Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric
Bismarck, ND
First Connect Health
3x12 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Psych RN)

Department: Inpatient Psychiatry / Behavioral Health
Specialty: Psych RN
Assignment Type: Travel
Beds: 25 licensed beds
Current Census: 3 Adult beds and 6 Adolescent beds
Shift Options: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM / 7:00 PM–7:00 AM
Other Shift Options: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM / 3:00 PM–11:00 PM / 11:00 PM–7:00 AM
Weekend Requirement: Every Other Weekend
Holiday Requirement: Every Other Holiday
Orientation: 2 × 12-hour shifts
Floating: Throughout the hospital as helping hands or 1:1 assignments
Dress Code: Any color except maroon; business casual is also permitted

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Psych RN) to provide compassionate, hands-on care to adult and adolescent behavioral health patients in an inpatient psychiatric setting.

This is the only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region, providing care in a secure, locked environment. Nurses are expected to be actively involved in patient care, including frequent rounding, de-escalation, safety monitoring and direct patient support.

The ideal candidate is patient, calm under pressure, an excellent communicator and comfortable working with patients experiencing a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral health conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse license
• BLS – Required
• CPI – Preferred
• Previous acute/inpatient psychiatric or state hospital experience – Required
• Strong de-escalation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations
• First-time travelers are welcome
• Adolescent psychiatric experience – Preferred

Patient Population

The unit cares for both adolescent and adult psychiatric patients. Travelers may work with adolescents on one shift and adults on another, with the populations separated by a secure door.

Common Diagnoses

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Alcohol-related disorders
• Other substance use disorders
• Psychosis
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Behavioral disorders
• Personality disorders
• Rare opioid withdrawal cases

Patients are medically cleared before admission to the psychiatric unit.

Staffing & Ratios

Adult Unit

• Typical ratio: 3:1
• Census may increase to approximately 7 patients

Adolescent Unit

• Typical ratio: 6:1

Mental Health Technicians/Aides are available to support the nursing team. When the unit is full at approximately 9 patients, staffing may include additional mental health support.

Additional interdisciplinary support includes:

• Occupational Therapy Monday–Friday
• OT Assistant
• Social Work
• Mental Health Technicians/Aides

Nursing Responsibilities

Psych RNs are expected to be highly engaged in direct patient care, including:

• Comprehensive psychiatric and behavioral assessments
• Medication administration and monitoring
• Patient safety monitoring
• Therapeutic communication
• De-escalation of escalating behaviors
• Participation in treatment planning
• Monitoring patient behavior and mental status
• Assisting with 15-minute safety rounds
• Maintaining a safe therapeutic environment
• Collaborating with physicians, social workers, OT and other members of the care team
• Responding appropriately to behavioral emergencies

Nurses are expected to be “doers” and actively participate in patient care rather than remaining at the nurses' station.

Safety & Behavioral Management

• Mechanical restraints may be used rarely
• Seclusion is available when clinically necessary
• Locked inpatient psychiatric unit
• Emergency buttons available for Code Blue
• Code Yellow system provides additional staff support when needed
• Hospital security is available
• Life Safety Desk provides additional safety support

IV / Medical Support

IVs are very rare on this unit. Travelers are not required to have extensive IV experience, although it is considered a plus.

Respiratory Therapy is available in-house and can assist with patients requiring respiratory support, including:

• Oxygen support
• CPAP
• BiPAP at night
• Respiratory treatments

There is no dedicated telemetry/monitor technician requirement on the unit.

Scheduling

• 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
• 7:00 PM–7:00 AM
• Additional shifts may include:
  • 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • 3:00 PM–11:00 PM
  • 11:00 PM–7:00 AM

Scheduling Details

• Self-scheduling based on seniority
• Manager reviews and balances the schedule
• Block scheduling may be accommodated when staffing needs allow
• Every Other Weekend
• Every Other Holiday
• No call/standby requirement

Floating Requirement

Travelers may be asked to float throughout the hospital for:

• Helping-hands assignments
• 1:1 patient observation/support

Orientation

2 × 12-hour shifts of unit-specific orientation.

Hiring Process

Profile Review + Manager Interview

Important Assignment Requirements

Radius Rule

A 50-mile radius rule applies.

CommonSpirit Employment Restriction

Candidates may not currently be, or have been within the applicable restriction period, full-time, part-time or PRN employees with any facility associated with CommonSpirit, including CHI and/or Dignity.

RTO – Requested Time Off

• All RTO must be submitted upfront with the initial submission
• Maximum RTO: 7 days per 13-week contract
• Additional RTO requests will not be approved after submission

What Makes a Successful Psych RN?

Successful nurses on this unit are:

• Patient and compassionate
• Calm under pressure
• Slow to anger
• Strong communicators
• Confident with behavioral de-escalation
• Comfortable working with both adolescent and adult populations
• Willing to be actively involved in hands-on patient care
• Adaptable and team-oriented

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced Psych RN with acute/inpatient psychiatric experience, strong behavioral health assessment skills and excellent de-escalation abilities. Adolescent psychiatric experience is preferred, but first-time travelers are welcome.