Behavioral Health RN
Manchester, NH
PRIDE Health
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 7 weeks

Job Summary

• Position is for a 7-week travel contract on a locked psychiatric intensive care unit (Pathways), serving adults aged 18-64 (with some geriatric exceptions).
• Unit is a 16-bed locked psychiatric intensive care unit designated for involuntary and voluntary patients with serious behavioral health needs.
• Patient population includes individuals with chronic persistent mental illness and diagnoses such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Depression NOS, Anxiety NOS, Personality Disorders, and patients with safety concerns (suicidal, homicidal ideation, agitation, psychosis).
• Typical length of stay is 6-9 days (unit average), with some patients staying 10-14 days due to NH involuntary commitment laws.

Required Qualifications

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (Behavioral Health)
• Minimum Years of Experience: 1 year in acute behavioral health
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required; unit accepts first-time travelers
• Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA provider required
  • CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) or MAB (Management of Assaultive Behavior)
• Electronic Medical Record: EPIC experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Charge Nurse experience

Work Details

• Shift: 12-hour nights (7:00 PM - 7:30 AM), 36 hours accepted
• Patient Ratios: Target RN to patient ratio is 1:6
• Call Requirement: None
• Float Requirement: Float to PEP and GPU units
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (EOW)

Unit Environment & Patient Care

• Staffed typically with 2-3 RNs and 2 LNA/Mental Health Technicians
• Therapeutic milieu focuses on coping skills, problem solving, assertiveness, self-esteem, relaxation, leisure skills, and individualized treatment plans
• Patients receive intensive individual and group therapy in a safe, supportive environment

Required Background & Compliance

• Background checks including Social Security Verification, National Sex Offender Registry, Criminal Searches (excluding NH counties), and others must be completed within 30 days prior to start
• Drug screening (10-panel) within 14 days prior to start
• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap (within last 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • Flu vaccination required during flu season (Oct 31 - Apr 1) or approved exemption
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunity or vaccination
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination
  • Hepatitis B vaccination or waiver
• Annual fit mask test required
• Respiratory safety clearance required
• Two professional references within last 3 years, including one from a supervisor or charge nurse
• Competency exams including medication/pharmacology and dysrhythmia/EKG testing (time sensitive for some units)

Additional Notes

• Facility requires copies of professional licenses and certifications
• Facility-specific waivers and attestations may be required for immunization exemptions
• No call and no float outside specified units except PEP and GPU
• This is a behavioral health specialty role requiring acute care experience in psychiatric settings

This position is ideal for RNs with at least 1 year of acute behavioral health experience looking for a short-term travel assignment in a locked psychiatric intensive care unit with a focus on adult mental health patients. Prior travel experience is not required.