Behavioral Health Nurse (RN or LPN)

Behavioral Health Nurse (RN or LPN)

Job Category: Behavioral Health

Location: Fitchburg, MA 01420, USA +3 more locations

Pay Range: $27 to $42 USD

Description

The Outpatient Behavioral Health Nurse (RN or LPN) provides direct nursing care and clinical support to patients receiving outpatient behavioral health services. This role supports traditional outpatient psychiatric care as well as innovative interventional treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato® (esketamine) therapy. The nurse collaborates closely with psychiatrists, advanced practice providers, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care in a structured outpatient setting.

Essential Duties and Major responsibilities:

Clinical & Patient Care

• Provide direct nursing care to patients receiving outpatient behavioral health treatment, including mood, anxiety, trauma-related, and psychotic disorders.
• Conduct nursing assessments, vital signs, mental status observations, and medication-related monitoring.
• Assist with development and implementation of individualized care plans in collaboration with providers and the interdisciplinary team.
• Support medication management visits, including preparation, education, observation, and follow-up.
• Monitor patients for side effects, adverse reactions, and changes in mental or physical status; escalate concerns promptly per protocol.
• Provide patient and family education related to diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, and safety measures.
• TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Services
• Prepare patients for TMS treatments in accordance with provider orders and established protocols.
• Operate TMS equipment following manufacturer guidelines and organizational policies (training provided as needed).
• Monitor patient tolerance, comfort, and response during and after TMS sessions.
• Document treatment sessions, patient responses, and clinical observations accurately.
• Communicate patient progress or concerns to the prescribing provider.
• Spravato® (Esketamine) Clinic Services
• Support Spravato® administration in compliance with the REMS program, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform pre-administration assessments, including vital signs and readiness checks.
• Observe patients during and after Spravato® dosing for required monitoring periods.
• Assess and document patient response, side effects (e.g., dissociation, blood pressure changes), and safety concerns.
• Provide post-treatment education and ensure safe discharge criteria are met.
• Maintain accurate REMS-related documentation and logs as required.

Coordination & Collaboration

• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, therapists, pharmacists, and support staff to coordinate care.
• Assist with patient flow, scheduling coordination, and clinic operations for outpatient behavioral health, TMS, and Spravato® services.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case discussions and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain therapeutic rapport while supporting a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care environment.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Adhere to HIPAA, patient confidentiality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Follow federal, state, and organizational regulations governing behavioral health and interventional psychiatric services.
• Support accreditation, audit readiness, and quality standards as needed.

Minimum Qualifications and Expectations

• Registered Nurse or License Practical Nurse License
• Work experience equivalent to one year as an RN/LPN in an ambulatory medical office environment preferred
• Currently registered as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its Board of Registration in Nursing
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or Portuguese is a plus
• Computer skills for accurate data entry
• AHA BLS Health Care Provider certification or equivalent
• Required to work at least one evening per week
• Work schedules may need to be adjusted at any point based on organizational needs. This will be done in collaboration with the employee.
• May be asked to change to a different work location based on organizational needs.
• Demonstrated interpersonal relationship skills
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills in English
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced medical office environment
• Demonstrates understanding and commitment to the health center mission
• Demonstrates understanding and commitment to the established CHC Values and Standards
• Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned

Competencies: Individual departments will develop competencies which will be communicated and maintained through CHC's performance evaluation system.

Supervision Exercised: None. However, may be designated as Nurse of the Day by the Nursing Coordinator and be responsible for providing guidance to the Medical Assistants in order to maintain clinic flow

Environmental Working Conditions: Usual working environment found in outpatient primary care office setting. Exposure to blood products, body fluids, cleaning solutions, and medications.

Physical and Mental Requirements: The physical and mental demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Normal visual acuity and standard clerical dexterity to operate computers, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines; moderate walking, standing, reaching, and stooping in order to accomplish everyday office tasks required.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.