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

Behavioral Health Tech

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Behavioral Health Technician A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is a vital frontline healthcare ... They assist licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses in providing direct, hands-on care ...

Behavioral Health Tech

Cleveland, TN

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is a vital frontline healthcare professional ... They assist licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses in providing direct, hands-on care ...

Showing results 41-60

Behavioral Health Rn information

See Athens, TN salary details

$13

$39

$67

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.
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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, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,595 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

$30 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Embark Behavioral Health rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Nurse - Per Diem

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour based on experience

Location: Benton, TN

Part time, as needed

Are you a compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Nurse looking for a flexible per diem opportunity? Embark Behavioral Health is seeking a Registered Nurse - Per Diem to deliver high-quality medical care to adolescents in a supportive, team-based environment. In this role, you'll assess health needs, manage medications, monitor vitals and behavior, and collaborate with clinical staff to promote whole-person wellness. Join a mission-driven organization that's transforming youth mental health across the country-one life at a time.

Located near the Hiwassee River and Tennessee mountains, our therapeutic wilderness setting provides the perfect backdrop for transformation. Our home-like residential program fosters healing for both clients and staff, offering an opportunity to make a lasting impact while growing personally and professionally. 

Responsibilities
  • Medical Care & Health Assessments: Provide comprehensive medical care, including emergency response and general needs. Respond promptly to reports of pain or illness, conducting thorough assessments to determine the appropriate course of action.
  • Medication & Narcotics Management: Accurately sort and administer medications according to prescribed schedules. Maintain strict accountability for narcotics by counting and tracking during each shift.
  • Medical Appointments & Lab Coordination: Accompany students to medical appointments, communicating findings to parents and the Nursing Manager. Coordinate and facilitate lab draws to ensure accurate and timely results.
  • Medical Communication: Share relevant medical information with the Treatment Team and Psychiatrist, both verbally and in writing..
  • Licensure Maintenance: Complete all necessary activities to uphold an active and valid nursing license in the State of Tennessee
Qualifications
  • Must be at least 21
  • Active RN or LPN License in Tennessee.

  • Strong clinical skills (assessments, medication management, vitals monitoring).

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and provide empathetic care.

  • Experience with adolescents (preferred but not required).

  • Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check.

  • Candidates must be prepared to establish a CAQH profile and obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) as part of the onboarding process.
Benefits
  • Become the Best of the Best: Access to an established Mastery Program that offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth.
  • Proven Positive Outcomes: You'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a tangible difference in young adults and adolescents lives.
  • Holistic Family Approach: Embark recognizes the importance of treating families which is crucial for sustained recovery and well-being for teens.
  • Robust (EAP) Employee Assistance Program.

Embark Behavioral Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Embark is committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience it offers through the diversity of its employees and community. Embark seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who will contribute to the organization's excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.

 #LI-KK1 #LI-Onsite #EBNUR

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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