Psychiatric Emergency Services RN
Morrisania, New York
BronxCare Health System

Registered Nurse (Psychiatric Emergency Services) – Travel Assignment

Location: Bronx, New York
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Days
Hours per Day: 12
Hours per Week: 34

Job Description

• Provide nursing care in a psychiatric emergency setting covering both adult and child/adolescent psychiatric patients.
• Patient population includes individuals with severe mental illnesses and behavioral issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Patients are typically medically stable; medically unstable patients are transferred out.
• Administer psychotropic medications (e.g., Haldol, Zyprexa, Ativan) via IM injections and PO routes; no IV medication administration required.
• Participate in de-escalation and restraint use as needed.
• Expected to float between adolescent and adult psych units, including inpatient, detox, and crisis stabilization areas, with orientation provided for each.
• Work within a 40-bed unit divided into adult and child/adolescent sections, including a fast track/triage area.
• Nurse-to-patient ratios vary from 1:6 to 1:12 depending on acuity.
• Security is available in-house 24/7.
• Collaborate with psychiatric physicians and medical physicians on site.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New York.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Minimum of 1 year of pediatric behavioral health experience within the last year.
• Psychiatric nursing experience.
• Completion of at least one travel nursing assignment.
• Current certifications:

  • BLS issued by the American Heart Association
  • ACLS
  • PALS
  • De-escalation training
  • Handle With Care or Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification.

Additional Information

• This position is expected to be the primary job; part-time or second jobs are not permitted.
• Scheduling is based on unit needs to fill gaps; block scheduling is not allowed.
• Weekend work required every other weekend; holiday rotation may be required.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Travelers are the first to float to other psych units as needed.
• Orientation includes several days of unit-specific training.
• Dress code: Royal Blue scrubs.
• Emphasis on strong de-escalation skills, patience, compassion, and ability to remain calm in crisis situations. Early intervention and patient engagement are key.

Typical Environment & Support

• Fast-paced psychiatric emergency unit with 15-45 patients treated daily.
• Support staff includes Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) who assist with phlebotomy, EKGs, 1:1 observation, transport, ADLs, and contraband searches.
• Respiratory therapists available 24/7 to assist with breathing treatments and respiratory needs; RNs are not responsible for respiratory interventions beyond troubleshooting.
• Cardiac monitoring available; RNs expected to recognize major and life-threatening rhythms.
• X-ray and CT services available on-site with PCTs providing transport.
• Blood draws performed by PCTs.

This role is ideal for experienced psychiatric RNs who are comfortable working in a dynamic emergency psych setting and who have strong crisis management and de-escalation skills.