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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Frankfort, KY (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Rn information

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$13

$40

$70

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Frankfort, KY is $40.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.04 and $49.71 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 Frankfort, KY are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs?

Cities near Frankfort, KY with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:

Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Frankfort, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,595 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health/RRTP

Veterans Health Administration

Lexington, KY

$64K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,007 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description


QualificationsBasic Requirements:
  • English Language Proficiency
  • In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
  • Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program
  • Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
  • (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6)
  • OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
  • Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
  • Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia
  • Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification
  • Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade
  • The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13005503
  • Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
  • An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required
  • Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
  • An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
  • Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
  • Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
  • An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2
  • OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2
  • OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
  • OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
  • Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
  • A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3
  • OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3
  • OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3
  • OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
  • OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience
  • Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
  • MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
  • OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
  • OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
  • OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
  • *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
  • Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
  • Preferred Experience: Previous med surg experience preferred Previous experience in a rehabilitation treatment program preferred BSN preferred Behavioral Health experience preferred Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity
  • This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing
  • Transferring patients and objects may be required
  • The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
  • The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders
  • The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

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About Veterans Health Administration

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

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