Registered Nurse - Days

About the role

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. Located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, Claratel BH operates in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of more than 500 direct-care and support staff and more than 20 locations across the county. Our staff of physicians, nurses, clinicians, and support personnel are dedicated to helping our clients and their families recover from these debilitating disabilities and resume productive lives. We strive to provide the highest quality, evidence-based services in the least restrictive settings, and we envision a community in which disabilities no longer limit potential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial psychiatric triage and medical screening exams (in PES) to determine acuity, level of care, and safety risks.
• Complete bio-psychosocial and nursing assessments; collect vitals, weight, and baseline labs as indicated.
• Continuously reassess clients in PES and CSU to monitor stability, identify emerging risks, and guide treatment planning.
• Screen for withdrawal symptoms and monitor clients on detox/withdrawal protocols (CIWA, COWS).
• Identify and report medical emergencies or changes in condition promptly to providers.
• Administer prescribed medications safely and accurately, documenting in the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Maintain thorough and timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for all assessments, interventions, and observations.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to deliver integrated care, assist with treatment team meetings and discharge planning, and coordinate care with community hospitals, outpatient providers, and families to ensure smooth transitions post-discharge.
• Support involuntary admission processes (1013/1014) with accurate nursing documentation and clinical justification.
• Work closely with psychiatrists, APRNs, clinicians, case managers, and peer specialists to deliver integrated care.
• Participate in and lead Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) interventions to de-escalate psychiatric emergencies.
• Utilize trauma-informed crisis intervention techniques to ensure safety of clients, staff, and peers.
• Assist with seclusion and restraint procedures when necessary, ensuring compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct contraband and safety checks as part of maintaining a ligature-resistant, therapeutic environment.
• Perform venipuncture and collect lab specimens, ensuring proper labeling and requisitions.
• Provide wound care, basic first aid, and coordination of outside medical care when indicated.
• Monitor clients undergoing detoxification or with co-occurring medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).
• Facilitate nursing groups on health education, medication management, and wellness topics.
• Respond rapidly to psychiatric or medical emergencies.
• Work in high-intensity environments with clients experiencing acute psychiatric or substance-related crises.

Qualifications

• Current Georgia license as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN).
• Prior experience in psychiatric, behavioral health, detox/withdrawal management, or crisis stabilization settings (preferred).
• Certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Mindset/behavioral de-escalation training (preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills, particularly in psychiatric and medical triage.
• Ability to manage and de-escalate psychiatric and behavioral crises.
• Proficient in venipuncture, medication administration, and detox monitoring.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach to client care.
• Effective verbal and written communication with diverse populations.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform clinical duties for extended periods.
• Lift up to 25 pounds and assist with client mobility as needed.
• Respond rapidly to psychiatric or medical emergencies.
• Work in high-intensity environments with clients experiencing acute psychiatric or substance-related crises.