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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$15

$44

$77

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Baton Rouge, LA is $44.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.07 and $54.95 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
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What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,528 per year, or $45 per hour.

Registered Nurse PRN DAYS

Seaside Health System

Baton Rouge, LA

Per diem

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Seaside Health System is seeking PRN-Day Shift Behavioral Health RNs in our Baton Rouge Inpatient Hospital for the day shift. Successful candidates are RNs who value clinical excellence, integrity and treating patients and colleagues with dignity and respect.

We offer:

  • Competitive Salaries based on experience.

  • Collaborative community with supportive colleagues.

  • Mentoring by senior nursing staff who are committed to your success and professional development.

  • A nurse-centric management team with an ED who is an RN, and DON & ADON promoted from our sister hospital in NOLA.

  • Established clinical protocols, policies and procedures based on outcomes and evidence-based practice.

  • Medical, Dental, Life, AD&D insurance and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program.

  • 401(k) retirement plan.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide direct and individualized patient care in accordance with physician orders and established nursing standards

  • Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including physical, psychosocial, and behavioral evaluations

  • Develop, implement, and update nursing care plans based on patient needs and responses to treatment

  • Administer medications and treatments safely while monitoring effectiveness and adverse reactions

  • Monitor, record, and report changes in patient condition to the appropriate provider

  • Ensure accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR)

  • Respond appropriately to emergency situations, including initiating life-saving interventions when necessary

  • Collaborate with physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure continuity of care

  • Educate patients and families on diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, and discharge instructions

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment in compliance with infection control and safety standards

  • Follow all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (CMS, state, and accreditation standards)

  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and adherence to patient safety goals

  • Supervise and delegate tasks to LPNs and support staff as appropriate

  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to meet PRN scheduling needs and staffing demands

  • Maintain current licensure and required certifications (e.g., CPR, CPI if applicable)

  • Always uphold patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Must have a Louisiana State RN license.

  • Military RNs and their families are eligible for expedited RN in licensure in LA and are encouraged to apply.

  • One year or more work experience in a psych/mental health/behavioral health facility preferred but not required.

  • Active listening skills and empathy for patients.

  • Mature, professional, and positive attitude.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to set boundaries, use and interpret nonverbal cues.

  • Emotional Intelligence including the ability to manage stress and anxiety, knows when to ask for help and how to be a reliable colleague.

  • Critical thinking, including the ability to implement interventions that are proven to result in a positive outcome for patients

Equal Employment Opportunity

Seaside Health System is committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees and applicants. It is our policy to ensure that both current and prospective employees are afforded equal employment opportunity without consideration of race, religious creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in accordance with local, state and federal laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.