Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Saint Louis, MO
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Shift: 3x12 hour night shifts
• Patient Ratios: 1:6
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• On-call: No
• Floating: Within service line and to all Behavioral Health units
• Block Schedule: Not accommodated
• Locals Accepted: No (must be outside 75-mile radius)
• Pending License Accepted: Yes
• Return to Office Restrictions: No more than 7 days
• Guaranteed Hours: 3 shifts per 13 weeks (cancelled shifts must be full shift length)

Specialty & Experience

• Specialty: Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health
• Required Years of Experience: 1 year
• First Time Travelers: Accepted (manager open to interviewing first-time travelers)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required

Patient Population & Unit Description

• Adult psychiatric and geriatric patients (18 years or older)
• Patients with co-morbid medical conditions requiring a med-surg approach
• Diagnoses may include dementia, depression, Parkinson's Disease, bipolar disorder, anxiety
• Some patients require pre-op prep for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
• Work includes presence in milieu, restraint application, IV starts, Foley catheter insertion/maintenance
• May work as charge nurse as needed

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Missouri (pending licenses accepted)
• Minimum 1 year of Behavioral Health experience within the last year
• Experience in Mental Health and Psychiatric nursing
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience working with adult and geriatric patients
• Experience in an inpatient setting
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• CPI certification
• Medication administration experience
• Experience starting and maintaining IVs
• Blood glucose monitoring experience
• Foley catheter insertion and maintenance experience

Facility Highlights

• Short Term Acute Care facility
• Magnet & Teaching Hospital
• Level I Trauma Center
• Charting system: Epic
• Scrub color: Navy

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Government-issued ID required
• Criminal background check within 6 months (7-year search including statewide and nationwide checks)
• Quarterly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
• Education verification of highest nursing degree required
• Missouri-specific background checks including MO EDL, MO Highway Patrol, MO Family Care Safety Registry
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, must include standard panels (amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, etc.)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask testing required and must be renewed annually
• Immunizations and titers required or declination forms for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap
  • TB testing (2 negative PPDs or T-Spot/Q-Gold)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (vaccination, titer, or declination)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season (09/30 - 04/01)
• HIPAA Acknowledgement, Latex Allergy Questionnaire, Confidentiality Form, Hand Hygiene Policy, Fingernail Policy, Dress Code Policy, and Regulatory Compliance Education must be completed and signed prior to start
• Unit-specific competency exams and medication/pharmacology competency required
• Skills checklist required within 1 year of start

Additional Notes

• Floating may include working with older adult and adult populations with medical co-morbidities and mobility issues
• Some patients may have diagnoses such as dementia, depression, Parkinson’s Disease, bipolar disorder, or anxiety
• Must be able to work within a locked behavioral health unit environment
• Charge nurse duties as needed
• No on-call requirement
• No block scheduling accommodation
• Locals within 75 miles not accepted

This position is ideal for RNs with behavioral health experience who are comfortable working night shifts in a locked inpatient psychiatric setting with adult and geriatric patients. The role requires strong clinical skills in psychiatric nursing, medication administration, and managing patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs.