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Behavioral Health Nurse Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Nurse information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$16

$48

$84

How much do behavioral health nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health nurse in Riverside, CA is $48.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $59.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health nurse?

Behavioral Health Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with mental health or psychiatric conditions. They assess, monitor, and support individuals experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and schizophrenia. Their responsibilities include administering medications, developing care plans, providing counseling, and collaborating with other mental health professionals. Behavioral Health Nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and community health organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health nurse?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Nurse, you need a solid background in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and mental health assessment, typically supported by an RN license and specialized behavioral health training. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, psychotropic medication management, and de-escalation techniques is often required. Strong communication, emotional resilience, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for building trust and supporting patients in distress. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing effective, compassionate care in complex mental health environments.

What are some typical challenges behavioral health nurses face when working with patients, and how can they address them?

Behavioral Health Nurses often encounter challenges such as managing patients in crisis, addressing non-compliance with treatment plans, and navigating complex family dynamics. To address these, nurses rely on strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers and therapists. Regular training in crisis intervention and maintaining clear boundaries can also help ensure both patient safety and effective care. Team support and supervision are vital for managing the emotional demands of the role.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Nurse vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectBehavioral Health NursePsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsRN license, possibly certification in mental healthRN license, certification in psychiatric or mental health nursing
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, community settingsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, inpatient units
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health organizationsSpecialized psychiatric facilities, hospitals

Both Behavioral Health Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses are registered nurses specializing in mental health. While their roles overlap significantly, Psychiatric Nurses often work in specialized psychiatric settings and may have additional training focused on psychiatric care. Behavioral Health Nurses tend to work in broader mental health environments, addressing a wide range of behavioral health issues. Both roles require RN licensure and mental health certifications, making them closely related career paths in the mental health nursing field.

What type of behavioral health nurse is most in demand?

The most in-demand behavioral health nurses are psychiatric-mental health nurses who specialize in caring for patients with mental health and substance use disorders. These nurses often work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings and may require certification such as the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC). Their skills in crisis intervention, patient assessment, and therapy make them highly sought after in the behavioral health field.

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Behavioral Health Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Behavioral Health Nurse jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Behavioral Health Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Nurse job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,615 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

$28.25 - $38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Loma Linda University Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 1,060 rated hospitals


Job description

Job Summary: The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal Certified in California and carries out responsibilities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Provides direct and indirect age-specific and developmentally appropriate patient care as designated within the established multidisciplinary care plan and as ordered. Performs duties within the LVN scope of practice and in accordance with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH) and department established policies, procedures, protocols, techniques, and guidelines in a fast-paced behavioral health unit. Seeks information and clarification of duties and responsibilities when necessary. Partners with the RN to provide quality whole-person patient-centered care in accordance with established professional practice model (Duffy's Quality-Caring Model). Assists the RN with gathering data for the development and updating of the individualized multidisciplinary patient care plan. Reports observations of patient progress toward care plan goals and expected outcomes. Notifies RN immediately of abnormal findings and changes in patients' condition. Responds to triggers and risk factors that can cause a patient's behavior to escalate takes appropriate action to control the situation, while keeping the patient safe. Works with behavioral health care team to provide patient education and assists with discharge process. Exhibits interpersonal skills that portray professionalism and maximize excellence in customer service, safe patient care and professionalism. Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Graduate of a school of Vocational Nursing. Minimum of one year experience as an LVN required. Behavioral health experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of the California LVN scope of practice required. Demonstrates competencies in clinical nursing activities as outlined by the LVN board. Knowledge of behavioral health illnesses and treatment. Basic knowledge of healthcare regulations and accreditation required. Able to read, write legibly and speak in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, electronic event reporting program, established organization electronic medical record; operate and troubleshoot equipment utilized for position; perform patient care activities using proper body mechanics and safety precautions; comprehend and follow-through with instructions; relate and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; collaborate; accept direction; think critically and use good judgment; problem solve and collaborate with licensed members of the team as necessary; perform duties with RN supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple patient assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; Able to distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place and patient care; discern temperature variances through touch; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position, exhibit professional behavior at all times.

Licensures and Certifications: Active California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license required. Basic life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association required. California Blood Withdrawal certification required.

Our mission is to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Our core values are compassion, excellence, humility, integrity, justice, teamwork and wholeness.
Loma Linda University Health is a Seventh-day Adventist, faith and values based Christian institution. Candidates must understand and embrace the mission, purpose, and identity of Loma Linda and its affiliated entities.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of diversity. We provide equal opportunities in all aspects of the employment process to every individual, regardless of gender, race, color, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified individuals requesting an accommodation due to a disability. If you need accommodation assistance with accessing our job listings or completing an application, or during any other phase of employment with us, please contact Human Resources Management at (909) 651-4001.

Loma Linda University Medical Center is a religiously-qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964. No question on this application is asked for the purpose of unlawfully limiting or excluding any applicant's consideration for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation in the hiring process, please notify Human Resource Management.

We appreciate your interest in Loma Linda and wish you success in your job search!

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About Loma Linda University Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) is an esteemed healthcare organization situated in Loma Linda, California, US. Established in 1905, it was initially known as the College of Medical Evangelists, and it operated as the official medical institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church until the name was changed to LLUH in 1961. LLUH is very much active in the healthcare and education sectors, providing a vast range of services such as medical treatment, research, and health education. The organization’s core mission is "to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ", which underlines its binding values of compassion, integrity, excellence, freedom, and justice.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Loma Linda, CA, US