Job Title: Behavioral Health RN – Crisis Unit
Department: Crisis Services
Reports to: Crisis Unit Nurse Manager / Clinical Director
FLSA: Exempt
Supervisor Responsibilities: N/A
Job Summary
The Behavioral Health RN is a member of an inter-disciplinary treatment team providing inpatient, home, and community-based medical and mental health treatment within the scope of the Registered Nurses’ Practice Act and prescriber orders or protocols. This role emphasizes psychiatric crisis management, behavioral interventions, and medication management for clients experiencing acute psychiatric distress or challenging behaviors.
The RN manages psychiatric crises, carries out prescriber orders, oversees medication administration (including pharmacy coordination, prior authorizations, side effect monitoring, and injections), and maintains accurate medication records. The RN collaborates with Crisis Services, Emergency Rooms, and community providers, provides client medication and health education, and supports care coordination through rounds, staffings, and inter-team communications.
The ideal candidate demonstrates initiative, professionalism, and clinical expertise, working collaboratively to ensure high-quality, person-centered care in a fast-paced, crisis-focused environment.
Essential Functions
Clinical Assessment & Care
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Conduct comprehensive nursing, psychiatric, and behavioral assessments, documenting findings and implementing triaged interventions.
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Monitor, evaluate, and document behavioral trends, mental status, and clinical findings.
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Conduct routine vital signs, lab collections, EKGs, medication reconciliation, and admissions/discharges under ordered protocols.
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Develop and implement individualized treatment plans collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.
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Provide direct client care, including hygiene support, CPR/First Aid, and other nursing interventions under prescriber orders.
Medication & Health Management
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Administer and monitor psychotropic medications, including oral and injectable forms, under prescriber orders.
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Manage medication needs, including pharmacy orders, prior authorizations, side effect monitoring, and medication storage.
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Educate clients and families on medications, side effects, and health-related topics to support adherence.
Crisis & Behavioral Management
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Provide direct crisis intervention and behavioral management using approved techniques, including CPI and de-escalation strategies.
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Respond effectively to escalated behaviors, psychiatric crises, and potential restraint/seclusion events.
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Implement safety planning and risk reduction strategies to maintain client and staff safety.
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Collaborate with Crisis Services, Emergency Rooms, and community providers to coordinate acute care and crisis resolution.
Care Coordination & Collaboration
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Participate in rounds, staffings, and inter-team communications to coordinate care.
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Collaborate with internal and external providers to ensure continuity of care across settings.
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Provide psychoeducation and therapeutic support to clients and families.
Documentation & Compliance
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Maintain accurate medical, legal, and billing documentation in compliance with Diversus Health policies.
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Ensure documentation is timely, complete, and reflects interventions, assessments, and crisis management.
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Support quality improvement initiatives through documentation review and team collaboration.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
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Current RN license in good standing in Colorado.
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Experience working with behaviorally-challenging or crisis populations.
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Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
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Knowledge of CPI, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care.
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Proficient in electronic medical records, with accurate and timely documentation skills.
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Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.
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Committed to applying Diversus Health core values:
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Teamwork: We achieve more together.
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Solution-Minded: We embrace problems as opportunities.
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Impactful: We inspire positive outcomes.
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Integrity: We commit to do what is right.
Preferred Competencies
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Calm and composed under pressure, maintaining a professional tone in crisis situations.
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Self-motivated and anticipatory, with the ability to plan and adapt strategically.
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Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across teams and departments.
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Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
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Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and behavioral health care coordination.
Physical Requirements
This position is based in Colorado Springs, CO, and primarily operates in a clinical environment. The role requires frequent use of a computer, phone, and standard clinical equipment, as well as the ability to stand, walk, and perform patient care tasks for extended periods. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Flexibility in working hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, may be required to support crisis interventions and client care.
Diversus Health is committed to ensuring all employees can perform the essential functions of their job with reasonable accommodations, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees requiring accommodations should contact Human Resources.
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