1

Per Diem Psych Rn Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric

Louisville, KY · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Psychiatric - Psych RN - Travel Nurse About ...

$40/hr

Our practices in New Jersey are looking for per diem Oncology Registered Nurses. General Responsibilities include chemotherapy administration, symptom management, phone triage and other direct ...

Showing results 41-60

Per Diem Psych Rn information

See Kentucky salary details

$977

$1.8K

$2.5K

How much do per diem psych rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem psych rn in Kentucky is $1,785.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,503.85 and $2,063.46 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem psych RN?

A Per Diem Psych RN is a registered nurse who works on an as-needed basis in psychiatric or mental health settings. These nurses provide care to patients with mental health conditions, often covering shifts when full-time staff are unavailable. Their responsibilities include assessing patients, administering medications, supporting therapy sessions, and ensuring safety. Working per diem offers flexibility in scheduling but may not include the benefits of full-time employment.

How does the scheduling flexibility of a per diem psych RN impact their integration with the core mental health team?

As a Per Diem Psych RN, you have the advantage of choosing shifts that fit your availability, which offers excellent work-life balance. However, this flexibility can also present challenges in staying fully aligned with ongoing patient care plans and team dynamics. To successfully integrate, it's important to communicate proactively, stay updated on unit protocols, and build rapport with both permanent staff and other per diem colleagues. Many facilities offer thorough handoffs and orientation sessions to support per diem nurses in delivering consistent, high-quality care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem psych RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Psych RN, you need a valid RN license, solid psychiatric nursing knowledge, and experience in mental health settings. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and certifications like BLS or CPI are typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, effective care for psychiatric patients and support seamless collaboration within multidisciplinary teams during variable per diem shifts.

What is the difference between Per Diem Psych Rn vs Per Diem Mental Health Nurse?

AspectPer Diem Psych RnPer Diem Mental Health Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) with psychiatric certificationRegistered Nurse (RN) with mental health specialization
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, clinicsCommunity clinics, inpatient mental health units
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, mental health agenciesSame as Psych Rn, often interchangeable

Both roles require RN licensure and mental health training, often used interchangeably in healthcare settings. The main difference lies in terminology; "Psych Rn" emphasizes psychiatric specialization, while "Mental Health Nurse" highlights the focus on mental health care. Both roles involve providing patient care, assessments, and support in mental health environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psych Rn jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Psych Rn jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Psych Rn job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,847 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) - Per Diem-Day Shift

Select Medical

Bowling Green, KY

$46/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Southern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital
A Select Medical and Vibra Healthcare partnership


Position: Registered Nurse (RN)
Location: Bowling Green, KY 
Schedule: PRN, Per Diem-Day Shift 
Sign-on bonus: $5,000
$46.00 per hour 

Ask us about our newly increase pay scale!

At Southern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital, an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital, we provide nurses and clinical professionals with an environment where your expertise truly transforms lives. As part of a partnership between Select Medical and Vibra Healthcare, you’ll build meaningful patient connections, see measurable progress, and apply your medsurg, progressive care, or critical care experience to deliver exceptional rehabilitation care. Our tenured nursing staff brings strong clinical depth and is dedicated to supporting the next generation of nurses, offering structured mentorship and handson training for new graduates. We further invest in your growth through interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced rehabilitation technologies, and robust professional development opportunities across a leading national network. At SKY Rehab, your work has purpose, your voice is valued, and your career can thrive.

Why Join Us:

  • Start Strong: Extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
  • Opportunity for Advancement: Demonstrate your skills and dedication which could lead to potential full-time opportunities
  • Foster Well-being: We offer benefits which support the financial, work/life and emotional well-being of you and your family members.  Part time/Per Diem positions are eligible for 401k based on reaching 1,000 hours within their first anniversary or subsequent calendar year.
  • Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care

  • Receive admissions and/or transfers
  • Initial and ongoing systematic patient assessment
  • Timely and accurate documentation using EPIC
  • Interpret assessment/diagnostic data including labs and telemetry
  • Ensure medical orders are transcribed and processed accurately
  • Instruct and counsel patients/families

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Valid State RN license
  • At least one year of RN experience
  • BLS required at hire

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BSN or enrollment in a BSN program
  • Clinical experience

*Post offer employment testing (POETs) are completed as part of the onboarding process and are to be completed before an employee's first day of work.*


Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans