Emergency Department Behavioral Health RN
Somerville, New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

Job Summary: Registered Nurse - Travel/Contract

Location: Somerville, New Jersey
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Primarily working in Emergency Department Crisis Center (EDCC) with floating to EDCC, 5W, and EDU as needed
• Patient mix includes adult and geriatric patients requiring emergency psychiatric evaluation and crisis intervention (both voluntary and involuntary)
• Experience working with CIWA (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment)
• Ratios: EDCC 1:4+, 5W 1:8+
• No block scheduling
• Locals accepted
• Up to 7 days of pre-approved return to office (RTO)
• Every other weekend and holiday shifts as applicable

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of inpatient psychiatric experience required
• First-time travelers accepted (prior travel experience not required)

Certifications & Training Requirements

• BLS (Basic Life Support): Required
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support): Preferred
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support): Preferred
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB): Required for Behavioral Health RNs; must complete Iron Temple Training within 14 days of start (cost approx. $52 + tax)
• Must complete Iron Temple Training skills session within 14 days after start
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit and role (e.g., NIH Stroke Certification, Chemotherapy Certification, NRP, etc.)—verify as applicable

Skills & Special Requirements

• Skilled in verbal de-escalation and suicide risk assessment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in Behavioral Health and Crisis Intervention highly desirable

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within required timeframe
• Physical exam within the last 12 months, cleared to perform essential job functions and free of communicable disease
• Drug screen within 30 days of start
• Background check within 30 days of start, including alias and multi-level searches
• Employment application or resume with 7 years of work history
• Two references within the last 2 years, including at least one managerial reference
• Various competency exams (Medication/Pharmacology, Dysrhythmia/EKG, Color Blind Testing) required within 72 hours of signing and within 12 months of start
• Annual education sign-off and facility-specific orientation requirements
• Fit test and respiratory medical clearance as applicable
• Influenza vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required annually
• Latex allergy questionnaire if job tasks require glove use
• Compliance with state-specific requirements (e.g., New Jersey Department of Treasury Exclusions List)

Work History & Verification

• New Jersey candidates require verification of at least 1 year of prior work history with no gaps longer than 30 days
• All gaps in work history must be accounted for in application or with supplementary documentation

Additional Notes

• No block scheduling; flexible floating between units
• Locals accepted
• Up to 7 days of pre-approved return to office (RTO)
• Must be able to work every other weekend and holidays as applicable

This position is ideal for Registered Nurses with psychiatric inpatient experience seeking a travel/contract role in a dynamic emergency psychiatric care setting.