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Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Chattanooga, TN (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Registered Nurse PCU

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/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 ...

Registered Nurse PCU

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/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 ...

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 ...

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Psychiatric Rn information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$964

$1.8K

$2.5K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average weekly pay for psychiatric rn in Chattanooga, TN is $1,763.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,484.62 and $2,036.54 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.

How much do psychiatric RNs make?

Psychiatric RNs typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on certifications, such as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification, and whether they work in hospitals, clinics, or community 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.

Can a psychiatric RN work in a psychiatric hospital?

Yes, psychiatric RNs commonly work in psychiatric hospitals, providing mental health care, administering medications, and monitoring patient progress. They typically need specialized training in psychiatric nursing and may require state licensure or certification in mental health nursing.

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.
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Rn job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,694 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric - $1,629 per week

TNAA TotalMed RN

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

$1.6K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Psychiatric for a travel nursing job in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Psychiatric
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

We're looking for Psychiatric Nurses for an immediate travel nurse opening in Chattanooga, TN. The right RN should have 1-2 years recent psychiatric nursing experience. Read below for more requirements. As a Psychiatric nurse, you'll work under general supervision to provide professional nursing care for those with emotional disturbances or mental illnesses in Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. The Psychiatric Nurse also collaborates with clinical and case management staff to coordinate care and assist in patient treatment planning.
As a Psychiatric Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Conduct intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case history, and complete physical and mental health assessments
  • Observe and report patient behavioral changes. Assist patients in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment.
  • Document all patient information on medical charts and follow physician's written orders while maintaining patient confidentiality.
  • Plan nursing care for patients by providing nursing diagnosis of the medical and emotional status of patients and recommending treatment options.
  • Consult with psychiatrists and other behavioral health staff in designing appropriate treatment plans for patients.
  • Administer and record reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications, arranging further medical attention when necessary.
  • Assist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients. Test for pain vital signs and ensure appropriate pain treatment is administered.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping.
  • Perform administrative assignments such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing electronic progress notes.
Psychiatric Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, carry up to 20 pounds of weight, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. Because of the unpredictable nature of psychiatric and emotional disturbances, Psychiatric RNs must possess excellent coping and stress management skills and be able to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds while maintaining proper patient - clinician boundaries. Requirements*: BLS, CPI, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TotalMed Travel Job ID #1472921. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Psychiatric - Psych RN - Travel Nurse

About TNAA TotalMed RN

TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel nursing and healthcare staffing agency with the mission of igniting purpose in healthcare. The organization staffs nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians of all specialties in all 50 states. They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both facilities and patients. As an organization, they focus on putting highly-skilled staff into facilities to ensure adequate staffing for a better patient experience.

TotalMed specializes in recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in travel, PRN, and permanent positions across the country in Nursing and Allied Health. Throughout 2020, the organization filled roles at even the most short-staffed facilities during the most challenging time in healthcare. By matching the right travel healthcare professional with the right organization, TotalMed continues to offer a lifeline to facilities and their patients.

Why Vivian Health?

Be sure to apply via Vivian Health to increase your chances of landing your perfect job. Just complete your Vivian Health profileonce, and get access to thousands of opportunities across the country. Then keep up to date with your job application process and conversations with our easy to use app.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1