Behavioral Health, Case Management, Communication Skills, Crisis Intervention, Cross-Functional, Emergency Management, Employee Relations, Environmental Monitoring, Establish Priorities, Health Plan, Healthcare, Healthcare Management, Interpersonal Skills, Maintain Compliance, Medical Treatment, Medication Administration, Medications, Nursing, Organizational Development/Management, Patient Care, Patient Safety, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Quality Assurance, Quality Management, Quality of Care, Registered Nurse (RN), Regulatory Requirements, Risk, Safety/Work Safety, Staff Development, Treatment Evaluation, Treatment Plan
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) to provide and coordinate comprehensive nursing care for adult behavioral health patients during hospitalization. The RN is responsible for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care while ensuring compliance with established nursing standards, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
The Behavioral Health RN collaborates with physicians, therapists, and multidisciplinary team members to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, monitor patient safety, manage psychiatric emergencies, administer medications, and promote positive patient outcomes.
This position serves patients 18 years of age and older in an inpatient behavioral health setting.
Essential Responsibilities
Patient Care
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized nursing care plans.
- Provide direct nursing care to behavioral health patients.
- Monitor patients according to assigned observation and risk precaution levels.
- Maintain a safe therapeutic environment and continuously monitor for contraband or safety concerns.
- Respond appropriately to psychiatric and medical emergencies.
- Coordinate emergency interventions when necessary.
- Provide age-appropriate care for adult behavioral health patients.
- Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning and plan-of-care revisions.
Medication Administration
- Accurately prepare, administer, and document medications according to physician orders and facility policy.
- Monitor patients for medication effectiveness and adverse reactions.
- Promptly communicate significant changes in patient condition to providers.
Behavioral Health Services
- Conduct and support therapeutic group activities as assigned.
- Utilize crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques.
- Support patient recovery and treatment goals through therapeutic communication and patient engagement.
- Assist patients in achieving optimal mental health outcomes through evidence-based nursing interventions.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely patient documentation.
- Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control standards.
- Follow all facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Protect patient confidentiality, privacy, and rights at all times.
Leadership & Team Collaboration
- Delegate nursing assignments based on staff competency and patient needs.
- Collaborate with physicians, therapists, case managers, and healthcare team members.
- Participate in orientation, education, and ongoing staff development activities.
- Support departmental quality improvement initiatives and organizational goals.
- Promote positive working relationships among staff and healthcare team members.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong behavioral health assessment and nursing judgment skills
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation expertise
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patient needs effectively
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced behavioral health environment
- Knowledge of psychiatric medications and treatment modalities
- Ability to maintain professionalism during stressful situations
- Proficiency with EMR systems and Microsoft Office applications
- Commitment to patient-centered care and safety
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (4–6+ hours)
- Ability to lift and assist with up to 25 pounds
- Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and movement throughout the shift
- Good body mechanics and physical stamina
- Ability to maintain focus and concentration in a dynamic environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff