Travel Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Binghamton, New York
Greater Binghamton Health Center

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Position

Location: Binghamton, New York
Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Various shifts available; details to be discussed during interview.
• Responsible for medication administration for up to 25 patients.
• Psychiatric experience required.
• Duties include writing shift notes, conducting and documenting nursing assessments, and preparing weekly/monthly notes.
• Staffing may include 2-3 RNs per unit; all RNs work collaboratively with Mental Health Therapy Aides to maintain a therapeutic environment.
• One RN will serve as charge nurse per shift.
• Overtime must be approved by nursing leadership 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 on patient units is prohibited; resting during breaks must occur in non-patient areas only.

Required Certifications and Licenses

• Valid New York State RN license.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification through American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification through American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross) may be required depending on assignment.

Background and Compliance Requirements

• Background check within 1 year covering last 7 years of residence/work/school history, including SS trace, county, nationwide, and sex offender searches.
• Fingerprinting via New York State Criminal Background Check (completed onsite except for certain facilities).
• Foreign degree holders must have an approved equivalency evaluation.
• Education verification of highest degree required.
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required for RNs.
• Central Registry and Crisis Response forms must be completed promptly and accurately, including detailed residence history.

Health and Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start date.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray (QGold, Tspot, or 2-step PPD) within 12 months prior to start; annual updates may be required depending on facility.
• Annual TB questionnaire completion required.
• Proof of immunity or vaccination documentation for:

  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B (vaccination, titers, or declination)
  • Varicella (vaccination, titer, or documented disease history)
• Drug testing (9 or 10 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.

Additional Requirements

• Two professional references required.
• Skills checklist required.
• Medicaid enrollment documentation may be required depending on facility.
• Compliance with New York State social services and child abuse documentation as applicable.

Work Environment Notes

• Collaborative psychiatric care setting.
• Emphasis on maintaining therapeutic milieu and teamwork.
• Strict policies on overtime, shift swaps, and breaks to ensure patient care quality and staff accountability.

This position is ideal for RNs with psychiatric experience seeking a travel/contract role in a structured mental health care environment in New York.