse practitioner patient care supervision may be delegated to any one of the on-site hospitalist physicians or surgeons, as applicable. The degree of autonomy of the nurse practitioner’s daily practice will depend on the details of each particular case and the preferences and skills of the NP. The NP will always have access to an on-site hospitalist for help with clinical evaluation, decision-making and logistical back-up. The NP works in accordance with Hospital privileges. Minimum Qualifications Education Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree and an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program. Experience Acute-Care Nursing Practitioner Diploma or Adult Nurse Practitioner graduate with 2 years of acute care or inpatient experience. Licensure and/or Certification Current licensure as nurse practitioner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required. National certification with recertification as required every six years. ACLS certification required. BLS Healthcare provider required. Must be able to attain and maintain privileges at Emerson Hospital as Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner Skills Strong clinical, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to work as a team. Excellent computer skills. Ability to read, write, and communication in English. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to maintain confidential information.

Nurse Practitioner

Job Summary Reporting to the Director of Hospital Medicine, provides daily evaluation and management to inpatients. This work will be in collaboration with the hospitalist service physician or surgical attending physician, and any physician specialists involved with each patient. The supervising physician of record will be one of the hospitalist physicians for purposes of establishing a collaboration agreement for licensure and prescribing status as well as periodic performance reviews. A second supervising physician may be established for surgical cases. Day-to-day nurse practitioner patient care supervision may be delegated to any one of the on-site hospitalist physicians or surgeons, as applicable. The degree of autonomy of the nurse practitioner’s daily practice will depend on the details of each particular case and the preferences and skills of the NP. The NP will always have access to an on-site hospitalist for help with clinical evaluation, decision-making and logistical back-up. The NP works in accordance with Hospital privileges. Minimum Qualifications Education Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree and an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program. Experience Acute-Care Nursing Practitioner Diploma or Adult Nurse Practitioner graduate with 2 years of acute care or inpatient experience. Licensure and/or Certification Current licensure as nurse practitioner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required. National certification with recertification as required every six years. ACLS certification required. BLS Healthcare provider required. Must be able to attain and maintain privileges at Emerson Hospital as Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner Skills Strong clinical, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to work as a team. Excellent computer skills. Ability to read, write, and communication in English. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to maintain confidential information.

Registered Nurse – Medical, Telemetry & Stroke Unit About The Role Join a team where your expertise, compassion, and quick thinking truly make a difference. As a Registered Nurse in our Medical, High-Level Telemetry, and Stroke Department, you’ll provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in a dynamic environment. This is a unit where every detail matters from monitoring complex conditions to providing education and support for patients and families. Reporting to nursing leadership, you’ll be part of a highly skilled team committed to safety, collaboration, and excellence. What You’ll Do Deliver safe, age-appropriate, and high-quality nursing care using the full nursing process. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans for patients and families. Monitor telemetry patients and provide critical interventions for stroke and complex medical cases. Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate effective patient care. Educate patients and families to promote understanding and confidence in recovery. Document findings, interventions, and outcomes clearly and accurately. Mentor and support colleagues through teamwork, preceptorship, and professional growth. Participate in continuing education, hospital initiatives, and unit projects that advance patient care. Promote patient rights, dignity, and respect at every step. What You Bring Graduate of an accredited nursing program (BSN preferred). Current Massachusetts RN license. BLS certification required. 1–2 years inpatient medical-surgical experience preferred. Oncology certification preferred. Strong communication, assessment, and critical thinking skills. Excellent organizational skills and customer service. Comfort with computer systems and commitment to confidentiality. Why You’ll Love It Here Working in the Medical, Telemetry, and Stroke Unit means being at the heart of acute care nursing. You’ll gain invaluable experience managing complex patients, while being supported by a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. Here, your role goes beyond providing care you’ll be an advocate, an educator, and a trusted partner to patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Bring your skills, compassion, and commitment to excellence to a team where you’ll grow as a nurse and make a real impact every day. Apply today!

