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Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

REGISTERED NURSE 3

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$4.8K - $8.7K/mo

... psychiatric care are coordinated with the total system of care in Louisiana. ELMHS is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented individual to join the Nursing Department as a Registered Nurse. Here, you ...

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Psychiatric Rn information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$882

$1.6K

$2.3K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric rn in Baton Rouge, LA is $1,612.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,357.69 and $1,863.46 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.

Is there a demand for psych nurses?

Psychiatric RNs are in high demand due to increasing awareness of mental health issues and a growing need for mental health services. They work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, often requiring specialized training and certification in psychiatric nursing. Job prospects are strong across many regions, with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

Can a psych NP make 200K?

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (Psych NPs) can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and working in high-demand or private practice settings. Salaries vary by location, employer, and workload, with some Psych NPs earning higher incomes through overtime, telepsychiatry, or leadership roles.

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 highest paid psychiatric nurse?

The highest paid psychiatric nurses are typically those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, and specialized skills, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. Salaries can reach over $100,000 annually, especially in high-demand regions or healthcare settings with advanced practice roles and additional responsibilities.

What can you do as a psychiatric nurse?

A psychiatric nurse provides mental health care to patients with psychiatric disorders, including assessing symptoms, administering medications, developing treatment plans, and offering therapy or support. They work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings, often collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and requiring specialized training and licensure in psychiatric nursing.

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.
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Rn job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,869 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

RN / Registered Nurse - Psych Hospital/Corrections / Travel

Flag Star Nursing

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$43/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

At Flagstar Nursing, we bring decades of established local relationships and healthcare expertise to the travel nursing industry. Through our extensive network, we've built strong partnerships with behavioral health facilities, psychiatric hospitals, correctional mental health units, crisis centers, and other diverse psychiatric care environments across the country. Your safety is our primary concern, and we only work with facilities that demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting their nursing staff.
We're seeking exceptional psychiatric nurses who want a true partner in their career journey. We take the time to understand your goals, preferences, and aspirations so we can present you with multiple placement options that genuinely fit your needs. Before presenting any opportunity, we thoroughly assess each facility's safety protocols, including security presence, emergency response procedures, de-escalation training, adequate staffing ratios, and nurse support systems. Rather than forcing you into whatever assignment needs filling, we work collaboratively to find opportunities that align with your professional development goals and lifestyle requirements, whether that's acute psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, forensic mental health, geriatric psychiatry, or another specialty area within behavioral health. Our approach ensures you have real choices in where you go and the assignments you accept, all while earning competitive compensation that reflects your valuable expertise and working in environments where your safety is prioritized. Our mission is to help great psychiatric nurses choose their path in travel nursing with confidence and security.
Blended Hourly Rate: $43
RN / Registered Nurse Requirements and Responsibilities:

  • Unencumbered Compact Registered Nurse License or Louisiana State License
  • Must have a tax home 50 miles plus from facility location
  • BLS & ACLS preferred
  • Psychotropic medication knowledge (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anxiolytics)
  • Develop individualized care plans with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Strong Assessment skills & Clinical judgement
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries in secure settings
  • Ability to adapt quickly
  • Strong communication skills
RN / Registered Nurse Benefits and Schedule:
  • Multiple shift configurations available with immediate starts available
  • Competitive Weekly Pay with Direct Deposit
  • Lucrative referral bonus
  • Paid leave provided as required by applicable laws
  • Dedicated Office staff & 24-hour On-call Service
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and other insurance options available