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Psychiatric Rn Jobs in Chattanooga, TN (NOW HIRING)

Travel RN Psych

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$1.6K - $1.7K/wk

Position Details Specialty: RN Psych Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee Employment Type: Travel/Contract Pay: $1633 - $1719 per week Shift: 3x12 Days Start Date: ASAP Contract Length: 13-week Position ...

Showing results 21-40

Psychiatric Rn information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$964

$1.8K

$2.5K

How much do psychiatric rn jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Rn job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,337 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

RN Staff Nurse - Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team, Full-Time

Medicine Journal

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
A registered professional nurse is accountable for all aspects of direct and/or indirect patient care. This role integrates hands on clinical response, staff education, and quality oversight to support compassionate, evidence based, and trauma informed care.
Education:
Required:
- Graduate from and accredited School of Nursing.
Preferred:
- N/A
Experience:
Required:
- Knowledge of general nursing principles and practice skills
- Knowledge of organizational functions, policies and regulations
- Knowledge of current trends and new developments
- Knowledge of principles and practices of nursing, applicable to those areas requiring special education
- One (1) year experience.
Preferred:
- Experience and comfort with acutely mentally ill patients, dementia management, and complications related to addiction.
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
- Current licensure to practice Nursing in the State of Tennessee
- BLS completed prior to going to unit/department and maintained going forward
- ACLS and PALS to be completed within 6 Months of hire date.
- Completion of 4 of these hours as Erlanger Online Education upon hire (EOLS's and other training will be assigned by Department Leadership and/or Educator).
The Nurse Licensure Compact will not change how to obtain or renew a Tennessee license. However, the Tennessee nursing license will be a single state license for Tennessee Residents or non-compact state residents. Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state must be obtained within three months of hire for non-Tennessee residents.
Preferred:
- N/A
Department Position Summary:
The registered nurse with specialized training in mental health and crisis intervention provides timely, expert assessment and intervention for patients experiencing acute psychiatric emergencies within the acute care hospital setting. This role serves as a clinical resource to bedside staff, promotes patient and staff safety, supports effective de escalation strategies, and facilitates the timely coordination of mental health services.
The RN functions as both a direct care clinician and a collaborative partner, working closely with bedside teams to support safe, compassionate, and trauma informed care. Through real time crisis intervention, de escalation support, and coordination with psychiatry, security, and interdisciplinary teams, the RN helps reduce escalation events, minimize unnecessary restraint use, decrease staff injuries, and prevent avoidable patient transfers.
In addition to clinical response, the RN plays a key role in staff education, patient safety initiatives, and quality improvement efforts related to psychiatric care delivery. This position supports regulatory and accreditation standards, fosters a culture of dignity and respect, and enhances the hospital's capacity to care for patients with complex behavioral, psychiatric, and recovery related needs.