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Psychiatric Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatric Nurse

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$136K - $150K/yr

Psychiatric Nurse Print ( Apply  Psychiatric Nurse Salary $136,200.24 - $150,148.08 Annually Location Sacramento, CA Job Type Intermittent - 1560 Job Number 28288-D Department DHHS - Health ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

About the job Psychiatric Nurse Location: Providence, RI Setting: Outpatient clinic, Community Health Schedule: - Monday through Friday - 8-hour shifts - Flexible hours Duties: - Provide direct ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

As a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Milestone LLC, you will provide comprehensive nursing care to clients with mental health disorders. You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments ...

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Psychiatric Nurse information

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How much do psychiatric nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric nurse in the United States is $41.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.77 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a psychiatric nurse?

Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with mental health conditions, emotional disorders, or behavioral problems. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community mental health centers. Their responsibilities include assessing patients, developing care plans, administering medication, and providing therapy and support to patients and their families. Psychiatric nurses play a key role in helping individuals manage symptoms and achieve better mental well-being. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.

What does a psychiatric nurse do?

A psychiatric nurse is a highly educated healthcare professional who has completed all the requirements to become an advanced practice nurse plus additional education and training in psychiatric care. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you treat patients facing a wide range of mental health disorders including anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, addictions, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and more. Treatments include therapy and medication as deemed necessary after a thorough assessment.

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

To thrive as a Psychiatric Nurse, you need expertise in mental health assessment, crisis intervention, and knowledge of psychiatric disorders, usually supported by a nursing degree and RN licensure with specialized psychiatric training. Familiarity with electronic health records, psychiatric medication management systems, and de-escalation tools is essential. Exceptional listening, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills enable effective patient support and teamwork. These competencies are vital for delivering safe, compassionate care and managing complex mental health situations.

What are some common challenges psychiatric nurses face when working with patients with severe mental illness?

Psychiatric nurses often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating crises, and maintaining personal safety while providing compassionate care. Building trust with patients who may be resistant to treatment or have difficulty communicating can also be demanding. Additionally, psychiatric nurses must navigate complex emotions, both their own and those of their patients, while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Nurse vs Mental Health Nurse?

AspectPsychiatric NurseMental Health Nurse
CredentialsRN license, psychiatric certification often preferredRN license, mental health specialization
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, clinicsCommunity clinics, hospitals, outpatient settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health institutionsPublic health agencies, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonPsychiatric Nurse vs Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric Nurses and Mental Health Nurses often share similar roles, working in mental health settings to provide patient care. The main difference lies in terminology and specific work environments, with Psychiatric Nurses typically working in inpatient psychiatric facilities and Mental Health Nurses often in community or outpatient settings. Both roles require RN licensure and specialized training in mental health care.

Is there a demand for psychiatric nurses?

Psychiatric nurses are in high demand due to increasing awareness and need for mental health services. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than average, especially in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, requiring strong clinical skills and relevant licensure.

Where do psychiatric nurses make the most money?

Psychiatric nurses tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas and states with advanced healthcare funding. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and work setting, including hospitals, private clinics, or community health centers.

What cities are hiring for Psychiatric Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Psychiatric Nurse job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric Nurse jobs?

The most popular types of Psychiatric Nurse jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Psychiatric Nurse jobs?

The top employers for Psychiatric Nurse jobs are:

What states have the most Psychiatric Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Psychiatric Nurse jobs include:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,659 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Psychiatric Nurse

Sacramento County

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$136K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Sacramento County rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Psychiatric Nurse

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sacramento/jobs/newprint/981663)

Apply

Psychiatric Nurse

Salary

$136,200.24 - $150,148.08 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Intermittent - 1560

Job Number

28288-D

Department

DHHS - Health & Human Services

Opening Date

01/20/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

3/16/26, 5/18/26, 7/20/26, 9/14/26, 11/16/26

Note: Vacancies may be permanent or intermittent on-call (per-diem). Shift differential may be available in addition to base salary. PM (swing) shift - 5%. Noc (grave) - 10%. Weekend-$1.00 per hour worked.

