Behavioral Health RN
Binghamton, New York
Greater Binghamton Health Center

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

Location: Binghamton, New York
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Shift options: 2x12-hour shifts and 2x8-hour shifts or 5x8-hour shifts available.
• Responsible for medication administration for up to 25 patients.
• Must have psychiatric nursing experience.
• Duties include writing shift notes, conducting and documenting nursing assessments, and preparing weekly/monthly notes.
• May work in units with 2-3 RNs scheduled simultaneously; all staff expected to engage with patients to foster a therapeutic environment.
• One nurse will be assigned as charge RN; all RNs count toward core staffing alongside Mental Health Therapy Aides.
• Overtime requires approval and is generally discouraged unless there is a vacancy and no internal staff available.
• Shift swaps require approval and proper documentation.
• Meal breaks are 30 minutes and cannot be combined with 15-minute breaks; if unable to take a break, notify nursing supervisor immediately with documentation.
• Sleeping or resting on patient units is not allowed; breaks must be taken in non-patient areas.

Required Qualifications

• License: Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for New York State.
• Experience: Psychiatric nursing experience required (years not explicitly stated, but psychiatric experience is mandatory).
• Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - Required for ER, ICU, CCU, Tele (must be AHA).
• Competencies:

  • Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam required for RNs.
  • General competency exam required for all candidates.
• Background Checks:

  • Criminal background check within 1 year, including SS trace, county searches, nationwide, and sex offender registry.
  • Fingerprinting required onsite (with some exceptions).
  • Foreign degree equivalency evaluation required if applicable.
• Health Requirements:

  • Physical exam within 1 year of start.
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months prior to start (annual updates may be required).
  • Vaccination or titer documentation for Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
  • Drug testing (9 panel) within 1 year of start.
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or declination required during flu season (mask required if declined).
  • COVID-19 booster preferred but not required.
• Other:

  • Completion of New York State Central Registry forms and other time-sensitive state-specific documents.
  • Medicaid enrollment required for New York State providers.
  • Two professional references required.
  • Skills checklist required.

Additional Notes

• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.
• The role involves working in a behavioral health/psychiatric setting with a focus on therapeutic patient care.
• Strict adherence to break policies and overtime approval processes is expected.
• Candidates must be prepared for thorough background and health screenings before starting.

This position is ideal for RNs with psychiatric experience seeking a travel contract in New York with a structured shift schedule and comprehensive credentialing requirements.