Psychiatric Registered Nurse; RN - Crisis Stabilization Unit; CSU

Psychiatric Registered Nurse – Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

Description
Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is a national public health organization working primarily with underrepresented communities to address healthcare disparities and social determinants of health. We collaborate with hospitals, health jurisdictions, and government agencies to deliver timely, equity‑based care for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises.

• People experiencing homelessness
• Indigenous communities
• Immigrant communities
• Rural communities
• BIPoC communities
• LGBTQIA+ communities
• Justice‑impacted communities

The Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Psych RN) provides direct clinical care to adults and youth in a 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). Working with Advanced Psychiatric Providers, therapists, social workers, and peer specialists, the Psych RN conducts nursing assessments, manages medications, delivers crisis intervention, and supports rapid stabilization and safe transitions of care. The role requires strong clinical judgment, de‑escalation skills, and the ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented psychiatric urgent‑care environment serving individuals with co‑occurring mental health, substance use, trauma‑related, and medical needs.

• Provide psychiatric nursing assessments including vital signs, risk screens, withdrawal monitoring, and behavioral observations.
• Monitor patients for psychiatric instability, withdrawal, medical issues and adverse medication reactions.
• Implement nursing interventions to support rapid stabilization, safety and symptom reduction.
• Support APPs during evaluations by collecting collateral information and monitoring clinical changes.
• Administer psychotropic and non‑psychiatric medications per orders; monitor for side effects and follow emergency protocols.
• Utilize trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented and culturally responsive strategies to de‑escalate distress and behavioral emergencies.
• Collaborate with APP to determine need for involuntary holds or transfer to higher levels of care.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary team during stabilization and discharge planning, participating in rounds and shift huddles.
• Educate patients and families about diagnosis, treatment plans, medications, and safety strategies.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and ensure compliance with county behavioral health requirements, involuntary treatment laws, and CSU protocols.
• Assist with environmental safety checks, inventory of medications and supplies, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Accredited Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
• Current, unrestricted California RN license.
• Current BLS certification.
• CPI, MAB, SAMA, or similar crisis‑intervention certification (or obtained within 3 months of hire).
• Minimum 1 year clinical nursing experience (psychiatric, crisis, emergency, or inpatient behavioral health strongly preferred).

• Knowledge of psychiatric nursing principles, suicide risk assessment, and crisis stabilization.
• Understanding of behavioral health systems and involuntary treatment processes.
• Strong therapeutic communication and de‑escalation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced multidisciplinary environment.
• Availability for extended shifts, overnights and weekends.
• Proficiency with electronic health records.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, infection control and safety protocols.

• Medical coverage through WEA’s ICHRA program.
• Paid time off (PTO) for full‑time employees.
• Paid holidays (8 annually after 90 days).
• Paid sick leave per state requirements.
• Continuing education reimbursement.
• Supportive, mission‑driven work environment.

Seniority level:
Entry level

Employment type:

Full‑time
Job function:
Health Care Provider
Industry: Hospitals and Health Care

Location:

Palm Desert, CA

Posted 5 days ago