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Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

RN-PSYCH SVCS

Louisville, TN · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Psychiatric Registered Nurse, Unit C - IDD Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Peninsula Overview: Peninsula Behavioral Health, a division of Parkwest Medical Center and part of Covenant ...

RN-PSYCH SVCS

Louisville, TN · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Overview Psychiatric Registered Nurse, Unit C - IDD $10,000 Sign-on Bonus for Experienced Candidates Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Night Shift Peninsula Overview: Peninsula Behavioral Health, a ...

Travel Behavioral Health RN

Athens, TN · On-site

$1.5K - $2.0K/wk

Behavioral Health * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... Psychiatric Nurses care for patients with psych/mental issues including addictions and depression.

Nomad offers Registered Nurses a hassle-free experience, industry-leading pay rates, full benefits ... Specialty Experience 1+ years of experience in Psychiatry. * References 1 reference within the last ...

You should be aware that there are a few specialties, such as psychiatric Registered Nurse and cardiac ICU where the experience requirement is over 2 years. Versatility Along with your skills and ...

RN Psychiatric

Memphis, TN · On-site

$42/hr

Psych RN Opportunity - Memphis, TN (38133) Behavioral Health Facility Local Rate: $42/hr Shift Options: Full Time: 6:30pm-6:30 am Thursday, Friday, Saturday Part Time: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm Sat/Sun ...

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Psychiatric Rn information

See Tennessee salary details

$1K

$1.9K

$2.6K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 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 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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Psychiatric Rn jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Psychiatric Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Rn job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,026 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

RN-PSYCH SVCS

Covenant Health

Louisville, TN • On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Psychiatric Registered Nurse, Unit C - IDD

Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Peninsula Overview: 

Peninsula Behavioral Health, a division of Parkwest Medical Center and part of Covenant Health, is a leading provider of mental health services in East Tennessee. With decades of experience, Peninsula offers compassionate, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults through inpatient and outpatient programs across multiple counties. From psychiatric treatment and therapy to specialized senior care, Peninsula is committed to helping individuals overcome mental health challenges and live healthy, productive lives. 

To learn more about Peninsula Behavioral Health and our units, visit Peninsula Behavioral Health Opportunities.  

Position Summary:

Responsible for quality patient care by providing clinical direction as part of a patient care team and by using the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the delivery of patient care.


Unit and Clinical Responsibilities

  • Provides proper supervision and guidance in the daily activities of the program as part of a patient care team. 
  • Responsible for maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient environment as part of a patient care team. 
  • Demonstrates and maintains competence in therapeutic communication, supportive counseling, small group dynamics, scheduled activities, and the therapeutic milieu to manage the unit, to provide support and limits for the patients, and to carry out the Treatment Plan for each patient.
  • Implements the use of restrictive measures with patients as necessary in collaboration with medical staff when least restrictive measures have failed and provides clinical supervision during the intervention. 
  • Assists in the training, orientation, and teaching of new staff members as directed by the Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor 
  • Performs medication administration duties. 
  • Implements physician orders accurately and with proper documentation. 
  • Solicits administrative or medical consultation to assure quality patient care. 
  • Accesses emergency medical care for patients, provides a report to the Emergency Room, assures that a report from the Emergency Room is provided before the return of the patient, and facilitates the receipt of records. Provides for patient stabilization.
  • Determines patient acuity and makes patient care assignments to appropriate nursing staff. 
  • Facilitates the admission process and discharge process and assures that all relevant information is comprehensive, accurate, and appropriately documented. 
  • May perform 24-hour chart reviews. 
  • Participates in the treatment team process by interacting with the multidisciplinary team of care providers. 
  • Applies Infection Control, Hospital Emergency, Hazardous Materials Management, and Patient/Proprietary Information Confidentiality policies. 
  • Advocates for the rights of the patients and is able to process patient complaints and concerns. 
  • Formulates nursing diagnosis (using NANDA taxonomy) and uses standard DSM IV classifications of mental disorders to express conclusions supported by the collection of data. 
  • Develops treatment plans with specific goals that are patient-centered, time-oriented, and measurable and that are unique to each patient’s needs. 
  • Can perform ECG, VP, and Bedside Glucose Meter procedures. 
  • Understands and is familiar with all Hospital policies and procedures, especially those relevant to his/her respective program.

Training and Development Responsibilities

  • Maintains all necessary certifications and training (ex. CPR, de-escalation and physical intervention training, etc…). 
  • Attends on regular basis staff training and development sessions and unit staff meetings in order to enhance job knowledge. 
  • Will provide input for policy changes that impact programming and patient care.

Personal Responsibilities

  • Is punctual and prepared to perform duties and responsibilities. 
  • Presents a professional image, both in appearance and delivery of service.
  • Communicates with supervisory staff all work-related issues, concerns, and problems. 
  • Works well with co-workers and ensures that necessary communication and cooperation takes place. 
  • Able to demonstrate consistently the ability to hold accountable self and co-workers. 
  • Adheres to the ethics and values of the organization as outlined in the PBH “Standards of Performance”. 
  • Understands the mission of the organization and is able to communicate such to others. 
  • Maintains a positive attitude and shows the ability to problem-solve through the chain of command. 
  • Adheres to and promotes patient rights. 
  • Strives to provide exemplary customer service.

Minimum Education:           

A graduate of an accredited nursing school.

Minimum Experience:         

Previous experience in the practice of psychiatric nursing desired but not mandatory. 

 

Licensure Requirement:     

Current licensure as a registered professional nurse in the State of Tennessee. CPR required.

 

Aptitude:                               

Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others and within a team approach.  Must have excellent assessment skills.  Must demonstrate the ability to apply principles of nursing care.  Must show the ability to organize, plan, deliver, and document quality patient care. Must have emotional stability and empathy sufficient to care for emotionally unstable patients.