Mental Health Nurse Career Guide

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Overview

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

Education

To become a Mental 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 Mental 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 mental health nursing, such as working in a psychiatric facility or completing a mental 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 Mental Health RN, you need a combination of knowledge, hard and soft skills, and abilities. A strong understanding of mental health disorders, psychiatric medications, and evidence-based treatment modalities is essential. Compassion and empathy are crucial for building therapeutic relationships with patients and providing emotional support. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are

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Responsibilities

Mental Health RNs have a range of responsibilities associated with their role. They assess patients' mental 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. Mental Health RNs provide counseling and support to patients, utilizing various therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychoeducation.

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Mental Health Nurse
$1,610-2,392/week

The average salary for a Mental Health Nurse is $2,002.71 per week.

Last updated on April 26, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

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

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Mental Health Nurse Jobs


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

Travel Nurse RN - Behavioral Health

  • Juneau, AK
  • PHP
  • 5x8 hrs, Flexible

$3,484/week

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

Travel Nurse RN - Behavioral Health

  • Sitka, AK
  • GetMed Staffing, Inc.
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$3,149/week

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

Travel Nurse RN - Behavioral Health

  • Brattleboro, VT
  • Genie Healthcare
  • 4x12 hrs, Days

$3,300/week

Estimated pay package
Posted Today
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric

  • Juneau, AK
  • OneStaff Medical
  • 3x12 hrs, Flexible
  • Referral Bonus

$2,965/week

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