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

Care Career is seeking a travel nurse RN Behavioral Health for a travel nursing job in Athens, Tennessee. & Requirements * Specialty: Behavioral Health * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/08/2026

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Behavioral Health Rn information

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$13

$39

$67

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Behavioral Health Rn jobs

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,595 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse, (RN) Behavioral Health

Starr Regional Medical Center

Athens, TN • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

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. Our compassionate, team-focused environment empowers RNs and LPNs to provide specialized care while building strong therapeutic relationships with patients on their journey to recovery. Join a supportive team that values collaboration, professional growth, and patient-centered care. If you're passionate about mental health and making a lasting impact, we invite you to bring your skills and compassion to our Behavioral Health family.

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.  
  • Performs initial and ongoing assessments of patient's condition.
  • Performs plan of care intervention, including medication administration, specimen collection, clinical treatments, as well as other medical care treatment.
  • Documents patient care given.
  • Monitors, records, and communicates patient condition as appropriate to care team, physician, patient, and family.
  •  Assists patients with performing activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, elimination, nutrition, and ambulation.
  • Collaborates as needed across disciplines to coordinate patient care, including patient transfer, discharge, referral and spiritual/psychosocial support needs.
  • Evaluates learning needs of patient and/or family and provides patient/family education appropriate to age, culture, condition, and circumstances.
  • Works as an advocate for the physical and emotional well-being of the patient.

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
  • Active Tennessee  RN license (single-state or compact) required. If relocating, licensure must be updated to the new Primary State of Residence (PSOR) before employment begins.

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.


Starr Regional Medical Center logo

About Starr Regional Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Starr Regional Medical Center is a two-hospital system with campuses in Athens and Etowah, TN. The Athens campus provides inpatient and outpatient services through its 118-bed acute care facility while the Etowah campus is home to an emergency department, outpatient services, an 88-bed skilled and long-term care nursing home, a senior care program and wound care center.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Athens, TN, US

Year founded

1973

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