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Psychiatric Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Location - Mason City, IA Requirements for a Travel Psych Registered Nurse (RN): * BSN or Associate's degree * Active RN License for this state * 2 or more years of Psych (Psychiatric) experience ...

IA · On-site

A well-established single specialty group seeks another associate. You'll work alongside 3 other BC Psychiatrists and a nurse practitioner. Responsibilities involve the perfect mix of inpatient and ...

Showing results 41-60

Psychiatric Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$31.9K

$104.6K

$211.8K

How much do psychiatric associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychiatric associate in Iowa is $104,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Associate vs Psychiatric Technician?

AspectPsychiatric AssociatePsychiatric Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree in mental health or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilitiesInpatient units, psychiatric hospitals, residential care
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health organizationsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for similar roles assisting in mental health careSimilar responsibilities but different certification requirements

Psychiatric Associates and Psychiatric Technicians both work in mental health settings, assisting with patient care. The main difference lies in their credentials: Psychiatric Associates typically hold an associate degree, while Psychiatric Technicians may only need a high school diploma and certification. Both roles are vital in hospitals and clinics, but the Associate role often involves more advanced responsibilities and education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychiatric associate?

To thrive as a Psychiatric Associate, you need a background in psychology or mental health, strong observational skills, and often a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and patient monitoring tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and effective communication are critical soft skills for building rapport and managing challenging behaviors. These abilities ensure safe, supportive care for patients and contribute to effective interdisciplinary teamwork in mental health settings.

What is a psychiatric associate?

Psychiatric Associates are mental health professionals who assist in the care and treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders. They work under the supervision of psychiatrists, nurses, or other licensed clinicians in hospitals, mental health facilities, or outpatient settings. Their duties often include monitoring patient behavior, providing therapeutic support, assisting with daily activities, and helping to implement treatment plans. Psychiatric Associates play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and supporting recovery. They may also participate in crisis intervention and help facilitate group or individual therapy sessions.

What are some of the common challenges psychiatric associates face when working with patients in acute care settings?

Psychiatric Associates in acute care settings often encounter fast-paced environments where patients may present with severe symptoms or crises. Managing unpredictable behaviors, maintaining safety, and building trust with patients who may be experiencing distress can be challenging. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential to ensure consistent, compassionate care, but balancing documentation, patient interaction, and teamwork requires strong organizational skills. Despite these challenges, the role offers meaningful opportunities to make a difference in patients' recovery journeys.
What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Psychiatric Associate jobs in Iowa? For Psychiatric Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,640 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Staff Nurse - Medicine Psychiatric Unit (3BT) 50-100% Shift Preference Negotiable

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
Sign-on incentive: Candidates are eligible for a sign on incentive of up to $12,500 based on experience
University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Staff Nurse (RN) for the Medicine Psychiatric Unit (3BT) to assess patients' nursing care needs, evaluate effectiveness of care provided, and integrate nursing theory and research into clinical practice.
Medicine Psychiatric Inpatient Unit (3 BT):
The Medicine Psychiatry Inpatient Unit (3BT) is a specialized 15 bed secure adult inpatient unit that provides care to patients with various co-occurring medical and psychiatric illnesses. 3BT nursing staff and faculty physicians are dually trained and competent in both the medical and psychiatric disciplines. Patients admitted to 3BT often have complex health and social needs. Interdisciplinary collaboration between various healthcare professionals is necessary to meet the multidimensional needs of these individuals. Being one of only a few Medicine Psychiatry units in the country, 3BT allows healthcare professionals the unique opportunity to provide holistic patient-centered care, treating both mind and body. 3 BT is one of only a few such specialized medical/psychiatric units in the country.
Characteristic Duties of our Staff Nurses include but are not limited to:
  • Applies nursing theory to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of patient responses to health and illness
  • Assesses patient health care preferences and expectations
  • Collaboratively coordinates the continuum of care across settings
  • Develops patient care plan based on patient condition, age, and psychological, educational, and socioeconomic conditions that prescribes interventions to attain expected outcomes
  • Implements patient care plan according to patient priorities, which includes interventions identified through nursing diagnoses
  • Documents/reports interventions and patient/family response
  • Collaborates and integrates contributions of patients and families into multidisciplinary patient care plan
  • Develops, coordinates and implements transfer/discharge planning throughout episode of care
  • Implements nursing interventions according to department, division, and/or unit policies, procedures, and protocols to maintain safe environment for patients, visitors and staff. Follows universal precautions

Percent of Time: 50-100%
Schedule: 20-40 hours per week, shift preference negotiable, every third weekend and rotating holidays
Location: Boyd Tower (3BT)
Salary: $30,592 (at 50% effort) to commensurate (not including inpatient or shift differential)
SEIU Pay Plan: https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/seiu-pay-plan
Pay Differentials: Shift differentials for evening, night, and weekend shifts. Premium pay for additional shifts greater than 4 hours. Inpatient differential of $10,000 per year
Benefits Highlights: Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits
Relocation Assistant available to qualified applicants.
For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
Qualifications
Education Required
  • An Associate's Degree in Nursing, a Diploma in Nursing, a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Professional Masters of Nursing and Healthcare Practice (MNHP), MSN/Clinical Nurse Leader or a Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN, MA) is required.

Experience Requirements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required
  • Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills with patients/families, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary team members as demonstrated through written and verbal interactions
  • General computer skills are required
  • Current license to practice nursing in Iowa is required by date of hire

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing or Masters Degree in Nursing is highly desired
  • If Baccalaureate degree in Nursing is not yet obtained, active enrollment in a BSN program is desirable
  • Previous RN inpatient experience, or recent internship on an inpatient unit

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact Maggie Fraher at Maggie-Fraher@uiowa.edu.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

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