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Per Diem Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Per Diem Psychiatrist

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$214K - $269K/yr

Per Diem role * Weekend, inpatient coverage * Adult, inpatient psychiatry role * New graduates are welcome to apply * Must be board-certified or board-eligible Where You'll Work Providence Willamette ...

Per Diem Psychiatrist

Milwaukie, OR · On-site

$206K - $260K/yr

Per Diem role * Weekend, inpatient coverage * Adult, inpatient psychiatry role * New graduates are welcome to apply * Must be board-certified or board-eligible Where You'll Work Providence Milwaukie ...

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Per Diem Psychiatric Rn information

See Portland, OR salary details

$1.2K

$2.2K

$3.1K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem psychiatric rn in Portland, OR is $2,180.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,834.62 and $2,519.23 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Per Diem Psychiatric Rn job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 15% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,370 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse Per Diem

ALBERTINA KERR CENTERS

Portland, OR • On-site

$46.59/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Albertina Kerr rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Albertina Kerr, we believe that all people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.
As a Per Diem Registered Nurse (RN) you'll be directly responsible for providing nursing care to the children in the Subacute program and other children served as arranged by the treating psychiatrist and the program director. The Per Diem RN is required to meet all state, federal, licensing and contract standards including accreditation body Behavioral Health Standards and ensures safe management of all medical care for the children served. This position requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in order to be trained and licensed by the state of Oregon to act as the Licensed Child Emergency Safety Intervention Specialist.
Essential Duties
  • Complete the medical admission process.
  • Provide routine healthcare, basic triage and emergency care including assessment and documentation of treatment of injuries.
  • Serve in the Licensed Child Emergency Safety Intervention Specialist (LCESIS) role authorizing and overseeing restraints and seclusions. Oversee ESI's and assist with OIS physical interventions as needed during crisis situations.
  • Manage children's medications by maintaining safe medication administration practices.
  • Act as a medical/nursing resource to the children and families served and provide health education as needed.
  • Prepare all discharge medication prescriptions and obtain psychiatrist signature prior to child's discharge. Provide discharge medication instructions to client's families/caregivers upon discharge to home.
  • Proficiently complete phlebotomy services.
  • Complete medication cart audits per policy.
  • Assist line staff by supervising the children on the units to maintain milieu safety. Participate as a recreation leader and assist with any other unit activities as needed.
  • Proficiently administer tuberculin skin tests for new employees.
  • This position may include working other shifts as needed.

*May involve exposure to pathogens and possible assaults/injury.
Qualifications
  • Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Oregon. Bachelors' degree required. Nurses holding a Bachelors' of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree will be trained and licensed by the state of Oregon to act as the LCESIS. BSN nurses will be responsible for completing all duties in the Licensed Child Emergency Safety Intervention Specialist.
  • Previous experience working in mental health preferred, but not required.
  • Meet the following physical demands: meet physical requirements of Oregon Intervention System and ability to respond physically to crisis intervention; stand for long periods of time; twisting, running, and some heavy lifting (minimum of 50 pounds).
  • Proficient use of MS Office Suite.

What Albertina Kerr employees say

Hours and flexibility

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