Behavioral Health Emergency Registered Nurse (PRN)

UNC Health Care; Patton Park (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Pardee UNC Health Care in North Carolina is seeking a Behavioral Health Emergency Medicine RN to provide specialized care for patients in mental health crises within the emergency department. The role emphasizes compassionate, rapid assessment, de-escalation, and safe, patient-centered interventions.

The ideal candidate will have an active NC RN license (or compact), at least 2 years of general RN experience with 1 year in behavioral health, BLS, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with a

Qualifications

• Current RN licensure in North Carolina or compact state.
• Two years of RN experience with at least 1 year in behavioral health.
• BLS certification required.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive assessments of patients with mental health issues in the ED.
• Delivers immediate, compassionate care during psychiatric crises to prevent harm.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team on treatment plans and interventions.
• Documents interactions and treatments in the EHR accurately.
• Educates patients and families about mental health disorders and resources.
• Acts as an advocate for patients' emotional needs during emergency care.

Skills

Behavioral health nursing

Crisis de-escalation

Patient education

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

BSN

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Job description

Description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary:
The Behavioral Health Emergency Medicine RN provides specialized care to patients experiencing mental health crises or behavioral health/substance dependence emergencies. The ideal candidate will have a passion for helping individuals with behavioral health needs and clinical expertise in behavioral health crises, exhibiting a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities:

• Performs comprehensive assessments of patients presenting with mental health issues, behavioral/substance crises, and medical concerns in the emergency department setting. Recognizes and assesses signs of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders.

• Delivers immediate, compassionate care during psychiatric crises or episodes to prevent harm and reduce agitation. Provides immediate nursing interventions, such as crisis de-escalation, medication intervention, and monitoring of safety and mental status changes. Uses therapeutic communication skills and de-escalation techniques to manage agitated or distressed patients.

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team to ensure appropriate and timely care for patients with behavioral health concerns. Collaborates on the development and implementation individualized treatment plans, and determination of appropriate interventions, including the potential use of restraints or seclusion when clinically necessary and in compliance with established protocols.

• Documents patient interactions, assessments, and treatments accurately and in a timely manner in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Maintains compliance with hospital policies, legal requirements, and accreditation standards related to mental health care and patient confidentiality.

• Guides and educates patients and their families regarding mental health disorders, treatment options, and community resources. Facilitates communication with families and caregivers to support patient care and discharge planning.

• Serves as an advocate for patients' emotional and psychological needs during their emergency care. Provides empathetic, culturally competent care to diverse patient populations, recognizing the impact of mental health challenges on individuals from various backgrounds.

• Participates in ongoing training related to behavioral health crisis management, de-escalation techniques, and other relevant professional development opportunities.

Other information:

Required

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in North Carolina and/or compact state
• Two (2) years of experience working as a Registered Nurse with at least 1 year of that experience in behavioral health nursing.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Experience in a psychiatric or emergency department setting.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• National Crisis Interventions Plus (NCI+) or similar de-escalation training.
• Psychiatric Nursing Certification.
• Strong knowledge of psychiatric and medical conditions, with the ability to differentiate between the two in an emergency setting.

Job Details

Legal Employer: Pardee - HCHC

Entity: Pardee UNC Health Care

Organization Unit: Emergency Department

Work Type: Per Diem

Standard Hours Per Week: 8.00

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Variable

Location of Job: PARDEEHOSP

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.