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Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

PACT Psychiatric RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

Treatment will be in a stage-based treatment model that is non-confrontational • In collaboration with the team psychiatrist or ARNP coordinate, schedule, and administer medical assessments of ...

... Psychiatric Registered Nurses (RN) provide care for patients with mental illness or disability. The nurses in this role are registered nurses with additional skills to work with difficult patients.

PACT Psychiatric RN

Des Moines, IA

$1K - $2K/wk

Treatment will be in a stage-based treatment model that is non-confrontational • In collaboration with the team psychiatrist or ARNP coordinate, schedule, and administer medical assessments of ...

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Psychiatric Rn information

See Iowa salary details

$1.1K

$1.9K

$2.7K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric rn in Iowa is $1,930.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,625.00 and $2,230.77 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 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.


Massachusetts General Hospital rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 992 rated hospitals


Job description

Details
Client Name
LifePoint Ottumwa Regional Health Center
Job Type
Travel
Offering
Nursing
Profession
RN
Specialty
PSYCH
Job ID
36916530
Job Title
RN - PSYCH
Weekly Pay
$1984.0
Shift Details
Shift
3x12 Hour Day Shift
Scheduled Hours
36
Job Order Details
Start Date
06/22/2026
End Date
08/24/2026
Duration
13 Week(s)
Job Description
Psychiatric Registered Nurses (RN) provide care for patients with mental illness or disability. The nurses in this role are registered nurses with additional skills to work with difficult patients. These nurses can work in hospitals and clinics. They provide direct patient care and assistance to doctors for patients in crisis, and offer evaluations of patient's progress with treatment.
Client Details
Address
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue
City
Ottumwa
State
IA
Zip Code
52501

What Massachusetts General Hospital employees say

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About Massachusetts General Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mass General has the largest hospital based research program in the U.S. Guided by the needs of our patients, Mass General delivers care grounded in leading edge research, advanced treatment offerings and the latest clinical trials. Massachusetts General Hospital was established to provide care to Boston's sick, regardless of socioeconomic status, and became the first teaching hospital of Harvard University's new medical school. We have remained at the forefront of medicine by fostering a culture of collaboration and education, pushing the boundaries of medical research, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the diverse community we were created to serve. We believe that because of diversity we excel, through inclusion we respect our community, and with a keen focus on equity we serve, heal, educate and innovate at the highest levels. Our first priority is the well-being of our patients—near and far. As a team we are able to maintain a singular focus on providing the highest quality, most compassionate care to each and every patient.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1811