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

Registered Nurse 3 (WAE)

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$4.8K - $8.7K/mo

Preparation and administration of medication per the physician's orders, for both medical and psychiatric reasons. Minimum Qualifications Possession of a current Louisiana Registered Nurse license or ...

LPN Part Time Nights

Baton Rouge, LA

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Provides skilled nursing care to clients as directed by the registered nurse, clinical director or director of nursing, according to the psychiatric nursing standards of practice. Promotes and ...

New

LPN Part Time Days

Baton Rouge, LA

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Provides skilled nursing care to clients as directed by the registered nurse, clinical director or director of nursing, according to the psychiatric nursing standards of practice. Promotes and ...

New

Registered Nurse 1 (WAE)

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$4.2K - $7.6K/mo

... long-term psychiatric care are coordinated with the total system of care in Louisiana. ELMHS is ... Minimum Qualifications Possession of a current Louisiana Registered Nurse license or a temporary ...

Showing results 21-40

Psychiatric Rn information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$1.1K

$2K

$2.8K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric rn in Baton Rouge, LA is $1,974.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,661.54 and $2,280.77 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 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 a psych RN job in demand?

Psychiatric registered nurse (Psych RN) positions are in high demand due to increasing mental health awareness and a growing need for behavioral health services. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than average, especially in hospitals, mental health facilities, and community health settings, often requiring certification in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

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 areas or private practices. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and workload, with some Psych NPs reaching or exceeding this level through overtime or additional responsibilities.

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, or in leadership roles such as nurse managers or clinical specialists. Salaries can vary by region and employer but generally range from $80,000 to over $100,000 annually for top-tier positions in psychiatric nursing. Specialized skills and additional education can contribute to higher compensation.

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, and developing treatment plans. They work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings, often collaborating with psychiatrists and therapists, and require 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,651 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Registered Nurse 3 (WAE)

Registered Nurse 3 (WAE)

State of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$4.8K - $8.7K/mo

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Louisiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary : $4,876.00 - $8,788.00 Monthly
Location : Jackson, LA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: ELMHS7.22.26RN3
Department: LDH-Office of Behavioral Health
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Central
About this Job
Division: Within the Nursing or SFF Departments at ELMHS, Located in Jackson, LA
The Mission of ELMHS is to provide mental health evaluation, treatment, habilitation, and consultation for adults. Programs include inpatient interventions, jail-based evaluations, supervised group home and residential programs, forensic evaluation, care, custody, and aftercare; intermediate and long-term psychiatric care are coordinated with the total system of care in Louisiana.
ELMHS is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual to come and join the team in the Nursing Department as a Registered Nurse! This position willassist physicians with patient examinations and record patient data according to policy/procedure. Preparation and administration of medication per the physician's orders, for both medical and psychiatric reasons.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a current Louisiana Registered Nurse license or a temporary permit or multi-state license issued by a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC/eNLC) state to practice as a registered nurse plus one of the following:
Two years of experience as a licensed registered nurse; OR
A bachelor's degree in nursing plus one year of experience as a licensed registered nurse; OR
A master's degree in nursing or public health plus one year of experience as a licensed registered nurse; OR
A doctorate in nursing or public health.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties and Other Information
Job Duties:
In this role, you will:
  • Provide direct patient care and develops nursing plan of care for patients on assigned unit.
  • Assists other professional personnel in developing and maintaining a therapeutic environment and improving patient care
  • Review medications/supplies stored in the medicine room for expiration date. Count/document controlled drugs with the incoming shift and account for their use during the shift.
  • Disinfect/clean surfaces and equipment to ensure that infection control standards are met in medicine room and examination room.
  • Initiates or responds to hospital codes and demonstrates the ability to provide nursing assistance appropriate to code situations.
  • Assists and or conducts patient care groups conducted by staff, monitors patient accountability sheets and makes unit rounds every 2 hours to ensure patient observation is maintained according to policy and procedure.
  • Communicate verbally and in writing with pharmacy and central supply personnel.
  • Maintains open and accurate communication with department personnel; reports incidents, accidents or injuries to supervisor and documents on appropriate forms; reports patient abuse/neglect immediately, ensures patient safety.

Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: WAE(not to exceed 1,245 hours in a 12-month period)
This posting may be used to fill any RN 3 WAE position within ELMHS
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
*Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Leigh Moore
ELMHS HR
ELMHS-HR@LA.GOV
225-634-0680
Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at
Parental Leave - Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at
Holidays and Leave - State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
  • Mardi Gras,
  • Good Friday,
  • Memorial Day,
  • Independence Day,
  • Labor Day,
  • Veteran's Day,
  • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement- State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
  • Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
  • Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (),
  • Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (), among others

01
Are you a current, permanent employee at Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Have you ever been on probation or sentenced to jail/prison as a result of a felony conviction or guilty plea to a felony charge?
  • Yes
  • No

03
If 'Yes', give the law enforcement authority (city police, sheriff, FBI, etc.), the offense, place and disposition of case. If 'No', enter N/A.
04
Do you possess a current Louisiana Registered Nurse license or a temporary permit or multi-state license issued by a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC/eNLC) state to practice as a registered nurse?
  • Yes
  • No

05
If you answered 'YES' to the question above, please list the license TYPE, NUMBER, ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE, and EXPIRATION DATE. If you answered 'NO', enter N/A.***NOTE***ORIGINAL issue date must be provided (NOT most recent renewal) as your professional nursing experience will be credited from the date you put here when you attained your RN license.
06
Do you have a preference between working days or nights?
  • Days
  • Nights
  • No Preference

Required Question

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State of Louisiana logo

About State of Louisiana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, LA, US, is not a traditional company per se, but a government body that oversees the administration of the state. As revealed on its official website, louisiana.gov, its wide range of services falls within public administration industry, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment conservation, and law enforcement. Founded in 1806, the State of Louisiana’s mission is to ensure a high quality of life for its residents by effectively managing public resources, enforcing laws, and fostering economic growth. Its most notable achievements include the successful implementation of its Coastal Master Plan, aimed at conserving Louisiana's extensive coastline, and the dramatic overhaul of its public education system.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1812

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