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Mental Health Rn Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Travel Home Health RN for a great Travel nursing job in Urbandale, IA. This Home Health Travel nursing job pays for 40 hours a week for 13 weeks. With Wanderly you can compare ...

The Home Health RN uses clinical nursing knowledge, physical assessment, teaching and procedural skills to deliver high quality patient care in the patient's place of residence. The Home Health RN ...

The Home Health RN uses clinical nursing knowledge, physical assessment, teaching and procedural skills to deliver high quality patient care in the patient's place of residence. The Home Health RN ...

The Home Health RN uses clinical nursing knowledge, physical assessment, teaching and procedural skills to deliver high quality patient care in the patient's place of residence. The Home Health RN ...

The Home Health RN uses clinical nursing knowledge, physical assessment, teaching and procedural skills to deliver high quality patient care in the patient's place of residence. The Home Health RN ...

The Home Health RN uses clinical nursing knowledge, physical assessment, teaching and procedural skills to deliver high quality patient care in the patient's place of residence. The Home Health RN ...

The Home Health RN uses clinical nursing knowledge, physical assessment, teaching and procedural skills to deliver high quality patient care in the patient's place of residence. The Home Health RN ...

We are looking for a Travel Home Health RN for a great Travel nursing job in Le Mars, IA. This Home Health Travel nursing job pays for 40 hours a week for 13 weeks. With Wanderly you can compare ...

The Home Health RN uses clinical nursing knowledge, physical assessment, teaching and procedural skills to deliver high quality patient care in the patient's place of residence. The Home Health RN ...

Showing results 21-40

Mental Health Rn information

See Iowa salary details

$17

$41

$73

How much do mental health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for mental health rn in Iowa is $41.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.65 and $49.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Mental Health RNs face when working with patients in acute psychiatric settings?

Mental Health RNs in acute psychiatric settings often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating crises, and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff. They also need to balance empathetic communication with clinical boundaries, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—including psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists—to create effective care plans. Adaptability, resilience, and strong teamwork are essential for navigating these dynamic and sometimes high-stress environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mental Health RN?

To thrive as a Mental Health RN, you need a solid foundation in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and patient assessment, supported by an active RN license and specialized mental health training. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), behavioral health documentation systems, and de-escalation techniques is often required. Compassion, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills help build trust and effectively support patients facing mental health challenges. These skills are vital for ensuring patient safety, fostering therapeutic relationships, and delivering effective, holistic mental health care.

What is a Mental Health RN?

A Mental Health RN (Registered Nurse) is a licensed nurse who specializes in caring for patients experiencing mental health issues or psychiatric disorders. They work in settings such as hospitals, psychiatric facilities, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations. Their responsibilities include assessing patient needs, administering medications, developing care plans, providing therapeutic support, and collaborating with other mental health professionals. Mental Health RNs play a crucial role in promoting recovery, patient safety, and overall well-being for individuals struggling with mental health conditions.

What is the difference between Mental Health Rn vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectMental Health RnPsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, mental health certificationsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, psychiatric certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, mental health facilitiesPsychiatric hospitals, mental health units, community clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health organizationsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics
Job FocusAssessing, treating mental health conditions, patient advocacyManaging psychiatric patients, administering medications, crisis intervention

Both roles require RN licensure and mental health training, but Mental Health Rns often focus on assessment and therapy, while Psychiatric Nurses may have a more clinical, medication management role. They work in similar environments and serve overlapping populations, making them closely related in the mental health field.

Infographic showing various Mental Health Rn job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,005 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Registered Nurse-Behavioral Health-RN

Trinity Health

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Trinity Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Employment Type:
Full timeShift:
Rotating Shift
Description:
Registered Nurse
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Full Time - Rotating Shifts
Job Description Summary
Through evidence-based practice, the RN utilizes critical thinking to assess, plan, implement and evaluate outcome based care of patients. The RN supervises and coordinates care provided to patients by the LPN, Patient Care Assistants and other nursing team members. The RN facilitates communication with physicians, patient and family, other departments and/or team members. Adheres to MercyOne's performance expectations and performs all defined services and other related duties in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of MercyOne.
As a Behavioral Health Registered Nurse at MercyOne, you will:
  • Conducts an initial assessment to gather data.
  • Makes an initial assessment of new admissions within 30 minutes of the patient's arrival to the unit.
  • Completes all areas of the admission assessment database within 24 hours of admission.
  • Identifies patient problems and develops them into an outcome/goal-based plan of care.
  • Initiates the patient problem list and incorporates relevant medical history into the plan of care.
  • Analyzes and interprets the assessment data to identify desired patient outcomes/goals.
  • Determines nursing interventions to achieve those outcomes/goals.
  • Prioritizes patient care needs/ activities.

Schedule:
  • 36 hours weekly
  • Rotating Shifts
  • No Call!

General Requirements:
  • Associate degree required, BSN preferred.
  • No prior experience required. For Preceptor, Patient Education Representative: Minimum of 2 years nursing experience (and/or 2 years in specialty area as applicable), and recommendation by manager, peer, and a physician.
  • Current Iowa RN license, BLS, Mandatory Reporter.

  • In ICU must complete cardiac monitoring course and/or select units of Advance Nursing/Critical Care Course or comparable, and ACLS within 12 months in ICU.
  • Rehab-FIM certified.
  • Hazardous Materials Training- ED
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI) within 6 months of hire.(ED; ICU, Mental Health, CD)
  • High language, intermediate to high math, high critical thinking ability.
  • Basic computer skills required.
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
  • Ability to work under pressure and with a large degree of independence and accountability.
  • Ability to lead/direct others in a high stress situation/environment

MercyOne Northeast Iowa provides expert health care to eight counties.
MercyOne Northeast Iowa provides excellent, personalized care close to home to the communities in the Cedar Valley. With 491 licensed beds between the three medical centers, each providing 24-hour emergency lifesaving care, MercyOne is there for you in critical moments: •
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, an Area Level III Trauma Center and an accredited chest pain center • MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center, Community Level IV Trauma Designation • MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center, Community Level IV Trauma Designation
With more than 2,500 colleagues, MercyOne is one of the largest employers in Northeast Iowa.
MercyOne Medical Group - Northeast Iowa is made up of more than 30 primary care, pediatric, internal medicine and specialty clinics located throughout Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Benton, Butler, Fayette and Tama counties.
Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!
Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US