Discovery Behavioral Health·Fairfield, Connecticut
The Registered Nurse provides comprehensive mental health treatment services, including patient assessments, medication administration, and the development of nursing care plans. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to manage patient medical needs and ensure a safe therapeutic environment.
Discovery Mood & Anxiety Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program is a national leader in behavioral healthcare and one of the fastest growing companies in the field. DBH offers world-class treatment for those struggling with mental health and places a high priority on seeking employees who share our passion for improving the lives we serve. Since 1997, Discovery Mood and Anxiety Programs, DBH’s Mental Health Disorder Division, has helped thousands of patients discover their path to the full and rewarding lives they deserve with evidence-based and inclusive treatment options.
The Registered Nurse works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Discovery Behavioral Health Clinical Model. Essential Job Functions: Meets with each potential new admission and completes face to face assessment. Screens for medical appropriateness for admission to facility and consults with the medical/psychiatric provider to receive orders for admission. Supports the process by checking belongings, providing searches, etc. as needed. Completes initial nursing assessment and full medical admission process upon admission for each patient. Ensures all orders from medical/psychiatric providers are carried out. Ensure that all patients have signed informed consent for medications prior to the 1st dose. Administers medications as prescribed and administers PRN medications and documents effectiveness within timelines. Must demonstrate knowledge of Axis I diagnosis and symptoms. Develops and initiates the Nursing Care Plan. Ensures proper narcotic diversion protocols as per policy are completed each shift Meets regularly with medical staff and treatment team to discuss patient care, needs and interventions. Provides assessment of medical problems as needed. Performs primary first aid and determines need for physician notification. Performs vital signs, basic evaluative procedures, and tests. Performs blood draws. Provides health education to patients and staff. Responsible to ensure all the medications needed by the patients are ordered appropriately and available in the facility. Manages and orders supplies and keeps a fully stocked and operational nursing station. Effectively and professionally communicates with families/loved ones, as appropriate. Able to effectively and professionally establish rapport with patients. Provides milieu management throughout the treatment experience and communicates with all team members. Objectively and accurately documents patient progress as required by policy. Assists with discharge process. Assesses patient suicidality and possibility of danger to self or others. Communicates with referral sources and outpatient providers for continuity of care upon admission, midpoint, and discharge, as needed. Makes timely requests for any absences and ensures coverage for any scheduled shift. Manages patient’s medical needs including schedule appointments, complete referral/ prior authorizations for medical treatments and tests as indicated. Oversees the medication management system that includes but not limited to, medication planning, storage, ordering and transcribing, administration, monitoring and evaluation. Other duties as assigned. *Substance Use Disorder Division additional job functions: Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols. Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox. *Eating Disorder Division additional job functions: Required to sit at a meal and a snack on every shift. Will work during meal periods to provide supervision and support to patient. Maintains NG tube and administers bolus feeds when appropriate. Knowledge, Education, & Experience: Bachelor of Science and Nursing preferred. ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) accepted. Holds a current RN license in good standing. One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders field. Ability to draw blood required. Employment Status: Full-time Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8am-8pm Work Location: On-site - Fairfield, CT Compensation: Pay Range: $38.00 - 45.00 per hour Discovery Behavioral Health seeks to build a diverse staff that is reflective of the patients we serve and the communities where we work. DBH encourages multiple perspectives, experiences, and strives to hire and retain a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Candidates must hold a current RN license and have the ability to draw blood, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred. One year of experience in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders is preferred.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Connecticut often draw steady demand from community providers, schools, and outpatient programs serving clients with ongoing support needs. These roles can be competitive because employers commonly look for reliable scheduling, documentation skills, and practical requirements such as a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, access to an insured vehicle, and completed clearances. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm travel expectations and required verifications before applying.
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