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

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

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

Job Description

• Provide nursing care for voluntary and involuntary patients requiring emergency psychiatric evaluation and crisis intervention.
• Patient ratios: ED Crisis Center (EDCC) approximately 1:4+; 5W unit approximately 1:8+.
• Float primarily between EDCC, 5W, and EDU units as needed.
• Work schedule: Day shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM – 7:30 PM).
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend, may vary based on unit needs.
• Charting system: EPIC.
• Must be skilled in verbal de-escalation and suicide risk assessment.
• Experience working with CIWA (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment) protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of inpatient psychiatric nursing experience.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in New Jersey.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification required; must complete Iron Temple Training within 14 days of start date (cost applies).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification highly preferred but not required.
• Ability to complete all required competencies and pass orientation exams including medication/pharmacology, dysrhythmia/EKG, IV therapy/infusion, and others within specified timeframes.
• Must have completed or be able to complete required background checks, drug screening, and health clearances prior to start.

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Government-issued photo ID and valid driver’s license (must be provided within 48 hours of signing).
• I-9 verification and E-Verify clearance required.
• Criminal background check within 30 days of start, including alias and multi-level searches. Pending background checks require signed attestation at start.
• Employment application or resume with 7 years of work history; references including at least one managerial reference within last 2 years.
• New Jersey Department of Treasury Exclusions List check within 30 days of start and for contract renewals.
• Negative urine drug screen (10-panel) within 30 days of start.
• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start, confirming ability to perform essential job functions and free of communicable disease.
• TB testing (blood or skin test) within 3 months of start; additional clearance if history of positive TB.
• Immunizations and titers required: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap. Positive titers or vaccination proof required; declinations generally not accepted.
• Annual influenza vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption with masking requirements during flu season.
• Respiratory medical clearance and on-site fit testing mandatory prior to start; must be updated annually.
• Color vision testing required if job tasks involve color discrimination.

Training and Competency Exams

• Must complete medication/pharmacology competency exam within 72 hours of signing contract.
• Pass/fail testing required for EKG, medication, and IV therapy competencies; candidates have up to 3 attempts with remediation before cancellation.
• Annual education sign-off and facility-specific orientation required prior to start.

Additional Notes

• First-time travelers are accepted.
• Local candidates are welcome.
• All time off requests must be submitted and approved before offer.
• Block scheduling is not approved.
• Floating policy requires completion for every new assignment or site transfer.

This position is ideal for experienced psychiatric RNs comfortable with behavioral health patient care in a fast-paced, emergency and inpatient setting, who meet the required certifications and compliance standards.