1

Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit information

See salary details

$34K

$111.4K

$225.5K

How much do psychiatric intensive care unit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychiatric intensive care unit in the United States is $111,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit?

A Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is a specialized hospital ward designed for patients experiencing severe mental health crises who require intensive monitoring, care, and treatment. Typically, individuals admitted to a PICU may be at risk of harm to themselves or others and need a highly secure and supportive environment. These units provide short-term, intensive interventions by multidisciplinary teams to help stabilize patients before transitioning them to less restrictive settings. The goal is to ensure safety, manage acute symptoms, and begin the recovery process as quickly as possible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit nurse?

To thrive as a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse, you need a strong background in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and acute mental health care, usually supported by a nursing degree and RN licensure with specialized mental health training. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), de-escalation protocols, and psychiatric assessment tools is essential. Excellent communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills in this environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient and staff safety, delivering effective psychiatric care, and managing high-stress, rapidly changing situations.

What are the common challenges faced by nurses working in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit?

Nurses in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit often encounter challenges such as managing patients with acute psychiatric crises, ensuring safety for both patients and staff, and de-escalating potentially volatile situations. The environment is fast-paced, with frequent interdisciplinary collaboration with psychiatrists, social workers, and security personnel. Nurses must balance compassionate care with strict observation protocols, document behavioral changes accurately, and participate in crisis intervention. While the role is demanding, it offers valuable experience in behavioral health and opportunities for professional development in psychiatric nursing.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectPsychiatric Intensive Care UnitPsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) with mental health specialization, possible additional certificationsRegistered Nurse (RN), often with mental health training
Work EnvironmentInpatient hospital units for acute psychiatric cases, high-stress, fast-pacedVarious settings including hospitals, clinics, community health, providing direct patient care
Employer & IndustryHospitals, psychiatric facilities, mental health clinicsHospitals, mental health facilities, community health organizations

The Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is a specialized inpatient setting for acute mental health crises, requiring specific certifications and working in high-stress environments. Psychiatric Nurses provide ongoing mental health care across multiple settings, often with similar credentials but in less acute environments. While both roles involve mental health expertise, PICU staff focus on crisis stabilization, whereas Psychiatric Nurses support recovery and ongoing treatment.

More about Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit jobs

What cities are hiring for Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit jobs?

Cities with the most Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit job openings:

What states have the most Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit jobs?

States with the most job openings for Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit jobs include:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,406 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Clinical Care Partner, Full time Days, Psychiatric Services

Huntington Health

Pasadena, CA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $34.29/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Clinical Care Partner

Provides direct patient care service on a patient-centered care unit as determined by the patient's plan of care and supervised by a Registered Nurse. This position may require flexibility of hours.

Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.

Experience/Training: One year of prior experience in clinical patient care in an acute care setting (Current CNA may be substituted for the one year experience requirement). Basic computer skills/experience with computerized documentation systems preferred. Knowledge/experience with use of medical terminology.

Licenses/Certifications: Required: Current Basic Life Support Provider (BLS) issued by American Heart Association.

Skills: Must have working knowledge of departmental equipment needed to safely & successfully perform duties. Must be able to multi-task as needed and communicate effectively and timely to team lead/RN. Must complete and maintain competency skills required by specific department/unit. Must be able to perform in a fluctuating/dynamic environment.

Department: Psychiatric - ICU

Shift Duration: 12

Primary Shift: Days

Time Type: Full time

Location: 100 W California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

Pay Range: The estimated base rate for this position is $25.00 - $34.29. Additional individual compensation may be available for this role through differentials, extra shift incentives, bonuses, etc. Base pay is only a portion of the total rewards package, and a comprehensive benefits program is available for qualifying positions.

At Huntington Health, we offer a highly competitive pay structure that is more rewarding than organizations that offer straight pay. Our compensation reflects the following premium structure for every shift:

  • Base rate paid for the first 8 hours of work in a day
  • 1.5x overtime pay for hours 8โ€“12 worked in a workday.
  • 2x double-time pay for any hours beyond 12 in a workday

This ensures that employees are fairly compensated for the full length of their shift, with enhanced pay as their workday progresses. The estimated blended hourly rate, accounting for these premiums on a 12-hour shift, ranges from $29.17 to $40.01.