Inpatient Psychiatric RN
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Registered Nurse (Psychiatric) – North Dakota

Location

• City: Bismarck, ND

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Unit & Patient Population

• Psychiatric inpatient unit with 25 licensed beds (3 Adult beds, 6 Adolescent beds currently utilized)
• Patient populations include adolescents and adults; occasional pediatric exposure possible on separate shifts
• Common diagnoses: depression, anxiety, substance abuse (alcohol and other substances), psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, behavioral/personality disorders, rare opioid withdrawal (medically cleared)

Work Environment & Staffing

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Adults: typically 3:1, can increase up to 7 patients
  • Adolescents: 6:1
• Mental health techs/aids available; occupational therapy (M-F), OT assistant, social work support
• Respiratory therapy available as needed (CPAP/BiPAP at night, oxygen support)
• Mechanical restraints and seclusion used rarely
• No telemetry/monitor techs; RNs do not read their own strips
• Charge nurse or house supervisor not always present; travelers generally not expected to take charge roles
• Locked unit on 4th floor with emergency buttons and hospital security

Shifts & Scheduling

• Night shift primarily (7p-7a, 12-hour shifts)
• Self-scheduling based on seniority with manager balancing schedules
• Weekend and holiday work every other week
• Occasional day shifts with notice
• Floating within hospital for helping hands or 1:1 patient care

Orientation & Dress Code

• Unit-specific orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each)
• Dress code: any scrub color except maroon; business casual also acceptable

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license appropriate for North Dakota
• BLS certification required
• CPI certification preferred
• Acute/inpatient psychiatric nursing experience or hospital experience required
• Strong communication and de-escalation skills
• Patience and ability to remain calm under stress
• Adolescent psychiatric experience preferred but not mandatory
• IV experience not required (rarely used on unit, but a plus if available)

Additional Information

• Only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region
• Expect active involvement in patient care, including 15-minute rounds
• Candidates must be outside a 50-mile radius of the facility and not currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any related health system facilities
• Return to office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO extensions allowed

This position is ideal for psychiatric RNs comfortable working in a locked inpatient setting with diverse patient populations including adolescents and adults, who value teamwork and active patient engagement.