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Psych Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HiredFirst

Registered Nurse - RN Psych ICU

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$66.45 - $67.30/hr

Registered Nurse - RN * Duration: 13 weeks * Shift Details: Day shift 7am to 3:30pm; 5 x 8s, no set ... Require 1 year of psych experience. * Shift Type: 1st 8h * Location: Vallejo, CA * Unit:

HiredFirst

Registered Nurse - RN Psych ICU

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$66.45 - $67.30/hr

Registered Nurse - RN * Duration: 13 weeks * Shift Details: Evening Shift 3pm to 11:30pm; 5 x 8s ... Require 1 year of psych experience. * Shift Type: 2nd 8h * Location: Vallejo, CA * Unit:

Wellpath

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN)

Eureka, CA

$67.50 - $75/hr

Current (and must maintain) lifesaving BLS certification through AHA Additional Details This position will cover vacations and time off for our current Psych RN. We are an Equal Employment ...

Wellpath

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN)

Eureka, CA

$67.50 - $75/hr

Current (and must maintain) lifesaving BLS certification through AHA Additional Details This position will cover vacations and time off for our current Psych RN. We are an Equal Employment ...

Wellpath

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN)

Eureka, CA · On-site

$67.50 - $75/hr

Additional Details This position will cover vacations and time off for our current Psych RN. Qualifications & Requirements Education * Graduate from an accredited school of nursing Experience * 3+ ...

Wellpath

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN)

Eureka, CA · On-site

Additional Details This position will cover vacations and time off for our current Psych RN. Qualifications & Requirements Education * Graduate from an accredited school of nursing Experience * 3+ ...

ATC West Healthcare

RN Psych - Per Diem

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$36 - $39/hr

TC WEST HEALTHCARE IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR AN RN PSYCH FOR A PROMINENT HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN ANAHEIM, CA ssignment Details Work Type: Per Diem * Pay: $36/hr-$39/hr * Gross: $504-$546/shift

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All JobsPsych Rn JobsPsych Rn Jobs in California

Psych Rn information

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How much do psych rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for psych rn in California is $2,028.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,707.69 and $2,344.23 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Psych RN?

A Psych RN, or Psychiatric Registered Nurse, is a licensed nurse who specializes in caring for patients with mental health disorders. They assess patients’ mental health needs, develop care plans, administer medications, and collaborate with other health professionals to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. Psych RNs work in settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers. Their role is critical in supporting patients' emotional well-being and helping them manage mental illnesses.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Psych RNs can increase their earnings by gaining specialized certifications, working in high-demand settings such as psychiatric hospitals or private practices, and taking on additional shifts or overtime. Advancing to supervisory or administrative roles and developing expertise in areas like addiction or trauma can also boost income potential, though reaching $300,000 may require multiple income streams or working in high-paying regions.

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

AspectPsych RnMental Health Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, specialized training in psychiatric careRegistered Nurse (RN) license, often with additional mental health certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, outpatient clinicsCommunity health centers, hospitals, mental health clinics
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health servicesHealthcare, mental health services
Common Search/ComparisonPsych RnMental Health Nurse

Both Psych Rns and Mental Health Nurses are registered nurses with specialized training in mental health. They often work in similar environments such as hospitals and clinics, providing psychiatric care. The main difference lies in terminology and regional usage, with 'Psych Rn' being more common in certain areas, while 'Mental Health Nurse' is widely used internationally. Both roles require RN licensure and may include additional mental health certifications.

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

To thrive as a Psych RN, you need a solid background in psychiatric nursing, mental health assessment, and crisis intervention, typically supported by an RN license and experience in behavioral health settings. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), de-escalation techniques, and knowledge of relevant legal and ethical frameworks are crucial. Strong communication, empathy, and emotional resilience help Psych RNs build trust with patients and manage challenging situations effectively. These skills ensure safe, compassionate care and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in mental health environments.

Can an RN make $200,000?

Registered nurses (RNs), including psychiatric RNs, typically earn less than $200,000 annually. However, salaries can reach or exceed this level with advanced experience, specialized certifications, working in high-paying regions, or taking on roles such as nurse managers or advanced practice nurses like nurse practitioners. Most psychiatric RNs earn between $60,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on factors like location and experience.

