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
Qualifications
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
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
The average salary for a Behavioral Health Nurse is $2,049.90 per week.
Last updated on December 14, 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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