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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Hagerstown, MD (NOW HIRING)

... behavioral health needs. This role focuses on promoting health, managing chronic conditions, and ensuring the overall well-being of individuals in residential or community-based settings. The RN is ...

Behavioral Health Technician, BHT, ABA Therapist, Registered Behavior Technician, Applied Behavior Analysis, RBT Certification, Youth Behavioral Services, Mental Health Technician, In-home ABA ...

An Registered Nurse (RN) at Merakey provides clinical oversight and high-quality nursing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or behavioral health needs. This role ...

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Behavioral Health Rn information

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$15

$46

$80

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Hagerstown, MD is $46.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.12 and $56.73 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.

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Cities near Hagerstown, MD with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Hagerstown, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,564 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health Inpatient Services - Day/Evening

WellSpan Health

Chambersburg, PA

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


WellSpan Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 304 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

RN - Behavioral Health Inpatient Services

  • Work in a 26-bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit, featuring a 16-bed less acute unit and a 10-bed acute care unit.
  • Provide 24/7 inpatient psychiatric care including diagnostic assessments, stabilization, and personalized treatment plans.
  • Join a multidisciplinary team of Psychiatry, Nursing, Licensed and Unlicensed Professional Counselors, Occupational Therapy, RN Care Management, and Social Work.
  • Thrive in a supportive and engaging team culture that fosters personal and professional growth.
  • Access nursing leadership pathways, preceptorships, and a graduate nurse residency program to advance your career.
  • Benefit from educational support for nursing certifications and mentorship from a dedicated Nursing Educator, Clinical Managers, and a Licensed Professional Counselor leader.
  • Enjoy flexible self-scheduling
  • Receive shift and weekend differentials for added compensation.
  • Learn more about our safe staffing practices and low nursing turnover during your interview.
  • Full time (72 hours biweekly)
  • Shift:  12-hour Day/Evening
  • Every third weekend

The Registered Nurse is responsible and accountable for implementing, directing and coordinating the care of patients through the use of the nursing process: assessment, planning implementation and evaluation.  Included is recognition and treatment of the physical and psychosocial changes unique to the age/population group served on the specific unit.

Qualifications and Standards


Education:
  Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing is preferred.
  Evidence of participation in educational programs to update and maintain current knowledge and clinical skills.


Experience:   
  Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required. 
  Previous nursing experience in specialty area preferred.
  For Cath Lab, one year of acute care nursing experience (ED, Cath Lab, CCU, IMCU, Tele-Observation) preferred.     
  For Cardiac Rehab, two years experience in Critical Care and/or Progressive Care required.
  For Cardiovascular Services, two years of experience reading cardiac monitors and be self directed in responding to abnormalities or cardiac arrests codes as a team member.
  For Device Clinic, at least one year of device management services required. Successful completion of EKG course required. At least two years of acute care nursing required (Tele-Observation, IMCU, CCU, Cath Lab, ED).
  For Emergency Department, at least one year of RN experience in ED or Critical Care required. 
  For Family Birthing Services, a minimum of 1 year Labor and Delivery experience (within the last five years); For Family Birthing position posted as a trainee position, requirement of at least 1 year of experience as an RN with preferred areas of ICU, CCU, IMCU, EDor internal nurse intern upon successfully completing accredited nursing program. Experience requirement does not apply to an RN in the Family Birthing Services Fellowship Program (FBSFP)
  For Infusion Services, 6 months of infusion nursing experience required, and 6 months Midline and PICC experience required.
  For Wound Care Center, two years experience and expertise in the nursing process related to wound care required. Experience in advanced wound care initiatives preferred.
  For Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, two years experience in Behavioral/Psychiatric nursing is required. Previous experience in a Behavioral Health Outpatient setting preferred. Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training in accordance with Act31 of 2014 required. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Clearance and finger printing required.
  For Rapid Admission, requires one year acute care experience and successful completion of EKG course within six months of hire.  
  For SDS / PACU, must have experience with, and be familiar with, reading cardiac monitors and be self directed in responding to abnormalities or cardiac arrest as a team member. Must have recent clinical experience with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and have the ability to lead a Code Blue in the absence of a higher level professional.
  For Medical Surgical (Renal, Oncology and Pediatrics), pediatric experience is preferred.
  For Level II NICU, a minimum of one year NICU experience (within the last five years); For Level II NICU position posted as a trainee position, requirement of at least 2 years of experience in: NICU Level 1, Labor and Delivery, Post-Partum, Nursery, PICU, ICU, ED, or CCU. Or, for Level II NICU position posted as a trainee position, requirement of a new graduate RN with (A) practicum/capstone in Labor and Delivery, Nursery, or NICU, or (B) experience as Tech/Aide in Labor and Delivery, Post-Partum Nursery, or NICU.  


Certifications/Licensure:   
  Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in Pennsylvania.  
  Certification in specialty preferred.  
  CPR certification required.  
  ACLS required for Cardiovascular Services, CCU, Device Clinic, Emergency, IMCU, FBS, Tele Observation, PACU/SDS, or achieved within one year of start date.
  ACLS required for Cardiac Rehab or achieved within 3 months of hire/transfer.
  Proficiency in cardiac monitor interpretation, conscious sedation, and ACLS required for Cath Lab or achieved within 6 months of hire/transfer.
  ACLS required for Float Pool.
  PALS required for Emergency, PACU, and Pediatric trained staff within one year from start date.
  PALS and Conscious Sedation is required for SDS, or must be achieved within four months of hire/transfer.
  CNOR preferred for OR. 
  CPAN/CAPA preferred for PACU/SDS.  
  CRRN preferred for Rehabilitation Medicine.
  NRP required for Level II NICU.
  NRP and Fetal Monitoring education required for Family Birthing Services within one year from start date.
  PMH-BC preferred for BHS (IP and OP).
  Proficiency in cardiac monitor interpretation required for PACU/SDS, IMCU, Tele Observation, CCU, Cardiac Rehab, Cardiovascular Services, Cath Lab, and Emergency.
  Temporarily reassigned personnel will work in a limited scope of practice consistent with credentials and be supervised by appropriately credentialed staff. 
  WOCNCB or CWCN preferred for Wound Care Center.    
 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Job Class Specifics
1.    Demonstrates safe medication practice.
2.    Maintains a professional image that reflects the employee's role in health care, with confidence and a positive impression.
3.    Completes chart check to ensure no missed orders. 
4.    Accurately transcribes physician's orders.
5.    Demonstrates therapeutic communication skills.
6.    Demonstrates ability to assess patient education needs and use of patient education resources.
7.    Demonstrates involvement in unit by attending 50% of staff/committee meetings and in-services for area.
8.    Demonstrates leadership through the nursing process and supervision while maintaining accountability for treatment and patient outcomes.
9.    Acts as a resource person regarding patient care, specialty area, orientation and teaching of staff.
10.    Responds to delays in a calm manner.  Apologizes for inconveniences and gives alternatives.
11.    Analyzes assessment data, identifies priority problems and documents on Plan of Care in PCS for patients and families and significant others.
12.    Uses effective problem-solving skills to plan patient care.
13.    Identifies critical factors evidencing changes in patient condition and responds appropriately.
14.    Completes and documents discharge assessment against plan of care goals.
15.    Initiates and maintains Intravenous Therapy according to IV standards. 
16.    Responds appropriately to emergency situations. 
17.    Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self and others.  Safely positions, transfers and transports patients.
18.    Functions as a virtual nurse as assigned which includes, but is not limited to, admissions, discharges, education, documentation through a virtual platform and working collaboratively with the bedside nursing staff. 
Department:    Behavioral Health Services    

1.   Applies physical and mechanical restraints and RN face-to-face assessment (or completes restraint competency for BHU). 
2.    Describes intervention for least restrictive alternative to restraints and demonstrates correct performance of de-escalation techniques (Completed de-escalation training/renewals). 
3.    Responds to behavioral health emergencies appropriately. 
4.    Effectively facilitates group therapy and individual support (completed group therapy competency). 
5.    Provides psycho-education (individual and group) to patients.
6.    Follows role and responsibility in assessing the reporting of physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect in all populations. 
7.    Demonstrates understanding of unit level leadership roles and identifies Manager on Call. 
8.    Participates in MOCK, medical emergencies and/or RRT. 
9.    Demonstrates ability to perform CIWA, AIMS, DAST/AUDIT, and Suicide Risk Assessment.  
10.    Performs Physical and Psychosocial assessments accurately. 
11.    Participates in the development of the safety plan and review the plans as needed.
12.    Describes Level of Care Policy, including responsibility and hand off process for every 15-minute safety checks.  
13.    Administers medications as prescribed.
14.    Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population.  Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment.  Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
15.    Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
16.    Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
  


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