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Mental Health Rn Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Amergis Healthcare Staffing

RN Corrections/Psych

Arlington, VA · On-site

$2.07K - $2.84K/wk

The Psychiatric/Mental Health Registered Nurse (PMH RN) is a skilled clinician who integrates nursing, psychosocial, and neurobiological expertise to deliver holistic, patient-centered care. Through ...

Centurion

Registered Nurse Mental Health (77527)

Jessup, MD · On-site

$53.71 - $60/hr

The Registered Nurse (RN) (Mental Health) is responsible for providing holistic nursing care within the appropriate scope of practice to incarcerated patients while working under the direction of the ...

HiredFirst

Home Health RN

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$2.10K/wk

Home Health Registered Nurse (RN) Location: Fairfax, VA 22031 Assignment Length: 13 Weeks Schedule: Monday - Friday (No On-Call) Weekly Pay: $2100 (Mileage Reimbursement Included) Job Overview We are ...

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How much do mental health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for mental health rn in Washington, DC is $50.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.57 and $59.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Mental Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC? For Mental Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mental Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Mental Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC are:
Mental Health Rn jobs near you
Mental Health RN

Mental Health RN

Discovery Behavioral Health, Inc.

Crownsville, MD • On-site

$33 - $40/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 24 days ago

Discovery Behavioral Health rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 227 rated social care providers

Job description

Discovery Mood & Anxiety
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program is a national leader in behavioral healthcare and one of the fastest growing companies in the field. DBH offers world-class treatment for those struggling with mental health and places a high priority on seeking employees who share our passion for improving the lives we serve.
Since 1997, Discovery Mood and Anxiety Programs, DBH's Mental Health Disorder Division, has helped thousands of patients discover their path to the full and rewarding lives they deserve with evidence-based and inclusive treatment options.
Position Summary:
The Registered Nurse works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Discovery Behavioral Health Clinical Model.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Meets with each potential new admission and completes face to face assessment. Screens for medical appropriateness for admission to facility and consults with the medical/psychiatric provider to receive orders for admission. Supports the process by checking belongings, providing searches, etc. as needed.
  • Completes initial nursing assessment and full medical admission process upon admission for each patient.
  • Ensures all orders from medical/psychiatric providers are carried out.
  • Ensure that all patients have signed informed consent for medications prior to the 1st dose.
  • Administers medications as prescribed and administers PRN medications and documents effectiveness within timelines.
  • Must demonstrate knowledge of Axis I diagnosis and symptoms.
  • Develops and initiates the Nursing Care Plan.
  • Ensures proper narcotic diversion protocols as per policy are completed each shift
  • Meets regularly with medical staff and treatment team to discuss patient care, needs and interventions.
  • Provides assessment of medical problems as needed.
  • Performs primary first aid and determines need for physician notification.
  • Performs vital signs, basic evaluative procedures, and tests.
  • Performs blood draws.
  • Provides health education to patients and staff.
  • Responsible to ensure all the medications needed by the patients are ordered appropriately and available in the facility.
  • Manages and orders supplies and keeps a fully stocked and operational nursing station.
  • Effectively and professionally communicates with families/loved ones, as appropriate.
  • Able to effectively and professionally establish rapport with patients.
  • Provides milieu management throughout the treatment experience and communicates with all team members.
  • Objectively and accurately documents patient progress as required by policy.
  • Assists with discharge process.
  • Assesses patient suicidality and possibility of danger to self or others.
  • Communicates with referral sources and outpatient providers for continuity of care upon admission, midpoint, and discharge, as needed.
  • Makes timely requests for any absences and ensures coverage for any scheduled shift.
  • Manages patient's medical needs including schedule appointments, complete referral/ prior authorizations for medical treatments and tests as indicated.
  • Oversees the medication management system that includes but not limited to, medication planning, storage, ordering and transcribing, administration, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Other duties as assigned.

*Substance Use Disorder Division additional job functions:
  • Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols.
  • Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox.

*Eating Disorder Division additional job functions:
  • Required to sit at a meal and a snack on every shift.
  • Will work during meal periods to provide supervision and support to patient.
  • Maintains NG tube and administers bolus feeds when appropriate.

Knowledge, Education, & Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science and Nursing preferred.
  • ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) accepted.
  • Holds a current RN license in good standing.
  • One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders field.
  • Ability to draw blood required.

Employment Status: Full-time
Schedule: Sun/Sat/Mon alternating Tues/Wed/Thurs, from 7pm - 7:30am
Work Location: On-site - Crownsville, MD
Compensation: Pay Range: $33.00-40.00 hourly
Discovery Behavioral Health seeks to build a diverse staff that is reflective of the patients we serve and the communities where we work. DBH encourages multiple perspectives, experiences, and strives to hire and retain a diverse workforce.
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

What Discovery Behavioral Health employees say

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Discovery Behavioral Health logo

About Discovery Behavioral Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH) is a national leader in behavioral healthcare and one of the fastest growing companies in the field. DBH offers world-class treatment for those struggling with eating, mental health, and substance use disorders, and places a high priority on seeking employees who share our passion for improving the lives we serve. Since 1997, Center for Discovery, DBH's eating disorder division, has helped thousands of patients discover their path to the full and rewarding lives they deserve with evidence-based and inclusive treatment options.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1998

Social media

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