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Psychiatric Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RN & LPT (Global Search)

California City, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $3.0K/wk

RN & LPT (Global Search) Our client is expanding their Psychiatric Hospital facility in Southern California, USA Positions are open for qualified US local or international candidates We are searching ...

Psychiatric * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Travel GLC On-The-Go Job ID #546929. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts ...

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Psychiatric Rn information

See California salary details

$1.1K

$2K

$2.9K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric rn in California is $2,028.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,707.69 and $2,344.23 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Psychiatric RN?

A Psychiatric RN, or Psychiatric Registered Nurse, is a nursing professional who specializes in caring for patients with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders. They work in various settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, and outpatient clinics. Their responsibilities include assessing patients' mental health needs, administering medications, providing therapeutic interventions, and collaborating with other mental health professionals to create and implement treatment plans. Psychiatric RNs play a crucial role in supporting patients and their families during treatment and recovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Psychiatric RN?

To thrive as a Psychiatric RN, you need a solid background in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and patient assessment, supported by an RN license and specialized training in mental health. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), psychiatric medications, and behavioral health documentation systems is typically required. Strong soft skills such as empathy, de-escalation, active listening, and teamwork are essential for supporting patients in distress and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are critical for ensuring patient safety, effective care planning, and fostering therapeutic relationships in challenging mental health environments.

What are some common challenges Psychiatric RNs face when working with patients in acute care settings?

Psychiatric RNs in acute care settings often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, addressing complex mental health crises, and maintaining safety for both patients and staff. They must use strong assessment and de-escalation skills while working within interdisciplinary teams that include psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists. Additionally, they need to balance compassionate care with enforcing boundaries and protocols to ensure a therapeutic environment, which can be emotionally demanding but also rewarding.

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

AspectPsychiatric RnMental Health Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse license, specialized psychiatric trainingRegistered Nurse license, mental health specialization often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, outpatient clinicsCommunity clinics, hospitals, mental health centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health institutionsPublic health agencies, private clinics, hospitals

Both Psychiatric Rns and Mental Health Nurses are registered nurses with mental health expertise, working in similar environments. The main difference lies in terminology and regional usage, but their roles, credentials, and work settings are largely overlapping, focusing on patient care in mental health settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric Rn jobs in California?

The most popular types of Psychiatric Rn jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Psychiatric Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Psychiatric Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,502 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

RN - Behavioral Health | Vallejo, CA | 13-Week Travel Contract

Talented Medical Solutions

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$62 - $64.13/hr

Contractor

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Passionate about behavioral health and making a difference every shift?

If you're an experienced Behavioral Health RN who thrives in a fast-paced psychiatric setting, this is an opportunity to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while working with an experienced multidisciplinary team.

You'll care for patients across the behavioral health continuum, helping them through critical moments while building meaningful therapeutic relationships.


Position Details
  • Position: RN – Behavioral Health

  • Location: Vallejo, California

  • Contract: 13 Weeks

  • Schedule:

    • Evening Shift

    • 5×8-hour shifts

    • 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM

    • Rotating schedule with no set weekdays

    • Typically every other weekend


What You'll Need
  • Active California RN License

  • Current BLS Certification

  • Minimum 1 year of recent Behavioral Health/Psychiatric RN experience

  • CPI Certification preferred (training available on-site)

  • BSN preferred


What You'll Do
  • Provide comprehensive nursing care to behavioral health patients

  • Perform patient assessments and develop individualized care plans

  • Monitor patient safety and therapeutic progress

  • Administer medications and evaluate treatment responses

  • Collaborate with psychiatrists, therapists, and interdisciplinary care teams

  • Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans and discharge planning

  • Maintain accurate documentation and promote a safe therapeutic environment


Why You'll Love This Assignment
  • Specialized behavioral health nursing experience

  • Collaborative multidisciplinary psychiatric care team

  • Opportunity to build therapeutic relationships with patients

  • Evening shift schedule

  • Convenient Bay Area location with easy access to San Francisco, Napa Valley, and surrounding attractions