Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Elizabeth, NJ
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Elizabeth, New Jersey
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Role: Adult Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
• Unit: Inpatient locked behavioral health unit with 27 beds, housing involuntary patients
• Patient Ratios:

  • Days: 1 nurse to 3-4+ patients
  • Nights: 1 nurse to 5+ patients
• Patient Population includes individuals with:

  • Developmental Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities (DDMI, IDD)
  • Anxiety disorders (panic disorder, OCD, phobias)
  • Depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • PTSD
  • Psychotic disorders including schizophrenia
• Float Policy: Nurses will float to all units within the specialty as needed
• Weekend Coverage: Every other weekend required
• Language: Spanish or Creole fluency highly preferred
• First-time travel nurses accepted

Required Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health nursing
• Prior travel experience is not required

Required Qualifications & Certifications

• Valid RN license in New Jersey
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 1 year of Behavioral Health nursing experience within the last year
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• IV Certification (current or completed by 6/1/2026)
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification via Iron Temple Training (cost applies; must complete online modules by hire date, in-person portion within 14 days of start)

Compliance & Onboarding Requirements

• Background Check: Criminal background check within 30 days of start, including alias and multi-level searches
• Drug Screen: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of start
• Health Documents:

  • Physical exam within 12 months, cleared to perform essential job functions and free of communicable disease
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray per facility protocol
  • Immunizations and titers for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap
  • Annual influenza vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required
• Respiratory Medical Clearance and Fit Test: Required prior to start and annually; on-site fit testing mandatory
• Color Blind Exam: Required only if job tasks require color discrimination, gloves, or respirator use
• Competency Exams: Medication/Pharmacology, Dysrhythmia/EKG, IV Therapy, and general competency exams required within 72 hours of signing; failure policies apply
• Employment History: Minimum 7 years of work history required; New Jersey candidates require verification of at least 1 year prior to start with no gaps over 30 days
• References: Two references within last 2 years, including at least one managerial reference

Additional Information

• Schedule requests (RTO) must be submitted and approved before offer
• Local candidates accepted
• Must complete facility-specific floating policy acknowledgment for each new assignment
• Annual education sign-off and safety manual acknowledgment required prior to start and annually
• Photo for badge must be a headshot with a plain light-colored background, no filters

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized behavioral health setting with a diverse patient population, requiring strong clinical skills and the ability to manage complex psychiatric conditions.