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

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Athens, TN salary details

$13

$39

$67

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Athens, TN is $39.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.98 and $47.93 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 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
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Athens, TN? For Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Athens, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Athens, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Athens, TN are:
What cities near Athens, TN are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Athens, TN with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Athens, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,595 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse in Etowah, TN

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse in Etowah, TN

Vivian Health

Etowah, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) Behavioral Health

Starr Regional Medical Center

Registered Nurse (RN), Behavioral Health 

Job Type: Full-Time | Nights 7:00 pm-7:00 am, Etowah, TN., rotating weekends.  

$20,000 Sign-On Bonus available for qualified applicants

Your experience matters

Starr Regional Medical Center is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve. 

More about our team

We specialize in Dementia with Behavioral disturbances ages 50 and above. We are a 24-bed unit. We run a ratio of 1:7 and have the medical and psych oversight where the patients are seen 6 to 7 days a week. We have lots of employees that are tenured, including CNA's. We are a recently renovated unit with nice/updated equipment. We are attached to an Emergency Room so we have a Doctor 24/7 if needed. 

How you'll contribute

A Behavioral Health RN who excels in this role:

  • Performs initial and ongoing assessments of patient's condition. 
  • Establishes a plan of care which is appropriate to problems identified and involves the patient according to his or her capabilities and desires. 
  • Supervises and mentors nursing and support staff during assigned shift. 
  • Assists in determining staffing levels and assignments based on staff availability, staff abilities, census, patient acuity and work/patient flow. 
  • Provides direct patient care as needed. 
  • Floats between staff to assist with problem-solving. 
  • Takes patient assignments to meet staffing needs. 
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of patient care and identifies any issues that affect desired patient outcomes. 
  • Responds to complaints about patient care and related services, and manages through established channels. 
  • Performs role-specific duties as assigned, including entering orders, performing admissions or discharges, and coordinating transfers. 
  • Ensures staff has necessary equipment and supplies to provide safe, quality patient care.  

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
  • Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
  • Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
  • Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we're looking for

  • Education: Associate's degree required. BSN preferred.
  • Required Skills: Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
  • Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is required at the time of hire, Pediatric Advanced Life Support required within 6 months of hire or department transfer
  • Licenses: Must be a licensed Registered Nurse with the State of Tennessee or a licensed Registered Nurse from a Compact State with the proper Tennessee paperwork filed within 30 days of hire.

 More about Starr Regional Medical Center:  

Starr Regional Medical Center is a 118-bed acute hospital that has been offering exceptional care to the Athens and Etowah, TN community for over 50 years. 

 EEOC Statement

"Starr Reginal Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Starr Regional Medical Center and Starr Regional Health and Rehab are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.