Psychiatric Inpatient RN
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Registered Nurse (Psychiatric)

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Registered Nurse for a locked inpatient psychiatric unit specializing in adolescent and adult populations. The unit has 25 licensed beds, currently utilizing 3 adult beds and 6 adolescent beds. Nurses will care for patients with diagnoses including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, behavioral/personality disorders, and rare cases of opioid withdrawal.

Work Environment

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Adults: typically 3:1 (can increase to 7 patients)
  • Adolescents: 6:1
• Unit includes mental health techs/aids, occupational therapy (M-F), OT assistant, and social work support.
• Respiratory therapy available for oxygen support and treatments (CPAP/BiPAP at night).
• Mechanical restraints and seclusion are used rarely.
• No telemetry or monitor techs; RNs do not read their own strips.
• Locked unit on the 4th floor with emergency buttons and hospital security.
• Nurses expected to be actively involved in patient care, including 15-minute rounds.

Shifts & Scheduling

• Shift options:

  • 7a-7p, 7p-7a
  • 7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a
• Self-scheduling based on seniority with manager balancing schedules.
• Weekend and holiday work every other week.
• Floating throughout the hospital for helping hands or 1:1 patient care.
• Orientation: 2 shifts of 12 hours each.
• Dress code: Any scrub color except maroon; business casual also acceptable.

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license in the state of North Dakota.
• BLS certification required.
• CPI certification preferred.
• Experience in acute/inpatient psychiatric or state hospital settings required.
• Strong de-escalation and communication skills.
• Adolescent psychiatric experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Comfortable working with both adolescent and adult psychiatric patients.
• No prior travel experience required; open to first-time travelers.
• Patience and ability to remain calm under pressure are essential.

Additional Information

• IV experience is rare and not required.
• Charge nurse or house supervisor may not always be present; travelers are not expected to take charge roles.
• Radius rule: Candidates must be within 50 miles and cannot be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with certain affiliated health systems.
• Return to office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start.
• This is the only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized psychiatric setting with a diverse patient population and a supportive multidisciplinary team.