Advanced Practice Registered Nurse -PRN

Claratel Behavioral Health • Decatur, GA

2d

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at the BHCC provides advanced psychiatric and medical care to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises. Working with a multidisciplinary team, the APRN evaluates, diagnoses, and manages mental health and co-occurring substance use conditions. The role includes medical oversight, psychopharmacological management, crisis intervention, and coordination of care from admission through discharge in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment.

The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults across its Crisis Services Center, Temporary Observation Unit, and Crisis Stabilization Unit. Care may include evaluation, observation, stabilization, substance withdrawal management, crisis counseling, medication, and discharge planning.

The APRN must maintain Georgia APRN licensure and required certifications, comply with applicable legal, ethical, regulatory, and agency standards, and participate in quality improvement and professional development activities. Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check are required.

Requirements

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
• Current APRN licensure in Georgia with a psychiatric/mental health specialty (PMHNP-BC).
• DEA registration and prescriptive authority in Georgia.
• At least two years of clinical experience in a psychiatric setting.
• Clinical expertise in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and crisis stabilization.
• Strong communication, clinical documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity setting.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented, client-centered, and trauma-informed care.
• Proficiency in using electronic medical records (EHR).
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and a criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in crisis or emergency psychiatric care.
• Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and co-occurring disorders.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including history, mental status exams, suicide risk assessments, and differential diagnosis.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the treatment team.
• Conduct medical screenings and physical exams to determine medical stability for Temporary Observation or Crisis Stabilization admission.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and laboratory work; initiate medical treatment or make referrals when necessary.
• Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications according to best practices and agency protocols.
• Monitor client responses to medication and adjust regimens as needed.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families about diagnoses, medications, side effects, and self-management strategies.
• Accurately and promptly document clinical interventions, progress notes, and treatment plans in the electronic health record.
• Provide immediate psychiatric support during behavioral health emergencies within the BHCC.
• Participate in and support de-escalation efforts, including serving as a clinical lead during crises.
• Collaborate with the Behavioral Emergency Response Team and other clinical staff to support safe, therapeutic outcomes.
• Assess risk factors and participate in safety planning, discharge planning, and referrals for continuing care.
• Serve as a clinical leader in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Coordinate care with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, peer specialists, and support staff.
• Communicate with family members, external providers, and agencies to support continuity of care and community reintegration.
• Consult with the Medical Director and/or supervising physician as needed, consistent with scope of practice and the collaborative agreement.
• Maintain required Georgia APRN licensure and certifications.
• Follow legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, including HIPAA, OSHA, DBHDD regulations, and agency policies.
• Participate in internal audits, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development relevant to psychiatric practice and crisis stabilization.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level