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Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

Provides the full range of nursing care to psychiatric patients in an inpatient setting in the ... Associate Degree Program 3 years RN Experience Baccalaureate Degree Program 2 years RN Experience ...

Registered Nurse CVOR

Falls Church, VA ยท On-site

$2K - $3K/wk

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 ...

The Psychiatric Institute of Washington offers comprehensive benefits for the Registered Nurse (RN) position, such as: * $10,000 Retention Bonus * Challenging and rewarding work environment

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Psychiatric Rn information

See Washington salary details

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How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 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 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 cities in Washington are hiring for Psychiatric Rn jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Psychiatric Rn job openings:
Psychiatric Nurse (RN)

Psychiatric Nurse (RN)

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board

Woodbridge, VA โ€ข On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW

Provides assessment assistance and direct care medical services and supports to participants of the Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness and Recovery offering Crisis Stabilization and medically monitored detoxification services. This position assists the staff psychiatrist, nurse practitioner and consulting health care provider in the prescription, administration and monitoring of medication, discharge planning and general daily patient care. This position works an 8 to 10 hour shift on a rotating schedule, including weekends.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide general nursing care to program participants.
  • Administer prescribed medication/treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques and documentation of same.
  • Observe persons served-recording significant conditions, reactions to medication/treatments and significant incidents.
  • Assist with admission process as necessary.
  • Assist with formulation and implementation of treatment plans.
  • Facilitate groups.
  • Attends required team meetings, staff meetings, conferences, and in-services as assigned.
  • Provide complete/accurate shift report to oncoming staff.
  • Maintain drug count and count drugs at end of shift.
  • Responsible for monitoring person served activity in multiple program activities during all hours of program operation.
  • Assists individuals with personal hygiene and grooming activities.
  • Encourages and monitors participation in the daily program schedule, communicates problems to treatment team, and participates in participant recreation.
  • Transports or escorts individuals to various activities and to and from the program.
  • Respond to medical emergencies and other potential crisis situations.
  • Takes and records vital signs and observes for changes in behaviors and symptoms.
  • Administers and records orders of medication.
  • Assists in assessment of person served progress in conjunction with treatment team.
  • Orders, inventories and secures pharmaceuticals for use by program individuals; provides for adequate first aid supplies and materials at the Crisis Stabilization Program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the principles, standards, practices and techniques related to Licensed Practical Nursing in Virginia. Experience working in a psychiatric and /or detox setting and knowledge of treatment modalities. Thorough knowlยญedge of the characteristics and precautions to be taken in the administration of medication.

Basic knowledge of disease concept of chemical dependency, communicable disease concepts and other infectious disease issues. Ability to accurately maintain medical records. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons served, Crisis staff, physicians and others contacted in the course of work. Ability to follow standards of operation set forth by the RACSB.


TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Completion of training for LPN with at least one year experience working in the medical and behavioral health field working persons with MH/SA co-occurring diagnosis or equivalent education/experiยญence.


LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Virginia L.P.N. license. Valid VA driver's license.


OTHER

Must possess all qualifications and skills required by federal and state regulations to bill Medicaid for the services provided. See Medicaid Billing Addendum.


ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXPOSURE

Work involves considerable exposure to disagreeable environmental conditions such as the requirements to interact with clients having unsanitary behaviors, poor hygiene and contagious illness and/or are potentially violent; drive a vehicle in inclement, if not severe weather; occasionally physically assist and/or lift clients in the course of care or moderate weight objects in connection with operating the facility.


RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships require advanced communication and interpersonal skills and the use of specialized techniques to elicit information from and convey information to clients including hostile and abusive individuals and client families; coordinate resident care within the department and community partners; lead meetings, conduct briefings and make presentations.


RACSB maintains a drug-free workplace environment. All candidates who receive conditional offers of employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check, including criminal history, driving record, and verification of credentials. Additionally, employees are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment. Our comprehensive screening program reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy workplace and providing high-quality services to our community.