Psychiatric Inpatient RN
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Job Opportunity: Psych RN

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Role: Registered Nurse (Psych RN)
• Unit: Child/Adolescent and Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
• Beds: 25 licensed beds (3 Adult, 6 Adolescent currently utilized)
• Locked unit on the 4th floor

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• Adolescents and Adults (travelers may work with pediatrics one shift and adults the next)
• Common diagnoses include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Substance abuse (alcohol and other substances)
  • Psychosis
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Behavioral or personality disorders
  • Rare opioid withdrawal (medically cleared patients)

Required Experience & Skills

• Acute/inpatient or state hospital psychiatric experience required
• Good de-escalation and strong communication skills
• First-time travelers are acceptable
• Adolescent experience preferred
• Prior travel experience not explicitly required

Certifications

• BLS Certification required
• CPI Certification preferred

Unit Details

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Adult: 3:1 (can increase to 7 patients)
  • Adolescent: 6:1
• Physical restraints: Mechanical restraints (rare) and seclusion used
• IV experience: Very rare, not required but a plus
• Charge nurse/house supervisor: Not always present; travelers not usually expected to fill these roles
• Support staff: Mental health techs/aids, occupational therapy (M-F), OT assistant, social work
• Respiratory therapy available on unit for oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP support
• No telemetry or monitor techs; RNs do not read their own strips

Scheduling & Shifts

• Shift options:

  • 7a-7p
  • 7p-7a
  • 7a-3p
  • 3p-11p
  • 11p-7a
• Self-scheduling based on seniority with manager balancing
• Block scheduling accommodated if possible
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday requirement: Every other holiday
• No call or standby requirements
• Floating: May float throughout hospital for helping hands or 1:1 patient care

Orientation & Dress Code

• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) specific to unit/department
• Dress code: Any scrub color except maroon; business casual also acceptable

Additional Notes

• Only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region
• Locked unit with emergency buttons and hospital security
• Nurses expected to be actively involved in patient care, including 15-minute rounds
• Successful nurses tend to be patient and slow to anger

Restrictions

• Radius rule: 50 miles
• Candidates may not be currently employed full time, part time, or PRN with any facility associated with CommonSpirit, including CHI and/or Dignity
• Return to office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO approvals

This position is ideal for psychiatric RNs with inpatient experience looking for a 13-week travel assignment in a locked adolescent and adult psych unit.