Registered Nurse - Days

Claratel Behavioral Health • Decatur, GA

1d

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) at the DeKalb Regional Crisis Center (DRCC) provides direct nursing care to adults experiencing acute psychiatric crises. The role supports psychiatric emergency triage in Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) and ongoing stabilization in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), including assessment, medical and psychiatric stabilization, withdrawal management, and coordination with a multidisciplinary team. Care is described as safe, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and client-centered.

The DRCC provides crisis services across three levels of care: PES for rapid intake, triage, and evaluation; Temporary Observation for 12–24 hours of monitoring and evaluation; and CSU for generally 5–7-day admissions for psychiatric stabilization and/or withdrawal management.

This is a full-time day-shift role scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. on rotating days, including weekends and holidays. Nurses are scheduled for a minimum of four weekend shifts per month, according to unit and staffing needs. The position requires an active Georgia RN license and basic computer literacy with EHR experience. Prior behavioral-health experience and specified training or certifications are preferred. The work includes extended periods of standing and walking, lifting up to 25 pounds, assisting with client mobility, and responding to psychiatric or medical emergencies in a high-intensity crisis-care environment.

Requirements

• Current Georgia license as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN).
• Basic computer literacy and experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Strong assessment and critical-thinking skills, particularly in psychiatric and medical triage.
• Ability to manage and de-escalate psychiatric and behavioral crises.
• Proficiency in venipuncture, medication administration, and detox monitoring.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach to client care.
• Effective verbal and written communication with diverse populations.
• Ability to stand and walk and perform clinical duties for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and assist with client mobility as needed.
• Ability to respond rapidly to psychiatric or medical emergencies.
• Ability to work in high-intensity environments with clients experiencing acute psychiatric or substance-related crises.
• Availability for rotating day shifts, including weekends and holidays, and a minimum of four weekend shifts per month.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in psychiatric, behavioral health, detox/withdrawal management, or crisis stabilization settings.
• Certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Mindset/behavioral de-escalation training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychiatric triage and medical screening exams in PES to assess acuity, level of care, and safety risks.
• Complete biopsychosocial and nursing assessments; collect vital signs, weight, and baseline laboratory specimens as indicated.
• Reassess clients in PES and CSU, monitor stability, identify emerging risks, and inform treatment planning.
• Screen for withdrawal symptoms and monitor clients on CIWA and COWS protocols.
• Identify and promptly report medical emergencies or changes in client condition to providers.
• Administer prescribed medications safely and accurately and document them in the Medication Administration Record.
• Monitor medication effects, side effects, and adverse reactions; report concerns to prescribing providers.
• Educate clients and families about medications, adherence, and safety.
• Manage controlled substances according to agency protocols, including accurate counts and documentation.
• Participate in and lead Behavioral Emergency Response Team interventions to de-escalate psychiatric emergencies.
• Use trauma-informed crisis intervention techniques and assist with seclusion and restraint when necessary, following policy and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct contraband and safety checks to help maintain a ligature-resistant therapeutic environment.
• Perform venipuncture and collect, label, and requisition laboratory specimens.
• Provide wound care and basic first aid and coordinate outside medical care when indicated.
• Monitor clients undergoing detoxification and clients with co-occurring medical conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.
• Facilitate nursing groups on health education, medication management, and wellness.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, APRNs, clinicians, case managers, and peer specialists to deliver integrated care.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and discharge planning, contributing nursing observations and recommendations.
• Coordinate care with community hospitals, outpatient providers, and families to support post-discharge transitions.
• Support involuntary admission processes (1013/1014) with accurate nursing documentation and clinical justification.
• Maintain timely and thorough EHR documentation of assessments, interventions, and observations.
• Complete incident reports and safety event documentation according to policy.
• Ensure compliance with DBHDD, CARF, HIPAA, and agency standards and help maintain audit-ready records.
• Maintain an active Georgia RN license and stay current with Mindset, CPR, First Aid, and infection-control training.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and performance improvement activities.
• Support onboarding and mentoring of new nursing staff and nursing students.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed