Psych

Behavioral Health Nurse Lead

Position Overview

The facility's Emergency Department seeks a Behavioral Health Nurse Lead to provide specialized , assessment, and intervention for patients presenting with behavioral health crises. You will serve as a clinical expert and resource, leading de-escalation efforts, educating staff, and ensuring safe, trauma-informed care across the behavioral health population.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct immediate and comprehensive risk/safety assessments for all new behavioral health presentations, including evaluation of elopement, suicide/self-harm, aggression risk, and detox status.
• Develop individualized behavioral management plans with de-escalation strategies, communication approaches, and reinforcement techniques; update as patient condition evolves.
• Provide real-time education and coaching to nursing staff on behavioral health conditions, trauma-informed care, verbal de-escalation, and therapeutic boundaries.
• Perform routine rounding on all behavioral health patients; reassess safety needs and ensure monitoring protocols are followed.
• Respond immediately to CODE BERT activations; lead or support de-escalation using verbal and non-verbal techniques; coordinate with security and clinical staff.
• Collaborate with psychiatry, intake, and ED leadership on disposition planning and patient flow.
• Review behavioral health documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance; identify trends for process improvement.
• Conduct safety screenings and provide brief interventions for high-risk patients (suicide, homicide, violence ideation).
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and quality improvement initiatives.
• Complete medication reconciliation and advocate for patients throughout their hospital stay.

Requirements

• Current BLS, ACLS, PALS, and TNCC certifications
• RN license (state-specific)

Shift & Contract Details

• 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
• 36 guaranteed hours per week
• 26-week contract