1

Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

RN/LPN Pediatric Homecare (All Shifts)

Johnston, IA · On-site

$25.50 - $34.75/hr

RN/LPN Pediatric Homecare (All Shifts) Nurse (ARNP, RN, LPN) Johnston, Iowa Apply Description Are ... behavioral health, and community-based services. With a coordinated approach to care delivery ...

RN/LPN Respite (PRN)

Johnston, IA · On-site

$29 - $37.25/hr

Current valid license as a RN or LPN in Iowa. * Valid driver's license with two or fewer violations ... behavioral health, and community-based services. With a coordinated approach to care delivery ...

Registered Nurse - RN We are one of the largest private duty nursing companies in the nation and ... Health, Dental, Vision and Company-Paid Life Insurance * Paid Time Off Available * Flexible ...

Accura HealthCare of Ogden is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to join our team. Our nurses promote the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our residents and team members. If this ...

Showing results 41-60

Behavioral Health Rn information

See Ames, IA salary details

$15

$45

$79

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Ames, IA is $45.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.69 and $55.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a behavioral health RN do?

The job duties of a behavioral health RN revolve around providing patient care in a mental health capacity. You work with psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians to offer psychiatric and behavioral care. As a behavioral health nurse, you perform duties such as helping patients perform exercises to change thought patterns or habits. You may also assist with relaxation techniques for stress management or pain management. With specialized training, you may also employ biofeedback techniques or work with clients on long-term therapies such as personality development and behavior modification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health RN, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and expertise in mental health assessment and crisis intervention. Familiarity with behavioral health documentation systems, de-escalation tools, and relevant certifications like BLS or PMH-BC is typically required. Strong communication, emotional resilience, and empathy are vital soft skills for supporting patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe, effective care and fostering a therapeutic environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

What are some typical challenges a behavioral health RN might encounter when working with patients in a mental health setting?

Behavioral Health RNs often face challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating crisis situations, and balancing the emotional demands of supporting individuals with complex mental health needs. They must also maintain clear and compassionate communication with both patients and interdisciplinary team members, while adhering to strict safety protocols. Successfully navigating these challenges requires resilience, adaptability, and strong teamwork skills within a supportive mental health care environment.

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

AspectBehavioral Health RnPsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, possibly additional behavioral health certificationsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, often with psychiatric or mental health certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, community health settingsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health units, outpatient clinics
Employer & IndustryHospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient centersPsychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilities
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral Health Rn vs Psychiatric Nurse

Both roles involve providing mental health care, but Behavioral Health Rns often work in diverse settings with a focus on behavioral health interventions, while Psychiatric Nurses typically work specifically within psychiatric hospitals or units. The credentials and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related roles in mental health care.

What is a behavioral health RN?

Behavioral Health Registered Nurses (RNs) are specialized nurses who care for patients experiencing mental health issues, emotional disorders, or substance abuse problems. They work in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers. Their responsibilities include assessing patients’ mental health needs, administering medications, developing care plans, and providing support to patients and their families. Behavioral Health RNs collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and promote patient recovery.
More about Behavioral Health Rn jobs
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ames, IA? For Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ames, IA are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,277 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

RN/LPN Pediatric Homecare (All Shifts)

ChildServe

Johnston, IA • On-site

$25.50 - $34.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


ChildServe rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RN/LPN Pediatric Homecare (All Shifts)

Nurse (ARNP, RN, LPN) Johnston, Iowa

Apply

Description

Are you looking to make a real difference in a child’s life? As a Pediatric Homecare Nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with your clients while helping them grow and thrive right at home. Enjoy the reward of providing focused, personalized care without the rush of managing multiple patients at once.

You’ll never be sent to a home unprepared. All staff receive in-home, client-specific training with another nurse before working independently in the client’s home. Clinical support from experienced nurses is also available during all operating hours.

To learn more: Nursing at ChildServe - ChildServe (https://www.childserve.org/nursing-at-childserve/)

Hours & Scheduling:

  • Full-Time (FT)

  • Part-Time (PT)

  • PRN (As Needed)

Shift Lengths: Shifts vary based on family needs and physician orders and typically range from 5 to 12 hours. Some homes require up to 16 hours of coverage per day, which is split between a day nurse and an evening nurse.

Example Shifts Include:

  • 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM

  • 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Service Area: We serve families within a 35-mile radius of our Johnston campus, including: Des Moines metro, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Indianola, Pleasant Hill, and Elkhart.

How You’ll Make an Impact

  • Serve as the sole provider of a full range of nursing services as defined within the nursing scope of practice, physician’s orders, and the client specific care plan.

  • Communicate effectively, respectfully, and professionally with all members of the client care team to assure assigned child’s care needs are assessed, communicated, and met.

  • Provide training to clients, families, and staff as needed to help advance the skills and knowledge of all people associated with a child’s care delivery.

What You’ll Need

  • Current valid license as a RN or LPN in Iowa.

  • Active BLS from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

  • Ability to lift up to 35 lbs, be mobile within the clinic areas, and frequently bend, lift, reach, and stand.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in (or through) reading, writing and speaking the English language.

Not sure if you hit 100% of the position expectations? Let's talk! Reach out to our Talent Acquisition team by emailing [email protected] .

Make a Difference Every Day at Child Serve

  • Child Serve partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.

  • Child Serve is a leading pediatric healthcare provider with Iowa’s only children's specialty hospital, offering a variety of services and programs to meet each child’s unique needs.

  • Child Serve ’s four key specialty areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community-based services. With a coordinated approach to care delivery, services are interwoven and streamlined, so families can address their child’s needs in one location.

  • Established in 1928, Child Serve proudly provides more than 30 pediatric specialty services to nearly 6,000 children in Iowa each year.

Child Serve is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email [emailprotected] . Child Serve is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


What ChildServe employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom