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Per Diem Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatric Registered Nurse

Washington, DC · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

SH-967 Registered Nurse, Washington, DC Duties: * Provide direct patient care in a psychiatric setting, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. * Administer ...

Psychiatric Registered Nurse

Washington, DC · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

SH-967 Registered Nurse, Washington, DC Duties: * Provide direct patient care in a psychiatric setting, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. * Administer ...

Per Diem RN It's inspiring to work with a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! When you become part of the Chapters Health Team, you'll realize it's more than a job. It's a ...

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Per Diem Psychiatric Rn information

What is a per diem psychiatric RN?

A Per Diem Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed nurse who works on an as-needed or on-call basis in mental health settings such as hospitals, clinics, or psychiatric facilities. Instead of having a fixed schedule, per diem nurses fill in for staff shortages, cover busy shifts, or help with temporary increases in patient volume. Their responsibilities include assessing patients’ mental health, administering medications, providing therapeutic interventions, and collaborating with the healthcare team. This role offers flexibility and often pays a higher hourly wage compared to full-time positions, but typically does not provide benefits like health insurance or paid time off.

How does a per diem psychiatric RN typically integrate with full-time staff and multidisciplinary teams in a mental health facility?

As a Per Diem Psychiatric RN, you will often collaborate closely with full-time nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists. While you may not have a fixed schedule, strong communication skills are key to quickly understanding patient needs and care plans during each shift. You'll be expected to adapt to different team dynamics and contribute valuable insights, ensuring continuity of care for patients. Flexibility and the ability to work independently are important, as you'll frequently acclimate to new units or patient populations.

What is the difference between Per Diem Psychiatric Rn vs Staff Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectPer Diem Psychiatric RnStaff Psychiatric Nurse
CertificationsRN license, possibly specialized in psychiatric careRN license, often with psychiatric certification
Work EnvironmentVaries; hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, on a per-diem basisFull-time or part-time in psychiatric units or mental health settings
Employment TypePer diem, flexible schedulingTypically salaried or hourly, with scheduled shifts
Job FocusProviding psychiatric nursing care on an as-needed basisProviding ongoing psychiatric nursing care and patient management

Per Diem Psychiatric Rns work on a flexible, as-needed basis, often filling in for staff shortages or covering shifts. Staff Psychiatric Nurses usually have a regular schedule, providing consistent patient care. Both roles require RN licensure and psychiatric knowledge, but differ mainly in employment structure and scheduling.

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

To thrive as a Per Diem Psychiatric RN, you need a valid RN license, psychiatric nursing experience, and a strong understanding of mental health disorders and crisis intervention. Familiarity with EHR systems, psychiatric assessment tools, and de-escalation techniques is typically required. Excellent communication, flexibility, and emotional resilience are critical soft skills for engaging with patients and adapting to varying shift assignments. These skills ensure safe, effective patient care and help manage the unique challenges of psychiatric settings on a flexible, per diem basis.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Per Diem Psychiatric Rn jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Per Diem Psychiatric Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Psychiatric Rn job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric - $1,926 per week

TNAA TotalMed RN

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$1.9K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Psychiatric for a travel nursing job in Falls Church, Virginia.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Psychiatric
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/07/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

We're looking for Psychiatric Nurses for an immediate travel nurse opening in Falls Church, VA. The right RN should have 1-2 years recent psychiatric nursing experience. Read below for more requirements. As a Psychiatric nurse, you'll work under general supervision to provide professional nursing care for those with emotional disturbances or mental illnesses in Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. The Psychiatric Nurse also collaborates with clinical and case management staff to coordinate care and assist in patient treatment planning.
As a Psychiatric Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Conduct intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case history, and complete physical and mental health assessments
  • Observe and report patient behavioral changes. Assist patients in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment.
  • Document all patient information on medical charts and follow physician's written orders while maintaining patient confidentiality.
  • Plan nursing care for patients by providing nursing diagnosis of the medical and emotional status of patients and recommending treatment options.
  • Consult with psychiatrists and other behavioral health staff in designing appropriate treatment plans for patients.
  • Administer and record reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications, arranging further medical attention when necessary.
  • Assist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients. Test for pain vital signs and ensure appropriate pain treatment is administered.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping.
  • Perform administrative assignments such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing electronic progress notes.
Psychiatric Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, carry up to 20 pounds of weight, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. Because of the unpredictable nature of psychiatric and emotional disturbances, Psychiatric RNs must possess excellent coping and stress management skills and be able to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds while maintaining proper patient - clinician boundaries. Requirements*: BLS, CPI, 1 Year
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TotalMed Travel Job ID #1471881. 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 TNAA TotalMed RN

TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel nursing and healthcare staffing agency with the mission of igniting purpose in healthcare. The organization staffs nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians of all specialties in all 50 states. They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both facilities and patients. As an organization, they focus on putting highly-skilled staff into facilities to ensure adequate staffing for a better patient experience.

TotalMed specializes in recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in travel, PRN, and permanent positions across the country in Nursing and Allied Health. Throughout 2020, the organization filled roles at even the most short-staffed facilities during the most challenging time in healthcare. By matching the right travel healthcare professional with the right organization, TotalMed continues to offer a lifeline to facilities and their patients.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1