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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Meda Health is seeking a travel nurse RN Behavioral Health for a travel nursing job in Hickory, North Carolina. & Requirements * Specialty: Behavioral Health * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/14/2026

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$14

$41

$72

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Hickory, NC is $41.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.90 and $51.20 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 are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Hickory, NC?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs?

Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Hickory, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,206 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Travel Behavioral Health RN

Hickory, NC • On-site

Meda Health
Human Resource Programs Administration • 51 - 200 employees

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Meda Health is seeking a travel nurse RN Behavioral Health for a travel nursing job in Hickory, North Carolina.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Behavioral Health
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/14/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, nights
  • Employment Type: Travel

IMPORTANT – TRAVEL ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must reside more than 50 miles from the facility to qualify for the travel stipend and travel-related benefits.

Meda Health is looking for a Psych RN to work a travel assignment in an acute care hospital setting. Must have at least two years of experience, state licensure and BLS/CPI (at minimum). Competitive and Transparent Pay We value your expertise and respect your dedication — and our goal is to compensate you more than fairly for them. We don’t want you to scramble to figure out your coverage, especially when you’re already feeling under the weather. At Meda Health, your coverage starts when you do. You’re covered, period. Our employees get the following benefits right off the bat: Health Vision Dental Life insurance

Meda Health Job ID #18974368. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN:Psych,19:00:00-07:00:00

About Meda Health

Our mission is to bring positive change in communities by connecting dedicated and skilled healthcare professionals to facilities in different parts of the country.

At Meda Health, we believe in the transformative power of mutual respect. In an industry where it’s easy to be treated as a list of credentials, we respect our healthcare professionals’ substantial contributions to the industry and the communities they serve.

We are dedicated to helping our employees work toward achieving their dreams in a way that builds a better world for us all.