Note: For additional nursing opportunities please see Registered Nurse DCF Level I/II (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sacramento/jobs/454059/registered-nurse-dcf-level-i-ii?keywords=registered%20nurse&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs) , Public Health Nurse Level I/II (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sacramento/jobs/980990/public-health-nurse-level-i-ii?keywords=public%20health%20nurse&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs)

Psychiatric Nurse performs professional nursing duties in the care of mentally ill and emotionally disturbed patients; advises and collaborates with other staff and interdisciplinary health treatment teams in diagnosis and treatment planning for such patients; and, assists and participates in various administrative and mental health program activities.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

  • Professional nursing principles, procedures, and techniques used in the care and treatment of psychiatric patients

  • Social, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders

  • Medical and psychiatric terminology

  • Medications, including narcotics and their effects upon psychiatric patients

  • Control procedures, preparation, and administration of medications

  • State of California laws and regulations on nursing practices

  • Basic laws and regulations pertaining to psychiatric nursing and treatment of the mentally ill

  • Basic theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy

  • Basic general procedures and organization of mental health treatment facilities and multidisciplinary treatment teams

  • Symptoms and behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed and mentally ill patients

  • Standard professional methods of physically restraining psychiatric patients

  • Medical and social community resources available to patients

  • First aid

Ability to

  • Apply professional psychiatric nursing care principles and practices in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric patients

  • Communicate with and gain the cooperation of patients

  • Keep accurate written charts and records of patient activities and progress

  • Learn and comply with laws, rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures, including security requirements, applicable to the work unit

  • Use professional judgment to determine and apply appropriate intervention techniques with patients in crisis

  • Work cooperatively with other mental health treatment practitioners to provide an integrated treatment plan

  • Conduct and review reports of interviews of patients to evaluate their condition and determine the circumstances causing them to require mental health treatment services

  • Conduct and assist in formal and informal individual and group counseling

  • Assist in and physically subdue resisting patients with a minimum of force necessary to effect a restraint

  • Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with patients, their families, facility and clinic personnel, and others

  • Maintain patient confidentiality

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a current Registered Nurse license issued by the State of California.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/content/personnel/us/en/faqs/ES--faqs.html#gsc.tab=0) or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Certificates/licenses: All persons appointed must possess and maintain a current Registered Nurse license issued by the State of California. Failure to maintain such license may be cause for disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service Commission Rules.

All persons appointed will be required to have, or obtain, and maintain a valid CPR certificate.

Note: Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to a physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Special Requirements

Background/Criminal History: The County may access criminal history information on all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for the above job class consistent with the provisions of the Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedure and applicable federal and state law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

The County may also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within this class. The background check may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history check, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.

Physical Abilities: All persons appointed must be physically able to restrain and assist in restraining patients. Persons appointed may be required to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Psychiatric health facilities such as the County's Mental Health Treatment Center are licensed and regulated by the California State Department of Mental Health Services; such regulations include staffing and personnel standards which may apply to the class and may supersede the above minimum qualifications.

CHILD AND ELDER ABUSE REPORTING: Persons selected for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 and 11160 of the California Penal Code relating to child and elder abuse reporting.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here (http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sacramento) to apply.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

www.SacCountyJobs.net

  • Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

  • Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

  • Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.

  • Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.

  • A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

  • Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

  • The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.

  • Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.

  • If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.

  • Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.

  • If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.

  • For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.

  • If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/content/personnel/us/en/faqs/ES--faqs.html#gsc.tab=0) for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:

www.saccountyjobs.net

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at dco@saccounty.gov or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions (https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/DCOJobApplicantExamReasonableAccommodation.aspx)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees’ current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:

  • Dental Insurance

  • Vision Benefits

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Health Insurance

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

  • Life Insurance

  • Critical Illness

  • Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)

  • Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the Benefits website (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/Benefits/#gsc.tab=0)

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