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

LaSalle Corrections

Registered Nurse PRN

Jonesboro, LA · On-site

$42/hr

Implements mental health plans through the administering of medications in accordance with ... Currently licensed as a registered professional nurse in the state in which they are practicing.

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All JobsBehavioral Health Rn JobsBehavioral Health Rn Jobs in Ruston, LA

Behavioral Health Rn information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$12

$37

$65

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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:
Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Registered Nuse I - Nursing Internship

Registered Nuse I - Nursing Internship

CHRISTUS Health

Taylor, LA

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 22 days ago

CHRISTUS Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 524 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

518th of 881 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
Summary:
Responsible for patient assessment, patient care planning, and provision of quality nursing care to an assigned group of patients for a defined work period. Provides direction and supervision to LVN/LPNs, nursing assistants, unit secretaries, and other clinical/clerical associates. By assignment, may function as a charge nurse for the unit. Involves provision of patient care/service to older adolescents, young adults, adults, geriatric and pediatric patients.
Responsibilities:
  • Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Develops a comprehensive nursing care plan which addresses all significant needs and problems identified through nursing assessment.
  • Prepares nursing elements of the interdisciplinary care plan prior to the initial team conference.
  • Reviews and updates nursing care plan and collaborates with team members as changes occur.
  • Patient Care Provision
  • Implements patient care as planned in nursing care plan and interdisciplinary care plan.
  • Sets priorities based on knowledge of patient acuity and patient needs.
  • Provides safe and therapeutic care and seeks resources when appropriate.
  • Safely performs and accurately documents procedures, consistent with established nursing policy and procedure.
  • Patient Care Evaluation
  • Evaluates patient response to interventions and attainment of goals in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
  • Evaluates progress toward nursing goals and revises goals as needed on a weekly basis.
  • Completes nursing progress note for assigned patients on a daily basis.
  • Completes nursing flow sheets for assigned patients on a daily basis.
  • Teaching
  • Evaluates education needs of patient and significant others and documents their response to teaching.
  • Utilizes, adapts, and revises teaching resources to meet patient education needs.
  • Explains procedures, tests, and disease process to patients and families as needed.
  • Acts as role model for health care students and other team members.
  • Acts as preceptor to assigned orientees.
  • Assists in the orientation of new staff by sharing knowledge and experience.
  • Patient Care Communication
  • Reports and documents accurately and concisely to appropriate persons the patient's condition.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality.
  • Applies basic verbal and nonverbal skills to maintain open, effective communication among care team members, patients, and significant others.
  • Encourages direct discussion between staff members when differences occur and seeks assistance to arbitrate differences as needed.
  • Gives and accepts constructive feedback appropriately.
  • Identifies actual and potentially unsafe patient care practices, reports them in the designated manner, and suggests alternatives.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, preferred
Experience
  • Six months to a year of experience as a licensed RN or holder of an active GN permit
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
  • BLS required
  • RN License in state of employment or compact
  • Graduate Nurse Permit
    • Associates with an unsuccessful licensure application or on the 75th day following the effective date of the temporary permit; will be transferred to another position within CHRISTUS Health
Work Schedule:
MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE
Work Type:
Full Time

What CHRISTUS Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

CHRISTUS Health logo

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

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