Part-time

Registered Nurse (RN) - Endoscopy

Registered Nurse Endoscopy Unit About The Role If you’re looking for a nursing career that blends advanced procedures with compassionate patient care, our Endoscopy Unit is the place for you. As an Endoscopy RN, you’ll play an essential role in preparing patients, assisting physicians during diagnostic and therapeutic gastroenterology procedures, and ensuring every patient feels informed, safe, and cared for. Reporting to the Clinical Nurse Manager, you’ll be part of a collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes with skill and empathy. What You’ll Do Educate patients and families about procedures, treatments, and recovery. Assess patients, administer medications, and evaluate therapeutic responses. Prepare patients for procedures and ensure their safety and comfort. Serve as a Procedure Nurse (if ACLS and Conscious Sedation credentialed), assisting physicians during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Participate in the on-call rotation for urgent cases if ACLS and sedation credentialed. Recognize and respond to emergent situations with critical thinking and quick action. Document patient data to ensure seamless care and continuity. Communicate with interdisciplinary teams, charge nurses, and patient care coordinators to keep workflows smooth. Stay current with continuing education, unit projects, and best practices to continually improve care. What You Bring Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Current Massachusetts RN license required. Previous Endoscopy nursing experience preferred. ACLS and Conscious Sedation credentialing required to function as a Procedure Nurse and participate in the on-call rotation. Strong communication, assessment, and critical thinking skills. Excellent organizational skills and customer service. Proficiency with computers and ability to maintain patient confidentiality. Why You’ll Love It Here This role offers the chance to grow your nursing expertise in a specialized setting while making a meaningful difference in patient care. From providing reassurance before a procedure to collaborating with physicians in real time, you’ll experience the full impact of your skills every day. We foster a supportive, team-focused environment where your professional development is encouraged, and your contributions are valued. If you’re ready to take your nursing career deeper into specialty care, join our Endoscopy team and help patients feel confident and cared for at every step. Apply today!

Registered Nurse (RN) - Medical /telemetry/Stroke

Registered Nurse – Medical, Telemetry & Stroke Unit About The Role Join a team where your expertise, compassion, and quick thinking truly make a difference. As a Registered Nurse in our Medical, High-Level Telemetry, and Stroke Department, you’ll provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in a dynamic environment. This is a unit where every detail matters from monitoring complex conditions to providing education and support for patients and families. Reporting to nursing leadership, you’ll be part of a highly skilled team committed to safety, collaboration, and excellence. What You’ll Do Deliver safe, age-appropriate, and high-quality nursing care using the full nursing process. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans for patients and families. Monitor telemetry patients and provide critical interventions for stroke and complex medical cases. Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate effective patient care. Educate patients and families to promote understanding and confidence in recovery. Document findings, interventions, and outcomes clearly and accurately. Mentor and support colleagues through teamwork, preceptorship, and professional growth. Participate in continuing education, hospital initiatives, and unit projects that advance patient care. Promote patient rights, dignity, and respect at every step. What You Bring Graduate of an accredited nursing program (BSN preferred). Current Massachusetts RN license. BLS certification required. 1–2 years inpatient medical-surgical experience preferred. Oncology certification preferred. Strong communication, assessment, and critical thinking skills. Excellent organizational skills and customer service. Comfort with computer systems and commitment to confidentiality. Why You’ll Love It Here Working in the Medical, Telemetry, and Stroke Unit means being at the heart of acute care nursing. You’ll gain invaluable experience managing complex patients, while being supported by a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. Here, your role goes beyond providing care you’ll be an advocate, an educator, and a trusted partner to patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Bring your skills, compassion, and commitment to excellence to a team where you’ll grow as a nurse and make a real impact every day. Apply today!

Registered Nurse (RN)- Behavioral Health Unit, 24-40 hours/week, flexible scheduling

Job Summary The Registered Nurse is responsible for utilizing the nursing process to provide comprehensive care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the Behavioral Health unit, as directed by nursing management. Nursing care is provided in accordance with the stated philosophy and standards established by the Nursing Service Department and Behavioral Health unit, regulatory agencies and professional organizations. The Registered Nurse is accountable for the safety of nursing care they deliver or supervise. The Registered Nurse is responsible to the patient and the family or significant others for the quality of direct and indirect nursing care delivered. Line responsibility to the Director, Behavioral Health Services or designee. Flexible scheduling - 8 or 12 hour shifts Minimum Qualifications Education Graduate of professional accredited nursing school required. Experience Previous experience in a mental health environment preferred. Licensure and/or Certification Currently licensed to practice professional nursing in Massachusetts required. BLS Healthcare provider required. CPI achieved within 3 months of hire required. Skills Basic nursing skills and assessment skills required. Must have strong communication skills. Critical Thinking Skills Required. Strong organizational skills. Computer skills and proficiency. Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English. Ability to protect confidential information.