Is a psych RN job in demand?

Psych RNs are in high demand due to increasing mental health awareness and a growing need for psychiatric services. They work in hospitals, mental health facilities, and outpatient settings, often requiring specialized training and certification. The job outlook for psychiatric nurses is strong, with steady growth expected in the coming years.

What are some common challenges a Psych RN faces when working with patients in acute psychiatric settings?

Psychiatric Registered Nurses (Psych RNs) in acute settings often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating crisis situations, and balancing empathy with maintaining professional boundaries. They must also coordinate closely with interdisciplinary teams—such as psychiatrists, therapists, and social workers—to develop and implement individualized care plans. Additionally, Psych RNs need to stay vigilant about safety protocols to protect both patients and staff, while also supporting patients through complex emotional and mental health issues.

What can you do as a psych nurse?

A psychiatric registered nurse (Psych RN) provides mental health care by assessing patients, developing and implementing treatment plans, administering medications, and offering therapy and support. They work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community programs, often collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and requiring strong communication and crisis intervention skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Psych Rn jobs in California? The most popular types of Psych Rn jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Psych Rn jobs in California? For Psych Rn jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Psych Rn jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Psych Rn jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Psych Rn jobs? Cities in California with the most Psych Rn job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Psych Rn jobs in CA? For Psych Rn jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Psych Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psych Rn job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,502 per year, or $50.7 per hour.
Inpatient Psych Registered Nurse - NOC SHIFT 7P- 7:30A

Inpatient Psych Registered Nurse - NOC SHIFT 7P- 7:30A

Vista del Mar Hospital

Ventura, CA

$47 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Summary

Monitor the unit for patient and staff safety. To deliver quality general/psychiatric nursing care to patients who are hospitalized for treatment of psychiatric or emotional disorders; to support the hospital and program philosophy of care; to ensure the safety, well-being and appropriate care of each patient.

COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

Pay:

Approximate: $47.00 - 55.00

Job Requirements

ADN

Minimum Work Experience

Possesses current RN licensure in state of practice; demonstrates sound leadership skills and utilizes these skills in organizing the activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks of the Adolescent and Adult for a given shift; record of consistently high quality of clinical and interpersonal skills to be an exemplary role model to others; displays basic knowledge of treatment procedures; interventions common to acute psychotic as well as non-violent crises intervention practice; basic knowledge of abnormal psychology as typically found in the adolescent psychiatric population, application of this knowledge to adolescent or adult knowledge of medical terminology, especially those terms associated with adolescent or adult psychiatric care; thorough familiarity of psycho-pharmacy and the use of psychotropic medications with adolescent or adult psychiatric population, basic teaching and training skills helpful; problem-solving; organizational and time management; crisis intervention skills; written and oral communication skills; skills in facilitating and/or co-facilitating process-oriented and didactic groups.

Required License

Current CA - RN, CPR, CPI (or to be obtained within 30 days upon hire)

Job Type: Full-time

Required Licenses

Current CA - RN license, CPR, CPI (or obtained within 30 days upon hire)

Requirements

California - RN

Benefits

At Vista del Mar Hospital, you will find yourself in a position with great growth potential. We make it a priority to provide advancement opportunities and ongoing education for our entire team, in both clinical and non-clinical roles. This helps us ensure ongoing patient safety and quality care across our facility.

Each of our professionals is compassionate and committed to the goal of excellence in the mental health care industry. Because we bring on the most reputable and experienced healthcare professionals to fill our open behavioral health jobs, our goal is to keep them long-term. This is better for patients and our own staff, as it allows everyone to feel more comfortable in their environment.

Although a mental health career with Vista del Mar can be extremely rewarding in its own right, we understand the importance of employee benefits. Vista del Mar offers the following:

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan
  • Healthcare Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Spending Account
  • PTO Plan with Holiday Premium Pay
  • Discounted Cafeteria Meal Plan
  • Life Insurance (Supplemental Life, Term and Universal plans are also available.)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (with additional buy-in opportunities)

Apply