Registered Nurse - Nights

About Claratel Behavioral Health

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. As a public, not‑for‑profit organization, Claratel operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct‑care and support staff.

The Registered Nurse (RN) at the DRCC provides direct nursing care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises. RNs perform comprehensive assessments, support medical and psychiatric stabilization, manage withdrawal protocols, and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, recovery‑oriented, trauma‑informed, and client‑centered care. RNs are central to both emergency psychiatric triage in PES and ongoing stabilization in CSU, serving as frontline responders to crises, skilled clinicians in assessment and medical management, and educators for clients and families.

• 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).
• Monitor for side effects, adverse reactions, and effectiveness of medications, reporting concerns to prescribing providers.
• Provide medication education to clients and families, promoting adherence and safety.
• Manage controlled substances per agency protocols, ensuring accurate counts and documentation.

• 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 requisition.
• 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.

• Work closely with psychiatrists, APRNs, clinicians, case managers, and peer specialists to deliver integrated care.
• Assist with treatment team meetings and discharge planning, contributing nursing observations and recommendations.
• 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.

• Maintain thorough and timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for all assessments, interventions, and observations.
• Complete incident reports and safety event documentation per policy.
• Ensure compliance with DBHDD, CARF, HIPAA, and agency standards for behavioral health crisis care.
• Contribute to audit readiness by ensuring records meet regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Maintain active Georgia RN license.
• Stay current with training in Mindset, CPR, First Aid, and infection control.
• Participate in staff meetings, in‑service training, and performance improvement…