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

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Athens, GA salary details

$15

$45

$78

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Athens, GA is $45.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $55.24 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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Registered Nurse - Community Support Team

Registered Nurse - Community Support Team

Advantage Behavioral Health Systems

Athens, GA

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse

Athens-Clarke - Pavilion - Athens, GA 30606

Overview

Level Experienced Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day

Description

Position Summary:

Under general supervision provides direct, technical nursing care functions in accordance with individual nursing care plans and as directed by attending physician to clients with behavioral health and/or substance use disorders in an outpatient behavioral health clinic. Care includes conducting initial and on-going nursing assessments, behavioral health assessments (as needed), administering medications including injections, assisting with client bridge requests, etc.

Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:

  • Assures treatment planning, discharge planning, and orders for services are determined and complete with second signatures (if needed).
  • Provides education to the client about medications and treatment.
    • Explains medication and treatment to the client.
    • Identifies client's health education/information needs; instructs clients accordingly. Solicits feedback from clients to verify understand.
    • Advises clients on health maintenance and refers client to other health care services as appropriate.
  • Administers medication(s) in the proper methods, time, and dosage as ordered and indicated by prescriber. This can include both oral and injection medications.
    • Observes and records client response to medication for side effects or adverse effects; immediately reports any significant reactions to attending prescriber.
  • Maintains adequate supply of necessary medications, samples, and lab supplies needed.
    • Conducts and records audits of medications for expiration dates and other data according to established guidelines.
    • Coordinates with Business Manager for re-ordering of lab supplies needed.
  • Calls in prescriptions ordered by physicians as needed.
  • Performs various health screenings according to established guidelines.
    • Takes vital signs and performs other tests (such as glucose monitoring, pregnancy tests, UDS, etc.) as required by the prescriber following established guidelines.
    • Collects specimens for diagnostic testing according to established procedures.
  • Orders lab work per protocol. Performs lab draws. Uses CLIA-waivered lab equipment for in-agency lab work and obtains lab results from lab work performed by commercial labs.
  • Provides initial and on-going assessments. Interviews client to obtain thorough medical history and/or determine extent of illness. Enters this into client chart for use by prescriber.
    • These assessments include initial and yearly nursing assessments minimally but can also include follow ups in between prescriber appointments.
    • Also, RN's may complete on-going behavioral health assessments (when appropriate) for clients.
  • Responsible for providing outpatient behavioral health psychoeducational groups to clients as appropriate.
  • Responds to clients in acute distress according to established guidelines.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Sample Technical Competencies:

1. Ability to identify medication

2. Ability to assist physician

3. Ability to convey patient's information to physician

4. Skill in routine medical procedures; i.e.: applying bandages and/or tourniquets, giving injections, measuring temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, etc.

5. Ability to maintain accurate medical records of treatments, medications, symptoms and patient conditions

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

RN: Current Georgia license to practice as a Registered Nurse

Preferred Qualifications:

None

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations :

RN