Inpatient Psychiatric RN
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Registered Nurse (Psychiatric)

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Provide nursing care on a locked inpatient psychiatric unit serving adolescents and adults. The unit has 25 licensed beds, currently utilizing 3 adult beds and 6 adolescent beds. Patient populations include those with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, behavioral/personality disorders, and rare cases of opioid withdrawal (medically cleared).

Work Environment & Patient Care

• 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), social work, and respiratory therapy support as needed.
• Use of mechanical restraints and seclusion is rare but may occur.
• IV experience is not required but considered a plus.
• Nurses are not typically expected to serve in charge or supervisory roles.
• Shifts available: 7a-7p, 7p-7a, 7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a with self-scheduling based on seniority.
• Weekend and holiday work required every other week.
• Floating to other hospital areas may be required for assisting or 1:1 patient care.
• Dress code: Any scrub color except maroon; business casual also acceptable.
• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) of unit-specific orientation.

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license in North Dakota.
• BLS Certification required.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification preferred.
• Acute/inpatient psychiatric nursing experience or experience in a state hospital setting.
• Strong de-escalation and communication skills.
• Patience and ability to remain calm under stress.
• Adolescent psychiatric experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Comfortable working with both adolescent and adult psychiatric populations.
• First-time travel nurses are welcome.

Additional Information

• This is the only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region.
• Locked unit with emergency response systems and hospital security.
• Nurses are expected to be actively involved in patient care, including frequent rounds.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Union hospital with efforts to accommodate block scheduling.

Notes

• Prior travel experience is not required.
• Candidates must be outside a 50-mile radius of the facility and not currently employed part-time, full-time, or PRN with any related health system.
• Return to onsite (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start.

This position is ideal for psychiatric RNs seeking a challenging and rewarding inpatient role with a diverse patient population in a supportive environment.