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Psych Rn Jobs in Bakersfield, CA (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurses needed! FT, PT, PRN, TRAVEL and LOCAL CONTRACTS. Top Pay and Bonuses. Variety of ... All specialties needed including: Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, ER, Tele and ICU to name a few! In ...

Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 18 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... some psych holds, STEMI, CVA, and burn receiving cases * Patient ratios: ICU 1:2, Peds ER 1:4, ...

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Psych Rn information

See Bakersfield, CA salary details

$1.2K

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How much do psych rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average weekly pay for psych rn in Bakersfield, CA is $2,126.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,790.38 and $2,455.77 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.

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.

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 job categories do people searching Psych Rn jobs in Bakersfield, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Psych Rn jobs in Bakersfield, CA are:
What cities near Bakersfield, CA are hiring for Psych Rn jobs? Cities near Bakersfield, CA with the most Psych Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Psych Rn job openings in Bakersfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,556 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

RN (Registered Nurse)

3B Healthcare, Inc.

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Unit Notes
****MUST HAVE 2 YEARS OF ER EXPERIENCE****
*Duos not accepted here*
*No first time travelers*
**Will be required to float to Peds ER**
ER
Basic EKG interpretation test assigned during orientation. Critical care RNs (ED/ICUs/PICU) will have more than just the basic interpretation test (like those included in the STEMI curriculum and Procedural Sedation curriculum assigned to them).
# beds/trauma bays Adult ER has 36 treatment areas; Peds ER has 12 treatment areas as well as the 8 pods for the fast track area
Do you have a Fast track Ran out of the lobby areas
Do you have a separate Triage area & do you allow/require travelers to do Triage? There are 3 triage nurses to start the day
Do you have a separate holding area in the ER or are ER holds intermixed w/in the ER? Do ER RN's manage their own ER holds? Intermixed and ED RNs manage own holds.
Do you have separate Psych/seclusion rooms? No
In-house Security Yes
# patients per day Approx 325 visits per day between both ERs
30,000 peds per year seen in ER
Ratios ICU 1:2; Peds 1:4, Adults 1:4, procedural sedation 1:1
Required Certifications Adult ER - BLS, ACLS, PALS, NIHSS required
Common diagnoses/Types of patients All diagnoses from minor walk-ins to critically ill patients. Respiratory failure, asthma, ABD pain, fractures, substance abuse, some psych holds (maybe 1 per day)
Adults ER - STEMI, CVA, & burn receiving center (there is a burn nurse that will come into the ER to assess)Remove in June
Peds ER is a receiving center for pediatrics.
Experience or 'Must have' skills All candidates must have some experience with Peds & Adults (roughly 50% of their population is Peds) Some nurses will work just Peds ER, some just adult ER & some do both. For Peds ER, need to have significant Peds ER experience, not just general experience. Travelers must have similar experience when it comes to the amount of patients seen per day. Must have experience in triage
ED Physicians/Mid-Levels MDs & Midlevels - quick look & fast track ran by midlevels from 11a-1p. Peds ER is staffed by a designated pediatric doctor.
Charge Nurse/House Supervisor Yes
Nurse Aids/Paramedics/Patient sitters Use ER techs or CNAs. Have LVNs that run fast track area (RNs work there as well - Peds and Adult fast track)
EMR Cerner
RT Equipment (Vents, Cpap, BiPap, High Flow, etc.) Does RT do ABG's, breathing tx, EKGs? Yes
Is there tele on this unit? Monitor Techs? RNs read strips? Phillips telemetry. They have a monitor tech.
X-Ray or CT in the ER? Transport? Some transport
Phlebotomy or nurse draw Phlebotomy
Shifts & Scheduling 12Hr shifts: 7a-7p, 11a-11p, 3p-3a, 7p-7a **No block scheduling. Traveler needs to be flexible with the scheduling
Weekend Requirement 4 weekend shifts per month: can be 1 per week or 2 every other week
Holiday Requirement Travelers are expected to work holidays unless the holiday lands during contracted time off
Is there a call or standby requirement? No Call, but can be placed on standby for low census. If placed on standby and called in they have a 30 min response time.
Floating Requirements No floating outside of the ER
Scrub Color/Dress Code Navy blue for RN
No hoodies/sweatshirts, or sweat jackets