Behavioral Health RN - Inpatient Geriatrics
Salisbury, North Carolina
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

Location: Salisbury, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Behavioral Health Registered Nurse with a minimum of 2 years of experience. This role requires strong skills in geriatric behavioral health and inpatient care, focusing on patients with bipolar disorders, degenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s), depressive disorders, and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

Key Details

• Shift: 12-hour nights (18:45 - 07:15)
• Hours Offered: 36 or 48 hours (No overtime until 48 hours billed)
• Patient Ratio: 1:8
• Average Daily Census: 15 patients
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Float Requirement: Yes
• Call Requirement: None
• Orientation: 24 hours on the unit
• Scrubs: Solid navy blue or white

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of Registered Nurse experience
• Geriatric behavioral health experience is a must
• Experience with inpatient care settings
• Care of patients with:

  • Bipolar disorders
  • Degenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s)
  • Depressive disorders
  • Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders
• Traveler experience: 1st time travelers accepted

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• MOAB (Crisis Prevention Institute - required for behavioral health nurses, must be completed onsite within first 30 days)

Patient Diagnoses

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression

Unit Systems & Tools

• Pyxis
• EPIC
• SBAR

Compliance & Background Checks

• Background checks required within 90 days of start (local, federal, national criminal databases, sex offender search, education verification)
• Drug testing within 30 days of start (10-panel negative screen required)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start (updated annually if past positive TB)
• Fit mask testing required (N95 or PAPR training)
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (titer or 2 vaccines with boosters if needed)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, series, or facility-specific declination)
  • Flu vaccine or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season
• TB testing: PPD, Qgold, or Tspot within 1 year of start; chest x-ray if positive

Additional Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam as applicable
• Color blindness testing within 1 year
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (not required for this specialty)
• Completion of facility-specific orientation and compliance training modules
• References: 2 professional references within 3 years (for travel and acute care)

Important Notes

• No Return to Office (RTO) after booking allowed onsite; excessive call-offs or RTO may lead to cancellation
• Scheduling is per unit needs
• RTO allowed up to 7 days max for auto offer
• Candidates must comply with dress code and badge photo requirements (passport style photo on white background, business attire)
• Candidates must complete all required facility-specific documents and training prior to start

This position is ideal for a Registered Nurse with behavioral health experience, especially in geriatric inpatient settings, looking for a travel contract opportunity in North Carolina. First-time travelers are welcome to apply.