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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Merrillville, IN (NOW HIRING)

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Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) will assume the role of providing professional nursing care to patients with needs of varying complexity. The behavioral RN will also ensure the quality ...

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Behavioral Health Rn information

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$15

$45

$79

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Merrillville, IN is $45.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.79 and $56.11 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 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.
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Cities near Merrillville, IN with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:

Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Merrillville, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,545 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)

Community First Medical Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Community First Medical Center rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1,047th of 1,059 rated hospitals

Job description

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)
New Behavioral Health Unit |Night Shift Available
Nights: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
Community First Medical Center is excited to expand Behavioral Health Services with the opening of our brand-new 24-bed Adult Behavioral Health Unit. We are seeking compassionate, patient-centered Registered Nurses to join our growing team and help shape a culture of excellence, safety, and recovery-focused care.
Whether you are an experienced Behavioral Health Nurse or an RN looking to transition into psychiatric nursing, this is an opportunity to be part of a newly developed unit designed to support both patients and staff.
Position Summary
The Behavioral Health RN provides direct nursing care to adult psychiatric patients experiencing acute mental health and behavioral health conditions. The RN is responsible for assessment, treatment planning, medication administration, patient education, crisis intervention, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
What Makes Our Unit Different?
New 24-bed Behavioral Health Unit? Dedicated Behavioral Health leadership team? Strong multidisciplinary collaboration? Fair patient assignments? Security presence on the unit? Advanced safety and monitoring systems? Recovery-focused care model? Opportunities for professional growth and Behavioral Health specialization Join Community First Medical Center and help us build a premier Behavioral Health program that prioritizes patient outcomes, staff safety, teamwork, and compassionate care.
Community First Medical Center offers benefits to all its full-time and part-time employees:
  • United Healthcare Medical PPO/HMO/HSA Plans, premiums as low as $50.00/full time, $85.00/Part Time
  • Met Life Dental and Vision
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) with annual accruals up to 168 hrs./year
  • Six paid holidays
  • Company Paid Life insurance and Short-term Disability
  • 401(k) after 90 days
  • Continuing Education reimbursement and 2 days paid off separate from PTO
  • Free Parking Garage
  • Internal Growth Opportunities

Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Current Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) License
Graduate of an accredited nursing program
Current BLS Certification
Preferred
Behavioral Health, Psychiatric, Emergency Department, Medical-Surgical, or Substance Use Disorder experience
CPI or other crisis prevention/de-escalation training
BSN preferred
Community First Medical Center is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer who is committed to cultivating diversity, equity and inclusion within all aspects of our organizations. We stand against and prohibit discrimination in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status
Salary Description
37.86 - 54.00

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