Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner CSU- 12h Shift Sat-Sun Every Other Weekend

Claratel Behavioral Health•Decatur, GA

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the Crisis Stabilization Unit 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, with responsibilities spanning medical oversight, psychopharmacological management, crisis intervention, and coordination of care from admission through discharge. The role is based in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment and covers a caseload of up to 18 patients. It is a part-time, 12-hour shift position scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays every other weekend. The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults. Its Crisis Stabilization Unit provides longer-term stabilization or substance withdrawal management, usually for five to seven days, with care that includes crisis counseling, medication, and discharge planning.

Requirements

Master’s or doctorate degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
Current Georgia APRN licensure 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 with 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 criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including history, mental status examinations, suicide risk assessments, and differential diagnosis.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans with clients and the treatment team.
Conduct medical screenings and physical examinations to determine medical stability for CSU 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 clients’ responses to medication and adjust medication regimens as needed.
Provide clients and families with education 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 in the CSU.
Support de-escalation efforts and serve as a clinical lead during crises.
Collaborate with the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) and other clinical staff to promote safe, therapeutic outcomes.
Assess risk factors and participate in safety planning, discharge planning, and referrals for continuing care.
Provide clinical leadership 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 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.