Behavioral Health Nurse Career Guide

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Overview

A Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) specializes in providing care to individuals with behavioral health disorders, including mental health and substance abuse conditions. They work closely with patients of all ages, assessing their behavioral health, providing therapeutic interventions, administering medications and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Job functions in this specialty include conducting

Education

To become a Behavioral Health RN, you need to start by earning a nursing degree. The most common path is to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to complete. Nursing programs are offered by universities, colleges and vocational schools. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory and clinical rotations. After

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Related certifications

To apply for a position as a Behavioral Health RN, certain requirements must be met. These typically include having an active RN license from the state in which you plan to practice. Some employers may require or prefer a certain level of experience in behavioral health nursing, such as working in a psychiatric facility or completing a behavioral health nursing

State licenses process and requirements

All 50 states require state licensure to become a professional nurse. Review the step-by-step process to obtain or renew your RN license in each one.
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Skills

To succeed as a Staff or Travel Behavioral Health RN, you need a combination of knowledge, hard and soft skills and abilities. A strong understanding of behavioral health disorders, evidence-based treatment modalities and medications used in psychiatric and substance abuse care is essential. Compassion, empathy and active listening skills are crucial for building therapeutic relationships with patients and

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Responsibilities

Behavioral Health RNs have a range of responsibilities associated with their role. They assess patients' behavioral health status, including conducting interviews and evaluations to gather relevant information. They develop and implement individualized care plans, incorporating therapeutic interventions and medications as needed. Behavioral Health RNs provide counseling and support to patients, utilizing various therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Behavioral Health Nurse
$1,711-2,466/week

The average salary for a Behavioral Health Nurse is $2,081.12 per week.

Last updated on December 23, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming a Behavioral Health RN offers numerous benefits and challenges. Some advantages of this profession include the opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals' behavioral health, provide support and guidance and contribute to the improvement of their overall well-being. Behavioral Health RNs often have the opportunity to work in diverse settings such as hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community mental health

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Behavioral Health Nurse Jobs


View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Behavioral Health
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Behavioral Health

  • Ketchikan, AK
  • TRS Healthcare
  • 5x12 hrs, Nights

$3,859/week

View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Manager, Psychiatric
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Manager, Psychiatric

  • Rome, NY
  • Anders Group
  • 5x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$3,437/week

Posted 3 days ago
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric

  • Brooklyn, NY
  • PRIDE Health
  • 5x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$3,309/week

Posted 3 days ago
 Verified
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric

  • Ketchikan, AK
  • Host Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs
  • Referral Bonus

$3,287/week

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