Psychiatric Registered Nurse – Inpatient Child/Adolescent & Adult
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Registered Nurse (Psychiatric) - Bismarck, North Dakota

Job Details

• Specialty: Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Psych RN)
• Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: Nights
• Hours: 12-hour shifts, approximately 36 hours per week
• Unit Type: Locked inpatient child/adolescent and adult psychiatric unit
• Beds: 25 licensed beds (3 Adult beds, 6 Adolescent beds currently utilized)
• Patient Population: Adolescents and adults; occasional pediatric exposure possible on separate shifts
• Common Diagnoses: Depression, anxiety, substance abuse (alcohol and other substances), psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, behavioral/personality disorders, rare opioid withdrawal (medically cleared patients)

Work Environment & Unit Details

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Adult: typically 3:1, can increase up to 7 patients
  • Adolescent: 6:1
• Use of mechanical restraints and seclusion (rarely)
• Mental health techs/aids available; occupational therapy (M-F), social work support present
• Respiratory therapy available for oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP support
• No telemetry or monitor techs; RNs do not read their own strips
• Floating within hospital for helping hands or 1:1 patient care assignments
• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) of unit-specific orientation
• Locked unit on 4th floor with emergency buttons and hospital security support
• Dress code: Any scrub color except maroon; business casual also acceptable
• Scheduling: Self-scheduling based on seniority; attempts to accommodate block scheduling
• Weekend and holiday requirements: Every other weekend and holiday
• No call or standby requirements
• Charge nurse or house supervisor not always present; travelers not expected to take charge roles
• Radius rule: Candidates must be within 50 miles and not currently employed part-time, full-time, or PRN with any related facilities

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license appropriate for North Dakota
• BLS certification required
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification preferred
• Acute/inpatient psychiatric or state hospital experience required
• Strong communication and de-escalation skills
• Patience and ability to remain calm under stress are important attributes
• Adolescent psychiatric experience preferred but not mandatory
• IV experience is rare and not required for travelers (considered a plus if present)
• Prior travel experience is not required; first-time travelers are welcome

Additional Notes

• Nurses are expected to be actively involved in patient care, including 15-minute rounds and hands-on assistance
• This is the only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region
• Return to office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO approvals after submission