Charge Nurse Behavioral Health Full-Time Nights

Job Summary

The Psychiatric Charge Nurse provides leadership and clinical support during assigned shifts to ensure effective patient care delivery in an inpatient behavioral health setting. The role includes coordination of daily operations, assignment of patient care responsibilities, support and mentorship of nursing staff, and facilitation of communication with psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary teams. This position ensures adherence to quality, safety, and regulatory standards while promoting a therapeutic, safe, and patient-centered environment for patients experiencing behavioral health and psychiatric conditions.

Essential Functions

• Supervises nursing staff and oversees patient care activities during the assigned shift within the behavioral health unit.
• Assigns and adjusts patient care responsibilities based on patient acuity, safety concerns, and staff competencies.
• Provides direct nursing care as necessary, including assessments, interventions, medication administration, and documentation.
• Maintains supply and equipment inventory, including safety-related equipment and medications.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and promotes a culture of safety, therapeutic communication, and trauma-informed care.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong clinical judgment and organizational skills.
• Effective leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of behavioral health nursing practices, crisis intervention techniques, and therapeutic communication.
• Familiarity with psychiatric medications, behavioral health documentation standards, and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to escalating patient behaviors and psychiatric emergencies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to changing conditions.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, stand/walk for prolonged periods, and assist with patient mobility and safety interventions.
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of personal protective equipment and adherence to infection control standards.
• Demonstrates professionalism, emotional resilience, and the ability to maintain therapeutic boundaries in a behavioral health environment.

Education

• Postsecondary (Cert/Diploma/Program Grad) from an accredited school of nursing (Required)
• Bachelor’s Degree in nursing (Preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the state of practice Upon Hire (Required)
• BCLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire or within facility-specified time frame (Required)
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Within Facility-Specified time frame (May be Required-Facility Specific)
• NCI -Non-violent Crisis Intervention or current program Within Facility-Specified time frame (May be Required-Facility Specific)

Experience

• 2+ years experience as a Registered Nurse with demonstrated clinical competence in behavioral health or psychiatric nursing (Preferred)
• 1+ years leadership or charge experience (Preferred)