Behavioral Health Nurse Lead

Job Description

The Behavioral Health Nurse Lead is responsible for providing exceptional care to patients presenting with behavioral health needs. This role includes conducting assessments, developing tailored management plans, and ensuring safety within the emergency department (ED).

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct immediate triage for all new behavioral health presentations to the ED.
• Perform risk and safety assessments to determine necessary precautions, including elopement risk and need for medical treatment.
• Initiate behavioral management strategies based on patient presentations.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to the primary RN and ED provider.
• Implement individualized behavioral management plans to guide the care team.
• Monitor and reassess safety needs and behavioral changes of patients in the ED.
• Collaborate with psychiatry and ED leadership to support patient flow and disposition planning.
• Lead de-escalation efforts using verbal and non-verbal techniques.
• Participate in change-out and removal of personal belongings and contraband, ensuring a safe environment.
• Serve as a resource for questions and concerns regarding patient behavior and care strategies.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance behavioral health care.
• Educate patients, families, and staff about behavioral health conditions, treatments, and care strategies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address patient needs effectively.
• Perform comprehensive assessments and develop appropriate care plans for patients with behavioral health concerns.
• Complete medication reconciliation and ensure timely documentation of safety monitoring.
• Demonstrate adherence to ethical issues, patient rights, and confidentiality requirements.
• Support continuous communication among care team members to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health nursing.
• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and knowledge of current health care practices.
• Ability to provide education and training on trauma-informed care and crisis intervention techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with various healthcare professionals.
• Proficiency in conducting thorough assessments and developing individualized care plans.
• Dedication to upholding clinical standards and regulatory requirements.