1

Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Other Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN) duties as assigned THE ARK OF DC FUNCTIONS Attend Quality Assurance Meetings. Participate in mandatory staff development, including staff meetings and ...

Showing results 21-40

Psychiatric Rn information

See Washington salary details

$1.3K

$2.3K

$3.3K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric rn in Washington is $2,328.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,959.62 and $2,690.38 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 Washington?

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Psychiatric Rn jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Psychiatric Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Rn job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,077 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) EmPATH Psychiatric Observation Nights

Inova

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 29 days ago


Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Inova Fairfax Hospital is currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Registered Nurse to join our EmPATH Psychiatric Observation Unit on the night shift. This is a full-time position with a 3 x 12-hour shift schedule (7:00 pm to 7:30 am). We welcome acute care Registered Nurses who are enthusiastic about working with the psychiatric patient population and are eager to make a positive impact in this specialty.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation. 

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.

At Inova Fairfax Hospital, our inpatient units are designed to provide clients with safety, structure, and stabilization. Our interdisciplinary team works together to ensure the best possible care for our patients. Therapeutic group activities, including creative art therapy, are an integral part of our patient-centered approach. The average nurse-to-patient ratio is 6:1, ensuring that you can provide personalized care to those who need it most.

The Registered Nurse provides knowledgeable and caring clinical practice and care coordination through an understanding of patients, families, nurses and healthcare delivery teams. Consistently provides safe and therapeutic care in a holistic and systematic way while incorporating differences into the provision of care and conducting all patient care in a patient/family centered manner. Integrates knowledge, skills and experiences to meet the needs of patients and families throughout the continuum, to include patient and family education. Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others while having respect for and an understanding of other clinical disciplines. Determines processes for delivery of care from direct patient/family communication, technology and other healthcare team member collaboration.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Performs biopsychosocial assessments on patients 
  • Provides medications and treatments to patients     
  • Serves as a resource for patients and families regarding medical questions 
  • Develops plan of care
  • Works with the interdisciplinary team to assist adult patient to meet treatment goals 
  • Reports to the Clinical Director 

*Team members may be required to float to Behavioral Health Emergency Department PODs*

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Experience Required: 1 year of Registered Nurse clinical experience
  • Education: BSN from an accredited school of nursing. If RN has an Associates Degree (ADN); must complete BSN within 5 years of start date.
  • Certification: BLS certification required, ACLS within 6 months of hire.
  • Licensure - Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of employment.
  • Special Skills - Proficient in English. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to display a caring demeanor toward others. Proficient computer skills required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Psychiatric Emergency Department experience
  • Previous Psychiatric nursing experience - inpatient or ambulatory

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.


What Inova Health System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom