Entry Level Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Claratel Behavioral Health (formerly known as DeKalb Community Service Board)  is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, offering a full range of mental health services, developmental disabilities programs and substance abuse treatment to more than 11,000 citizens annually who are uninsured and underinsured.

As a public, not-for-profit organization, 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. Claratel BH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults.  The Center offers three levels of care starting with the Crisis Services Center unit that receives walk-ins, transfers from emergency rooms, and involuntary referrals for evaluation.

If further observation is needed, individuals are monitored in the Temporary Observation Unit for 12-24 hours. Individuals needing a longer period of stabilization or substance withdrawal management (usually 5-7 days) are admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit where ongoing care includes crisis counseling, medication, and assistance with discharge planning.

The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center (DRCC) provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults across three levels of care:

• Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES): Rapid intake, triage, and evaluation of walk-ins, law enforcement drop-offs, ER transfers, and involuntary referrals.
• Temporary Observation (Temp Observations): 12–24 hours of monitoring and evaluation for clients needing extended stabilization.
• Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU): 5–7-day admissions for psychiatric stabilization and/or withdrawal management, with crisis counseling, medication, and discharge planning.

Position Summary

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Assessment & Monitoring

• 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.

Medication Administration & Management

• 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.

Crisis Management & Safety

• 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.

Clinical Nursing Care

• 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.

Collaboration & Care Coordination

• 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.

Documentation & Compliance

• 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.

Professional Development & 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 activities.
• Support onboarding and mentoring of new nursing staff and nursing students.

Work Schedule

• Full-time Night Shift RNs are scheduled from 7pm to 7:45am for rotating shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure 24/7 coverage.
• Staff will be scheduled for a minimum of four weekend shifts per month, distributed based on unit and staffing needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Georgia license as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN).
• Basic computer literacy and experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR).

Preferred Experience & Training

• Prior experience in psychiatric, behavioral health, detox/withdrawal management, or crisis stabilization settings.
• Certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Mindset/behavioral de-escalation training.

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.

For more information visit www.claratel.org/careers

Claratel Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer regarding disability under VEVRRA and ADA