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Mental Health Rn Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Mental Health Technician

Lincoln, NE

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

The Mental Health Technician acts as a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary treatment ... Facilitates or co-facilitates patient groups under direction of RN, social worker, or counselor.

Mental Health Technician

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

The Mental Health Technician acts as a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary treatment ... Facilitates or co-facilitates patient groups under direction of RN, social worker, or counselor.

Mental Health Technician

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

The Mental Health Technician acts as a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary treatment ... Facilitates or co-facilitates patient groups under direction of RN, social worker, or counselor.

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Mental Health Rn information

See Nebraska salary details

$18

$42

$74

How much do mental health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mental health rn in Nebraska is $42.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.09 and $50.43 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, and why are they important?

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 are the problems nurses are facing today?

Nurses, including mental health RNs, face challenges such as staffing shortages, high patient loads, and emotional burnout. They often work long hours in high-stress environments, which can impact their well-being and job satisfaction. Additionally, evolving healthcare policies and the need for ongoing training can add to their workload and stress levels.

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.

What can an RN do in mental health?

A Mental Health RN provides direct patient care, monitors mental health symptoms, administers medications, and collaborates with healthcare teams to develop treatment plans. They work in settings such as hospitals, clinics, or community programs, often requiring specialized training and certification in psychiatric nursing.

Do nurses make $100,000 a year?

Registered nurses, including those working in mental health, can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand areas. Salaries vary by location, employer, and specialization, but reaching six figures is achievable for experienced mental health RNs in certain settings.

What can you do as a mental health nurse?

A mental health nurse provides care and support to individuals with mental health conditions, administers medications, conducts assessments, develops treatment plans, and offers therapy or counseling. They work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals and requiring relevant licensure and training.
What are popular job titles related to Mental Health Rn jobs in Nebraska? For Mental Health Rn jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mental Health Rn jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Mental Health Rn jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Mental Health Rn jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Mental Health Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Mental Health Rn job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,319 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration

Omaha, NE • On-site, Remote

$62K - $134K/yr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,000 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT for an Intermittent Registered Nurse position within the Mental Health Service Line with the NWI VA Health Care System & will remain open until closing date or until all positions are filled. Qualified applicants will be referred to hiring managers at regular intervals.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Attends, observes, and leads nurse-led psychoeducational groups, uses therapeutic communication techniques, practices de-escalation techniques, and utilizes recovery-oriented language.
  • Participates in shift report and warm hand-off, MH interdisciplinary treatment team, MH Environment of Care rounds, and responds to psychiatric emergencies as directed.
  • Identify safety concerns and hazardous items to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment of care.
  • Documents nursing assessments, nursing plan of care, and patient safety observations.
  • Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines
  • Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on age-specific components.

Work Schedule: Intermittent on an as needed basis. Day and night shift available. Must be able to work two - 8 hour shifts or one - 12 hour shift per pay biweekly pay period.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Preferred Experience:
  • Previous Mental Health experience

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination/evaluation.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
  • English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
  • Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
  • Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.)

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12967607.
Grade/Level
Scope
Education
Nurse I, Level I
Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies.
An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required.
Nurse I, Level II
Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required.
Nurse I, Level III
Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience.
Nurse II
Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.
A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.
Nurse III
Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.
MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.
*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Veterans Health Administration

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US