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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Columbia, MO (NOW HIRING)

SSM Health

Behavioral Health Technician

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Behavioral Health • Schedule: Full Time, Nights • Location: Jefferson City, MO Our mission and ... RN. * Observes and records patient behavior and activities. Reports any changes in condition and ...

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Columbia, MO salary details

$15

$44

$77

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Columbia, MO is $44.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.78 and $54.42 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 Columbia, MO are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MO with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:

Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Columbia, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,687 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health

Jefferson City, MO • On-site

SSM Health

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 551 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

498th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Learn more about SSM Healthexternal

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

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

Job description

It's more than a career, it's a calling

MO-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Highlights:

Sign-on Bonus: Please speak with your recruiter about sign on bonus eligibility! 

Benefits: Competitive, affordable health insurance including but not limited to: 

  • Getting paid every day! 

  • Access up to $5,250 in tuition coverage per year 

  • Paid maternity & paternity coverage 

  • Adoption assistance 

  • Various competitive health insurance options & wellness plans 

  • Retirement benefits including employer matching plans 

  • Long & short-term disability 

  • Employee assistance programs (EAP) 

*Please note, benefits and eligibility can vary by position, exclusions may apply. 

#CoreHire 

Job Summary:

Provides direct patient care to behavioral health patients in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the facility.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Completes admitting and shift assessments on assigned patients including behaviors; accurately and within time-frame set in policy and procedures.
  • Utilizes critical thinking skills and judgement to analyze patient assessment data and notify physician of changes in condition.
  • Participates in the development, review and evaluation of multidisciplinary treatment plans as per policies and procedures.
  • Documents all nursing care given and adheres to nursing standards and ministry policies and procedures.
  • Consistently and accurately implements and records physicians orders.
  • Assesses and monitors patients and environment for safety within the unit.
  • Serves as a clinical resource and supervises care delivered by LPN's and techs.
  • Educates patients and families based on assessed needs and documents education provided in the Electronic Health Record.
  • Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service.
  • As an SSM Health nurse, I will demonstrate the professional nursing standards defined in the professional practice model. Uses the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses to guide his/her response to the current and evolving health and nursing needs of our patients and our patient populations.
  • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


EDUCATION

  • Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing


EXPERIENCE

  • No experience required


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
  • Constant standing and walking.
  • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
  • Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
  • Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
  • Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
  • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
  • Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
  • Occasional driving.
  • Rare crawling and running.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS 
 
State of Work Location: Illinois 

  •     Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) 
  •     And 
  •     Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) 

State of Work Location: Missouri 

  •     Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) 
  •     And 
  •         Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration 
  •         Or 
  •         Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State 

 
State of Work Location: Oklahoma 

  •     Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) 
  •     And 
  •         Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State 
  •         Or 
  •         Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) 

 
State of Work Location: Wisconsin 

  •     Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) 
  •     And 
  •         Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State 
  •         Or 
  •         Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services 

Work Shift:

Night Shift (United States of America)

Job Type:

Employee

Department:

1200000011 4 East BHM
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
24

Benefits:

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

  • Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE). 

  • Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.

  • Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. 

Explore All Benefits

SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.

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