Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Winston-Salem, NC
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Registered Nurse – Behavioral Health

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Work on an inpatient locked behavioral health unit serving adults and geriatrics with a wide range of mental health diagnoses including substance use, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, PTSD, and more.
• Unit spans two floors with varying acuity; staff rotate between floors.
• No call requirement. Floating to med-surg units may be required occasionally.
• Weekend schedule only: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Shift hours: 6:45 AM – 7:15 PM (12-hour shifts).
• Target nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:7.
• Orientation: 32 hours including hospital orientation week one with mandatory daily classes.
• Scrubs: Navy blue required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years of behavioral health nursing experience, with behavioral health experience within the last year
• Experience in an inpatient setting, specifically working on a locked unit
• Experience with substance use/chemical dependency disorders
• Experience with degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s
• Experience with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Experience with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders
• Experience with suicidal behavior
• Experience with voluntary and involuntary commitment processes
• Experience using seclusion and familiarity with seclusion protocols/procedures
• Experience with behavior management techniques
• Proficient in using Epic electronic health record system
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement

Patient Population

• Adults and geriatrics with all mental health diagnoses.

Unit & Equipment Details

• Use of ObservSmart proximity-based patient monitoring system.
• Personal panic alarms and public safety presence onsite.
• Documentation and medication systems: EPIC, Pyxis, SBAR communication.
• Therapy team available 7 days a week conducting group sessions.
• Leadership onsite includes nurse manager, assistant nurse manager, or house supervisor with virtual clinical nursing support 24/7.

Scheduling & Workload

• Weekend shifts only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
• 36-48 hours per weekend offered.
• Floating to medical-surgical units may be required.

Orientation & Training

• 32-hour unit orientation plus hospital orientation week one with mandatory attendance.
• MOAB or CPI certification must be completed onsite within the first 30 days if not already held.

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start (or proof of past positive with appropriate documentation).
• Required immunizations or titers: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Drug screening within 6 months of start (9-panel or instant acceptable).
• N95 fit mask required (can be completed onsite if needed).
• Flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season; exemptions require mask-wearing on campus.
• Background check within 6 months for clinical candidates.
• Physical exam not required for this crisis profile.

Documentation & Compliance

• Must provide photo ID (passport or driver’s license).
• Required to submit various compliance documents including W4, tax forms, emergency contact, confidentiality agreement, and others as part of onboarding.
• Must complete annual compliance training and facility-specific education modules.
• Must complete medication safety training and other required facility-specific education.
• Must complete Non-Novant Health Worker Clinical Education Checklist (for NC travel candidates).
• Must complete annual mandatory education if working in South Carolina.

Additional Notes

• No return-to-office (RTO) after booking allowed; call-offs or additional RTO may lead to cancellation.
• Photo for badge must be submitted immediately after signing contract; specific photo requirements apply (passport style, white background, business attire).
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required within 72 hours of start with a minimum passing score of 82%.
• Floating to med-surg units may be required as needed.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a specialized behavioral health setting with a supportive team and comprehensive orientation. Weekend-only schedule is ideal for those seeking focused shifts.