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Psychiatric Nursing Rn Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$136K - $174K/yr

The PMHNP will provide comprehensive psychiatric and nursing care to clients within the Low Barrier ... Current and unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the District of Columbia required.

Registered Nurse

Elkridge, MD ยท On-site

$37.08 - $56.83/hr

We also have flexible shift options including day, evenings, and weekends and do not require psychiatric nursing experience. If you are a registered nurse who is committed to making a positive impact ...

Psychiatric Registered Nurse

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

SH-967 Registered Nurse, Washington, DC Duties: * Provide direct patient care in a psychiatric ... Valid nursing license and certification as a Psychiatric Nurse. * Knowledge of airway management ...

Psychiatric Registered Nurse

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

SH-967 Registered Nurse, Washington, DC Duties: * Provide direct patient care in a psychiatric ... Valid nursing license and certification as a Psychiatric Nurse. * Knowledge of airway management ...

Registered Nurse

Elkridge, MD ยท On-site

$37.08 - $56.83/hr

We also have flexible shift options including day, evenings, and weekends and do not require psychiatric nursing experience. If you are a registered nurse who is committed to making a positive impact ...

Registered Nurse

Elkridge, MD ยท On-site

$37.08 - $56.83/hr

We also have flexible shift options including day, evenings, and weekends and do not require psychiatric nursing experience. If you are a registered nurse who is committed to making a positive impact ...

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Showing results 1-20

Psychiatric Nursing Rn information

See Washington salary details

$1.3K

$2.3K

$3.3K

How much do psychiatric nursing rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric nursing rn in Washington is $2,328.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,959.62 and $2,690.38 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPsychiatric Nursing RnMental Health Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, psychiatric certification often preferredRegistered Nurse (RN) license, specialized training in mental health
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, community clinicsCommunity health centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health institutionsPublic health agencies, private practices, hospitals

Both roles involve providing mental health care, but Psychiatric Nursing Rn typically refers to RNs working specifically in psychiatric settings, while Mental Health Nurse may include a broader range of mental health services, often emphasizing community-based care. The core responsibilities and credentials overlap significantly, making them closely related roles in mental health nursing.

How much do psychiatric nursing RNs make?

Psychiatric nursing RNs typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000, though this can vary based on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries for psychiatric RNs often range from $60,000 to $90,000, with additional compensation for certifications and specialized skills.

What is a psychiatric nursing RN?

Psychiatric nursing RNs, also known as psychiatric-mental health registered nurses, are specialized nurses who care for patients with mental health disorders, emotional challenges, or psychiatric illnesses. They assess mental health needs, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide therapeutic support in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community centers. Their role also includes collaborating with psychiatrists, social workers, and families to promote optimal mental health outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a psychiatric nursing RN might face when working with patients, and how are these addressed in practice?

Psychiatric Nursing RNs often encounter challenges such as managing patients with acute mental health crises, unpredictable behaviors, or co-occurring substance abuse issues. Effective communication, de-escalation techniques, and ongoing collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are essential in addressing these challenges. Nurses receive specialized training in crisis intervention and patient safety protocols, and they regularly participate in team meetings to discuss care strategies and share insights. Support from experienced colleagues and access to mental health resources also play a key role in helping RNs navigate these demanding situations.

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

To thrive as a Psychiatric Nursing RN, you need strong psychiatric assessment skills, knowledge of mental health disorders, and a nursing degree with current RN licensure, often complemented by specialized psychiatric nursing certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention tools, and medication management systems is essential. Exceptional communication, emotional resilience, and de-escalation abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities support safe, compassionate care and help manage complex behavioral situations in mental health settings.

Can a psychiatric nursing RN work in a psych ward?

Yes, a psychiatric nursing registered nurse (RN) can work in a psychiatric or mental health ward, providing direct patient care, administering medications, and implementing treatment plans. RNs in this field typically need specialized training in mental health nursing and may require state licensure or certification in psychiatric nursing.
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Nursing Rn job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,077 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Travel Psychiatric Registered Nurse - $1,929 per week

Host Healthcare

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

$1.9K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Host Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN Psychiatric for a travel nursing job in Dulles, Virginia.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Psychiatric
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 08/10/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Looking for a great Travel Psychiatric Nursing Job in Dulles, Virginia? Host Healthcare posted this Travel Nursing Job that offers 36 hours a week for 13 weeks in Dulles, Virginia.

Vivian Health provides transparent Travel Psychiatric Salary information and unbiased reviews from leading Travel Nurse Agencies across the United States, so you can compare travel opportunities matching your desired criteria.

With Vivian, you can chat directly with recruiters and apply to staffing agencies with a Single Reusable Profile to find your ideal job faster and easier than ever.

The details for this Travel Psychiatric Nursing Job are:

  • Specialty: Psychiatric
  • Job Location: Dulles, Virginia
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $1,929/week
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Total Hours Per Week: 36 weekly
  • Shift Breakdown: 3x12 hrs
  • Shift: 12 hours, days

Host Healthcare Job ID #a1fVX000003j3xhYAA. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN - Psychiatry

About Host Healthcare

At Host Healthcare, we provide a truly comfortable experience as you explore your travel nursing, therapy, or allied career. We make your travel healthcare journey easy by taking care of all the details, so you donโ€™t have to.

We are on a mission to help others live better and we do this by helping the healers of the world be as comfortable as possible. With access to tens of thousands of travel nursing, therapy, and allied jobs in all 50 states, our responsive and friendly recruiters find your dream position based on whatโ€™s important to you.

During your assignment, get access to premium benefits, including Day 1 medical that continues up to 30 days between assignments, 401K matching, travel reimbursements, dedicated housing support, and more. We also offer 24/7 support from our team and access to our on-staff clinicians so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire assignment.

Travel comfortably with Host Healthcare.

Benefits
  • Referral bonus
  • School loan reimbursement
  • Vision benefits
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Company provided housing options
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Life insurance
  • Medical benefits
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Pet insurance
  • Discount program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Health savings account
  • Holiday Pay
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Continuing Education
  • Dental benefits

Host Healthcare logo

About Host Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Host Healthcare, we provide a truly comfortable experience as you explore your travel nursing, therapy, or allied career. We make your travel healthcare journey easy by taking care of all the details, so you don't have to. We are on a mission to help others live better and we do this by helping the healers of the world be as comfortable as possible. With access to tens of thousands of travel nursing, therapy, and allied jobs in all 50 states, our responsive and friendly recruiters find your dream position based on what's important to you. During your assignment, get access to premium benefits, including Day 1 medical that continues up to 30 days between assignments, 401K matching, travel reimbursements, dedicated housing support, and more. We also offer 24/7 support from our team and access to our on-staff clinicians so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire assignment.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2012