Behavioral Health RN
Phoenix, Arizona
Valleywise Behavioral Health Center

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work as a Behavioral Health RN with patient ratios of approximately 1:12, supported by techs.
• Must be willing to float PRN among 3 nearby facilities within 24 miles. Floating down to Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) role PRN is required.
• Patient age groups include adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.
• Must be willing to perform charge nurse duties across all areas, including med-psych units.
• Orientation is 2 weeks, held during day shifts only, starting on a Tuesday.
• Weekend requirement: 1 weekend shift per week (Friday is not considered a weekend shift).
• No on-call required.
• First-time travelers are welcome if coming from a similar facility.
• Local candidates are also welcome.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Arizona
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 2 years of Behavioral Health (psychiatric) nursing experience, with at least some experience within the last year
• Experience in a medical/surgical (Med Surg) or acute care setting
• Experience in charge nurse roles
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification
• Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) certification
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Skills in tube feedings
• Knowledge of voluntary and involuntary commitment processes

Preferred Certifications

• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification (offered onsite during orientation).

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Current and valid driver’s license or government photo ID.
• Background checks within 1 year of start date, including criminal and employment verifications.
• Primary source verification of nursing license (must be current and unencumbered).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and ability to perform job duties.
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually (can be completed onsite during orientation).
• Immunizations and titers:

  • TDAP within 10 years (TD not accepted)
  • Negative TB test (Qgold or Tspot) within 1 year or chest X-ray if prior positive TB
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination proof
  • Hepatitis B vaccination or declination within last year
• Drug screening with negative results within 12 months (specific panels required).
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season.
• Education verification (diploma or transcripts).
• Employment application with last 7 years of employment history and explanation of gaps over 30 days.
• Skills checklist current within 1 year.

Additional Information

• Must be willing to float among multiple facilities and roles as needed.
• Charge nurse responsibilities expected.
• Orientation is mandatory and held during day shifts only.
• Weekend shifts required but no on-call duties.
• Behavioral health setting with patients across adolescent to geriatric age groups.

Prior Travel Experience

• Not explicitly required. First-time travelers from similar facilities are accepted.

This position is ideal for experienced psychiatric RNs with recent medical/surgical experience who are flexible and willing to float within a behavioral health setting.