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How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric rn in Tennessee is $1,865.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,571.15 and $2,155.77 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.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Psychiatric Rn jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Psychiatric Rn job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Psychiatric Rn jobs in TN? For Psychiatric Rn jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Psychiatric Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Rn job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,026 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN)

NHC HomeCare - Cookeville

Cookeville, TN

$1.54K - $2.11K/wk

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description


Definition:

The Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN) utilizes the nursing process in accordance with physician's orders to provide patient/family care and support/advocacy in the home setting.

Line of Authority:

Director of Nursing, Administrator/Director of Services; Regional Administrator; Assistant Vice President, HomeCare

Qualifications:
  1. Licensed Registered Nurse in the state where HomeCare agency is located.
  2. Minimum one (1) year experience as a RN/professional nurse.
  3. Experience in home care is desirable.
  4. Additional requirements for the Psychiatric Nurse, a Registered Nurse who provides psychiatric evaluation and therapy in HomeCare.
    • Qualifications: 40.1.2.15 - Psychiatric Evaluation, Therapy, and Teaching
    • Psychiatrically trained nurses are nurses who have special training and/or experience beyond the standard curriculum required for a registered nurse
    • I.e., The Psychiatric RN is a Registered Nurse who has specialized training / work experience as a RN in a psychiatric setting (acute care psychiatric facility, psychiatric home care, or psychiatric outpatient program). It is recommended that this experience has been within the prior 3 years. One of the following criteria must be met:
  5. RN with a MSN with major in psychiatric/mental health nursing and nursing experience (unspecified period of time) in a psychiatric setting, OR
  6. RN with BSN and one year experience in psychiatric setting, OR
  7. RN with AD or diploma and two years experience in a psychiatric setting
Performance Requirements:
  1. Ability to read, write, learn, absorb, and apply professional training; follow physician's orders and keep records in prescribed manner.
  2. Ability to be reaching, bending, squatting and twisting numerous times daily.
  3. Ability to lift 70-80 pounds on occasional basis.
  4. Ability to see and hear adequately in order to respond to auditory and visual requests from patients.
  5. Ability to speak in clear, concise voice in order to communicate adequately.
  6. Ability to carry out fine motor skills with manual dexterity.
  7. Mental acuity high enough to adequately perform job requirements.
  8. Must have reliable personal transportation and be able to drive in inclement weather and variable road conditions.
Specific Responsibilities:
  1. Utilizes the nursing process to identify and achieve patient goals: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
  2. Assesses the physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors that affect a patient's health to develop a comprehensive nursing care plan which will attain the patients desired health outcomes in a culturally comfortable way.
  3. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to assure personal care, medical care and rehabilitation provide for optimal patient health and well-being.
  4. Teaches patient/caregiver in various aspects of health care and disease management appropriate to needs/level of education and understanding and documents continuing needs and levels of patients/caregivers understanding.
  5. Provides and documents skilled nursing care according to the plan of care/physicians orders, policies/procedures and standards of care.
  6. Provides nursing services within the scope of practice authorized by the license issued by the state for a registered nurse.
  7. Employs strategies to promote health and a safe environment, including implementation of infection control and safety policies.
  8. Evaluates progress toward the attainment of outcomes/goals and modification of plan as needed.
  9. Participates in on-going care coordination and maintains positive relationships with referral sources, physicians/other clinicians, patients/families, and other partners.
  10. Participates with other nurses in taking weekend, night and holiday calls on a rotating basis.
  11. Continually strives to improve nursing care through participation in inservice activities, staff development activities and continuing learning.
  12. Teaches, supports, and supervises Licensed Practical Nurses and Home Health Aides.
  13. Serves on committees as assigned.
  14. Performs other duties as assigned by the DON/Administrator/Director of Services.

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