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Psychiatric Nursing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

You will be responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring clients' mental and physical health status.

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Psychiatric Nursing information

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$34K

$111.4K

$225.5K

How much do psychiatric nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychiatric nursing 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 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.
More about Psychiatric Nursing jobs

What cities are hiring for Psychiatric Nursing jobs?

Cities with the most Psychiatric Nursing job openings:

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

The most popular types of Psychiatric Nursing jobs are:

What states have the most Psychiatric Nursing jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Nursing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,406 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Director of Statewide Psychiatric Nursing

Oklahoma Watch Inc.

Oklahoma City, OK โ€ข On-site

$112.50 - $137.50/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

## Director of Statewide Psychiatric NursingApplylocations: Oklahoma Countytime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR61417**Job Posting Title**Director of Statewide Psychiatric Nursing**Agency**452 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERV.**Supervisory Organization**452 Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services**Job Posting End Date**Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.**Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)****Full/Part-Time**Full time**Job Type**Regular**Compensation**$125,000.00yr/$60.096154hr**Job Description****Director of Statewide Psychiatric Nursing****About the Position:** The incumbent chosen for this position will be a critical piece of the Facility Administration Oversight team in overseeing statewide facility hospitals provides strategic leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric nursing care. This role involves developing and standardizing policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing patient safety and risk management initiatives. They will lead staff training and professional development while mentoring nursing leaders and fostering trauma-informed, patient-centered care practices. The Director will be responsible for managing operational efficiency and resource allocation, while driving innovation and advocating for policy improvements at the state level. They will collaborate with community organizations, academic institutions, and policymakers to enhance mental health care access and outcomes, analyze performance metrics, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across all facilities. **Job Type/Salary:*** Application period: Open until filled.* Full-time* Vacancies: 1* Annual Salary is $125,000.00, plus generous benefits package!* FLSA Status: Exempt**Preferred Qualifications and Experience:*** Possession of a valid, permanent Oklahoma license as a registered nurse as approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing* Masterโ€™s degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing, or its equivalent, from a school of nursing accredited by the National League of Nursing or be qualified by education and experience in the care of the military ill.* Must demonstrate competence to participate in interdisciplinary formulation of individual treatment plants; to give skilled nursing care and therapy; and to direct, monitor, and evaluate the nursing care furnished.**Minimum Qualifications and Experience:*** Bachelorโ€™s degree and six (6) years of relevant professional experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity* Or equivalent combination of education and experience* No substitution will be allowed for the required professional experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity**Special Requirements:*** Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill any job-related travel normally associated with this position and as such have a valid driverโ€™s license**Benefit Highlights:** ODMHSAS is proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Our benefits include:* Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums* A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations* Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care* 11 paid holidays* 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year* Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match* Longevity Bonus for years of service* Training opportunities for CEU requirements**About Us:** *The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) is the stateโ€™s safety net mental health and substance use treatment services system. The department's core mission is to provide prevention and treatment services for Oklahomans who are indigent and without a means to pay. To address those needs, ODMHSAS has multiple state-operated facilities across Oklahoma that target different populations* Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr