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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

About the Position We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to join ... Health, dental, and vision insurance * Paid time off and holiday pay * Professional development ...

Unit Manager RN Day Shift

Bernice, LA

$36.75 - $48.75/hr

Non-Exempt, Hourly At Onyx Healthcare, YOU are our greatest asset! We offer these competitive ... The RN Unit Manager position is responsible for maintaining the quality and adequacy of nursing ...

Unit Manager RN Day Shift

Bernice, LA · On-site

$36.75 - $48.75/hr

Non-Exempt, Hourly At Onyx Healthcare, YOU are our greatest asset! We offer these competitive ... The RN Unit Manager position is responsible for maintaining the quality and adequacy of nursing ...

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$12

$37

$65

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Ruston, LA is $37.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.97 and $46.20 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 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 are Behavioral Health RNs?

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.
More about Behavioral Health Rn jobs
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ruston, LA? For Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ruston, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ruston, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Ruston, LA are:
What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Ruston, LA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $78,624 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Registered Nurse - Emergency Department - PRN

Registered Nurse - Emergency Department - PRN

CHRISTUS Health

Taylor, LA

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 27 days ago


CHRISTUS Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 515 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

556th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
Summary:
The competent Nurse, in the same or similar clinical setting, practices independently and demonstrates an awareness of all relevant aspects of a situation. Provides routine and complex care, with the ability to on long-range goals or plans. Continues to develop the ability to cope with and manage contingencies of clinical nursing. Makes appropriate assignments and delegates to other care providers as a means to help manage the clinical situation.
Responsibilities:
  • Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
  • Consistent with the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, provides nursing care utilizing the nursing process, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation for assigned patients.
  • Addresses increasingly complex psychological, emotional, cultural, and social needs of patient and families in accordance with their level of practice.
  • Using the appropriate protocol, administers medications and treatments; monitors for side-effects and effectiveness of the treatment prescribed.
  • Documents patient history, symptoms, medication, and care given.
  • Assess learning needs and provides education to patients, family members and/or care givers; identify issues and resources.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, preferred
Experience
  • 1 year of experience in the related nursing specialty preferred
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
  • BLS required
  • RN License in state of employment or compact
Position Requirements:
Education/Skills
  • All newly hired experienced RNs must attend New Nurses Orientation within the first 30 days of hire.
  • New hires are precepted by a designated trained staff member and initial on-boarding requirements are validated through successful completion of the designated organizational entry competency validation and an Emergency Department- specific competency validation.
  • All newly licensed RNs may participate in a residency program or other specific orientation. Skills completion and competency completion will be achieved with the preceptor at the bedside and documented through the program's tracking software.
  • Completion of all annual competency verification requirements.
Experience
  • One year of experience in a related nursing specialty preferred.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
  • Current ACLS certification required
  • Current PALS certification required
In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.
Credential Grace Periods:
If additional credentials are required per the Position Requirements section, a grace period to obtain the certification will apply, dependent on your experience level.
  • Any Candidate/Associate with at least one year of acute care clinical experience in a similar service line within the past three years is considered an Experienced Associate.
  • Any Candidate/Associatewho doesnothave at least one year of full-time acute care clinical experience in the same service line within the past three years is considered an Experienced Associate New to the Specialty.
Credential
Grace Periods for
Experienced Associates
Grace Periods for
New Graduates & Experienced Associates New to the Specialty
Basic Life Support (BLS) No grace period. AHA or Red Cross accepted at time of hire. No grace period. AHA or Red Cross accepted at time of hire. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Within 30 days of hire. Within 90 days of hire. Pediatric Life Support (PALS) Within 30 days of hire. Within 90 days of hire. Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (TNCC) Within 60 days of hire. Within 18 months of hire. Trauma Care After Resuscitation (TCAR) Within 60 days of hire. Within 18 months of hire. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Within 30 days of hire. Within 60 days of hire. AWHONN INTERMEDIATE FHM (Fetal Heart Monitoring) Within 30 days of hire. Within 60 days of hire. STABLE (Neonatal Education) Within 30 days of hire. Within 60 days of hire.
Work Schedule:
7PM - 7AM
Work Type:
Per Diem As Needed

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About CHRISTUS Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CHRISTUS Health is a prominent name in the healthcare industry, with its headquarters situated in Irving, TX, USA. Established in 1999, the company has since been devoted to providing comprehensive care and extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. This not-for-profit health system primarily operates more than 600 healthcare services and programs, including long-term care facilities, health insurance products, community clinics, and outreach services, serving both urban and rural populations.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1999