Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Phoenix, Arizona
Valleywise Behavioral Health Center

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Shift: Night, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
• Patient Age Groups: Adolescents, adults, geriatrics
• Patient Ratios: 1:12 with assistance from techs
• Floating: Must float PRN among 3 nearby facilities within 24 miles; must also float down to Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) role PRN
• Charge Role: Must be willing to perform charge nurse duties for all areas, including med-psych units
• Orientation: 2 weeks, held during day shifts starting on Tuesday
• Weekend Requirement: 1 weekend shift per week (Friday is not considered a weekend shift)
• Block Shifts: Not available

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Arizona
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 2 years of pediatric behavioral health experience, with at least 1 year within the last year
• Minimum 2 years of psychiatric nursing experience
• At least 1 year of non-floating medical/surgical (M/S) experience within the last 5 years
• Experience in charge nurse roles
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Knowledge and experience with voluntary and involuntary commitment processes
• Behavioral health nursing experience
• Med-Surg nursing experience

Health and Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, confirming good health and no physical limitations
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually (can be completed onsite during orientation)
• Immunizations and titers required within 72 hours of contract signing:

  • TDAP (within 10 years)
  • Negative TB test (Qgold or Tspot within 1 year) or chest X-ray if prior positive TB
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or proof of 2 vaccines)
  • Varicella (positive titer or proof of 2 vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B vaccination series or declination
• Negative drug screen within 30 days of start (specific panels required)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season (Oct 1 – Mar 31)

Background and Documentation

• Background checks within 1 year of start, including SS trace, 7-year county, national criminal, and FACIS III
• Education verification (diploma or official transcripts) required before start
• Fingerprinting required, results must be on file within 90 days after start or proof of initiation within 7 days
• Employment application with last 7 years of work history and explanation for gaps over 30 days
• Work history verification for past 3 years
• References required per agency policy (not facility requirement)
• Candidate must sign confidentiality, orientation acknowledgment, and job expectations forms
• Must complete and upload proof of completion for facility-specific orientation video

Additional Notes

• First-time travelers are eligible if coming from a similar facility
• Local candidates are accepted
• No on-call requirement
• Blackout dates apply for time off requests during certain holiday periods

This position is ideal for experienced psychiatric RNs comfortable with night shifts, floating among multiple behavioral health units, and performing charge nurse responsibilities.