Inpatient Psychiatric RN
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Job Opportunity: Psych RN

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Work on a locked inpatient psychiatric unit with 25 licensed beds (3 Adult, 6 Adolescent currently utilized)
• Patient populations include adolescents and adults with common diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, behavioral/personality disorders, and rare opioid withdrawal cases
• Unit includes mental health techs/aids, occupational therapy, social work, and respiratory therapy support

Work Environment & Schedule

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Adults: typically 3:1 (can increase to 7 patients)
  • Adolescents: 6:1
• Shifts available:

  • 7a-7p, 7p-7a
  • 7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a
• Self-scheduling based on seniority with union support
• Weekend and holiday work every other week
• Floating throughout hospital for helping hands or 1:1 patient care
• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) specific to unit/department
• Dress code: Any scrub color except maroon; business casual also acceptable

Patient Care & Unit Details

• Mechanical restraints and seclusion used rarely
• IV experience not required but a plus
• No charge nurse or house supervisor guaranteed on every shift; travelers not expected to take charge roles
• No tele/monitor techs; RNs do not read their own strips
• Emergency protocols in place including code blue and code yellow with hospital security support
• Nurses expected to be actively involved in patient care, including 15-minute rounds

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Dakota
• BLS Certification required
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification preferred
• Acute/inpatient or state hospital psychiatric experience required
• Strong de-escalation and communication skills
• Adolescent psychiatric experience preferred
• Patience and ability to remain calm under pressure

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Psych RN)
• Required years of experience: Not explicitly stated, but must have acute/inpatient or state hospital experience (implies at least 1+ years)
• Prior travel experience: Not required; first-time travelers are welcome

Additional Notes

• Only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region
• Locked unit located on the 4th floor of the hospital
• Radius rule: Candidates must be located within 50 miles and cannot be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any affiliated facilities
• Return to onsite (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start

This position is ideal for psychiatric RNs with inpatient experience looking for a 13-week travel assignment in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment focused on adolescent and adult mental health care.