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Psychiatric Nursing Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Travel Behavioral Health RN

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Plan nursing care for patients by providing nursing diagnosis of the medical and emotional status of patients and recommending treatment options. * Consult with psychiatrists and other behavioral ...

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Muncie, IN · On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Muncie, IN- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner needed for this well established outpatient clinic in a great college town, home to Ball State University, and within 45 ...

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Richmond, IN · On-site

$107K - $137K/yr

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Immediate need for a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. All outpatient community mental health center about 45 minutes east of Indianapolis. Small town America at its best.

Showing results 21-40

Psychiatric Nursing information

See Indiana salary details

$32.4K

$106K

$214.6K

How much do psychiatric nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychiatric nursing in Indiana is $106,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $125,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is psychiatric nursing?

Psychiatric nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of individuals with mental health disorders, emotional challenges, and psychiatric illnesses. Psychiatric nurses work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and community agencies, where they assess, diagnose, and treat patients experiencing mental health issues. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans, administer medications, provide therapeutic interventions, and support patients and their families through recovery. Their role is essential in promoting mental wellness, preventing relapse, and advocating for the needs of individuals with mental health conditions.

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

To thrive as a Psychiatric Nurse, you need a solid understanding of mental health disorders, psychiatric nursing practices, and a nursing degree with RN licensure, often supplemented by experience or certification in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and psychiatric assessment tools is essential. Exceptional empathy, patience, de-escalation skills, and strong communication abilities are crucial soft skills for building trust with patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring patient safety, effective treatment, and supportive therapeutic environments in mental health settings.

What are some of the common challenges psychiatric nurses face in their daily work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Psychiatric nurses often encounter challenges such as managing patients in acute distress, handling unpredictable behaviors, and maintaining personal resilience in emotionally charged situations. Effective management involves utilizing strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and teamwork with interdisciplinary professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists. Regular debriefing sessions, ongoing professional development, and self-care practices are also essential to help nurses cope with stress and provide high-quality care.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Nursing vs Registered Nurse?

AspectPsychiatric NursingRegistered Nurse
CredentialsRN license, specialized training in mental healthRN license, general nursing education
Work EnvironmentPsychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, inpatient unitsHospitals, clinics, community health settings
Employer & IndustryBehavioral health facilities, mental health organizationsHospitals, healthcare facilities across various specialties
Common Search/ComparisonPsychiatric Nursing vs Registered Nurse

Psychiatric Nursing is a specialized field within nursing focused on mental health care, requiring specific training and experience in psychiatric settings. Registered Nurses have a broader scope, working across various healthcare environments. While both roles require an RN license, psychiatric nurses have additional mental health expertise, making them distinct in their focus and work environment.

Is there a demand for psychiatric nurses?

Psychiatric nursing is a growing field due to increased awareness of mental health issues and expanded healthcare services. Employment opportunities are expected to rise faster than the average for all occupations, especially in hospitals, mental health clinics, and community health settings, requiring specialized skills and certifications such as psychiatric-mental health nursing licensure.

What can you do as a psychiatric nurse?

A psychiatric nurse provides mental health care to patients with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. They assess patient needs, administer medications, develop treatment plans, and offer counseling and support in various healthcare settings. Certification and strong communication skills are essential for this role.

Where do most psychiatric nurses work?

Most psychiatric nurses work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers. They provide care for patients with mental health disorders, often working in inpatient or outpatient settings, and may require specialized training or certification in psychiatric nursing.

Where do psychiatric nurses get paid the most?

Psychiatric nurses tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare funding. Salaries can also vary based on experience, education level, and certifications like psychiatric-mental health nursing certification. Generally, urban hospitals and specialized mental health facilities offer the highest pay for psychiatric nurses.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric Nursing jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Psychiatric Nursing jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Psychiatric Nursing jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Psychiatric Nursing job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Nursing job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,010 per year, or $51 per hour.

NIGHT SHIFT - Registered Nurse (RN) - Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital - Sign-On Bonus up to $10,000

Bowen Center

Pierceton, IN

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Provide direct nursing care to patients, including monitoring vital signs, administering injections, and reporting changes in patient conditions.

  • Enter and maintain accurate patient data, prepare charts for physician appointments, and complete billing and documentation tasks.

  • Collaborate with healthcare providers to coordinate patient care and educate patients on medication, treatment plans, and chronic disease management.


Job description

**Shifts will include Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7p-7:30a**

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides psychiatric nursing services to Bowen Health patients at our Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital on night shift.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Below are the primary duties and essential functions of an employee in this position. While not all tasks may be performed by every employee in this role, all employees are expected to perform related tasks as needed. These essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Clinical:

  • Provide direct nursing care, including monitoring vital signs and administering injections.
  • Maintain CEUs required for continued license/certification.
  • Maintain credentials with all applicable managed care contracts by completing the necessary paperwork and returning it on a timely basis.
  • Collaborate with providers and other nursing staff to provide and coordinate patient care.
  • Monitor, document, and report changes in patient conditions to RN or physician.
  • Provide instructions on medications, treatment plans, and home care.
  • Educate patients with chronic disease management, such as diabetes and hypertension.
  • See Scope of Practice.

Administrative:

  • Enter data in client records, ensuring that data is accurate, complete, and timely.
  • Prepare client charts for physician appointments, ensuring that charting is as accurate and comprehensive as required.
  • Track and coordinate data pertinent to patients’ care (i.e., assistance and sample medications, drug utilization evaluations, etc.).
  • Continue to further education and to remain updated on psychiatric nursing issues by attending continuing education and training courses.
  • Review all outpatient medication storage and administration locations in all counties for monthly pharmacy review requirements.
  • Use standard precautions and OSHA guidelines for the disposal of medical waste.
  • Complete and submit billing documents.
  • Complete and submit mileage reports

Physical Requirements:

  • Occupational Exposure Risk Classification: The normal work routine involves moderate exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.
  • The normal work routine has a minimal ergonomic risk for repetitive motion impairment.
  • The position may require a minimal amount of physical exertion (bending, lifting, twisting) in the work area.
  • The position requires the ability to engage with patients who may become violent and to participate in physical patient holds using approved techniques when necessary.

Required Qualifications:

  • Education: Associate degree or higher Nursing. BSN preferred
  • Experience: Prefer at least one (1) year of Healthcare or Psychiatric experience.

Certificate or Professional License:

  • Nursing Licensure in the state of Indiana required. Certification as Psychiatric Nurse preferred.
  • CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) - certification must be obtained after hire and prior to providing direct patient care. This certification must be maintained and kept current through employment.
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) and First Aid - certification must be obtained after hire and prior to providing direct patient care. This certification must be maintained and kept current through employment.
  • Valid driver’s license and active auto insurance coverage.
  • Satisfactory results from criminal and driving record background checks
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

Promise of Equal Opportunity and Fostering a Fair and Respectful Workplace:

Bowen Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace. We comply with all applicable laws, including the ADA and OSHA regulations, and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Safety is a priority for all employees.

Bowen Health prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected statuses. Bowen Health is dedicated to creating opportunities for all employees to thrive and support our mission of compassionate care.