Behavioral Health RN PRN

The Registered Nurse–Psychiatric provides direct and indirect patient care within a behavioral health setting. The RN is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating psychiatric nursing care in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. The role includes coordination of treatment plans, medication administration, and support within the therapeutic milieu, promoting patient safety and recovery.

Essential Functions

• Performs psychiatric assessments and formulates individualized care plans

• Monitors patient condition, evaluates responses to care, and updates treatment plans

• Administers medications and treatments as prescribed, including psychotropics

• Assists patients with activities of daily living and therapeutic routines

• Participates in therapeutic interventions including group, family, or individual sessions

• Provides patient and family education related to treatment plans, medications, and coping strategies

• Coordinates patient care with interdisciplinary team and supports discharge planning

• Engages in crisis intervention and behavioral de-escalation as needed

• Documents all assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely

• Maintains confidentiality and fosters a safe, therapeutic environment

• Participates in staff training and orientation; acts as a role model for trauma-informed care

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills

• Proficient in behavioral health nursing principles, de-escalation techniques, and therapeutic communication

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Proficiency in EMR and familiarity with behavioral health documentation standards

• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and advocate for patient needs

• Sensitivity to diverse cultural, religious, and psychosocial factors influencing care

• Physical and mental capacity to handle psychiatric emergencies and extended periods of activity

Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), required

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), preferred

Licenses/Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse license in the state of practice or Compact State RN license

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within time frame specified in facility policy

• Handle With Care (HWC) or CPI certification required within time frame specified in facility policy

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred

Experience

• Six months of RN experience in a direct patient care setting preferred

• Experience in behavioral health/psychiatric nursing strongly preferred