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Mental Health Rn Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Central Coast Local Health District

$40.02 - $56.19/hr

Our Inpatient Mental Health Unit at Gosford Hospital is strengthening its team, and we're looking for Registered Nurses with Mental Health experience or Registered Nurses who have a passionate ...

Yale New Haven Health

Mental Health RN

New Haven, CT

The RN may be required to support multiple behavioral health units based on patient needs and staffing priorities, ensuring continuity and quality of care. Additional responsibilities may be assigned ...

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How much do mental health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for mental health rn in the United States is $44.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $52.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the chillest nursing jobs?

Mental Health RNs often work in outpatient clinics, community health settings, or residential facilities, which can offer a calmer environment compared to acute care hospitals. These roles typically involve regular hours, less emergency response, and a focus on patient education and therapy, making them considered among the more relaxed nursing positions. Certification in psychiatric-mental health nursing can enhance job opportunities in these settings.

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 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 or certification in psychiatric nursing.

What can you do as a mental health nurse?

A mental health nurse provides care and support to individuals experiencing mental health issues, including assessing patient needs, developing treatment plans, administering medications, and offering therapy or counseling. They work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals and requiring relevant licensure and training.

How to make an extra 2000 a month as a nurse?

A Mental Health RN can increase income by taking on per diem or agency shifts, which often pay higher rates, or by working overtime. Additionally, pursuing specialized certifications in mental health or telehealth can open opportunities for higher-paying roles or consulting work outside regular hours.
More about Mental Health Rn jobs
What cities are hiring for Mental Health Rn jobs? Cities with the most Mental Health Rn job openings:
What states have the most Mental Health Rn jobs? States with the most job openings for Mental Health Rn jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mental Health Rn jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mental Health Rn jobs are:
Mental Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mental Health Rn job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,631 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Registered Nurse Behavioral Health

Registered Nurse Behavioral Health

Prime Healthcare

Leavenworth, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Prime Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 270 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

666th of 873 rated healthcare providers

Job description

20,000
Sign-On Bonus Available for Qualified Candidates. Eligibility and payout terms apply. Details discussed during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full Time  

Shifts Available: Days  

Hours: 12 hour – 7:00am to 7:00pm  

Location: Saint John Hospital – Leavenworth, KS 

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare: 

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options 
  • Paid vacation, sick time and holidays 
  • Bereavement leave, FMLA and other leave options 
  • Employer 401K options 
  • Tuition reimbursement options  
  • Life, disability, and other insurance options 
  • Many other amazing benefits

We are seeking a Behavioral Health Registered Nurse. sometimes referred to as a Psychiatric Nurse, Adult Psychiatric Registered Nurse, or Geri-Psych RN.  The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) care for our patients with mental health disorders, emotional issues, and behavioral challenges. The Behavioral Health RN will also assess and monitor patients manage crises, provide therapeutic support, and collaborate with the behavioral health care team to ensure safe and effective treatment in our inpatient Psychiatric Unit.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to): 

  • Perform comprehensive mental and physical health assessments to evaluate emotional stability, behavioral risks, cognitive function, and overall well-being 
  • Administer prescribed psychiatric medications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers while monitoring therapeutic effectiveness and side effects, and providing patient education on adherence 
  • De-escalate psychiatric crises using therapeutic communication, trauma-informed techniques, and crisis intervention strategies while implementing safety measures like restraints or seclusion only when clinically appropriate and within policy guidelines 
  • Build trusting, therapeutic relationships with patients through consistent, empathetic communication that validates their experiences and supports emotional self-regulation and recovery 
  • Maintain a safe therapeutic environment by conducting routine safety checks, supervising at-risk patients closely, removing hazardous items, and consistently enforcing unit safety protocols and behavioral expectations 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

1. Must have current and valid State license as a Registered Nurse.
2. Current BLS certificate upon hire and maintain current.
3. Working knowledge of Mental Health Laws and practice standards.
4. Working knowledge of interdisciplinary treatment team process, behavioral health programming and daily nursing functions for inpatient and outpatient behavioral health units.
5. Working knowledge of the continuum of care for behavioral health care.

#LI-DV1


Full Time
Days

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

 

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