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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

Travel RN - Psychiatric

Danville, AL · On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN - Psychiatric for a 13-week night shift contract at a brand-new acute inpatient behavioral health facility in Danville, PA, requiring at least 1 year of ...

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Athens, AL salary details

$15

$45

$78

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Athens, AL is $45.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $55.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to make an extra 2000 a month as a nurse?

Behavioral Health RNs can increase their income by taking on per diem or agency shifts, which often pay higher rates, or by working additional hours in specialized settings. Gaining certifications in areas like mental health or addiction can also qualify RNs for higher-paying roles or overtime opportunities.

How to make $100,000 as a RN?

To earn $100,000 as a Behavioral Health RN, gaining experience, obtaining specialized certifications, and working in high-demand settings such as hospitals or outpatient facilities can help increase earning potential. Working overtime, taking on leadership roles, or pursuing advanced education like a master's degree may also contribute to higher salaries.

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.

How to make 150,000 as a nurse?

A Behavioral Health RN can earn $150,000 by gaining extensive experience, obtaining advanced certifications, working in high-demand settings, or taking on leadership roles such as charge nurse or clinical supervisor. Working overtime, specializing in areas like psychiatric or addiction treatment, and working in regions with higher pay scales can also increase earnings.

What does a behavioral health RN do?

A behavioral health RN provides nursing care to patients with mental health or substance use disorders, assessing their needs, administering medications, and developing treatment plans. They often work in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, or community settings, utilizing skills in patient assessment, crisis intervention, and therapeutic communication.

What are Behavioral Health RNs?

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
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What cities near Athens, AL are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Athens, AL with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:

RN Staff- Behavior Health, Full Time, Nights

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Decatur, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

712th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
The registered nurse is responsible for the delivery of patient care using the nursing processes of assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care. Also directs and guides patient care activities of ancillary personnel while maintaining standards of professional nursing. Cooperates and communicates well with all health team members to maintain the highest quality patient care.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions
  1. Completes all components of Nursing Assessment on new admission as indicated by age specific requirement in indicated time frame: Pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.
  2. Initiates and ensures medication reconciliation through admission, transfer and discharge process as applicable.
  3. Plans, directs and evaluates individualized nursing care based on identified problems and age specific/developmental requirements: Pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.
  4. Collaborates and coordinates with treatment team members to provide quality patient care and maintain accurate and timely interdisciplinary plan of care.
  5. Assesses and documents condition, observation, interventions and response on assigned patients on ongoing basis to include but not limited to normal system review, behavioral and age specific factor.
  6. Plans and provides patient and/or significant other education based on physical, behavioral, psychological development and age related factors after identifying barriers to learning.
  7. Performs venipuncture according to hospital policy: Pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.
  8. Demonstrates safe medication administration, maintaining medication and patient verification process per hospital policy. Pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric
  9. Adheres to policies and procedures and demonstrates practices that ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors, co-workers, and self.
  10. Demonstrates knowledge of core measures and guidelines to meeting requirements.
  11. Demonstrates problem solving and crucial thinking skills.
  12. Takes the initiative to obtain additional education related to scope of practice. Functions as a preceptor and mentor.
  13. CPR certification.

Qualifications
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:
Education: Graduate of Accredited School of Nursing with current Alabama licensure or MSL.
Experience: Experience preferred; new graduates accepted.
Additional Skill/Abilities: BLS required before the conclusion of the orientation period.

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