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

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

Location: Binghamton, New York
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Shift options: 2x12-hour shifts and 2x8-hour shifts or 5x8-hour shifts available.
• Responsible for medication administration for up to 25 patients.
• Must have psychiatric nursing experience.
• Duties include writing shift notes, conducting and documenting nursing assessments, and preparing weekly/monthly notes.
• May work in units with 2-3 RNs; all staff expected to engage with patients to foster a therapeutic environment.
• One nurse will be assigned as charge RN; all RNs count toward core staffing with Mental Health Therapy Aides.
• Overtime requires approval and is generally discouraged unless there is a vacancy.
• Shift swaps require approval and proper documentation.
• Meal breaks are 30 minutes and cannot be combined with 15-minute breaks; breaks must be taken in non-patient areas. Sleeping on the unit is not allowed.

Required Qualifications

• Specialty: Registered Nurse with psychiatric experience.
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; psychiatric experience required (assume minimum 2 years).
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required.
• Licensure: Valid Registered Nurse license in New York State.
• Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - Required for ER, ICU, CCU, Tele (must be AHA).
• Competency Exams: Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam required for RNs.
• Background Checks:

  • Criminal background check including SS trace, county searches, nationwide, and sex offender registry within 1 year.
  • Fingerprinting required onsite (exceptions apply).
• Education Verification: Highest degree verification required; foreign degree equivalency evaluation if applicable.
• Health Requirements:

  • Physical exam within 1 year of start.
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months prior to start.
  • Vaccination or titer documentation for Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
  • Flu vaccination or declination during flu season (mask required if declined).
  • COVID-19 booster preferred but not required.
  • Drug testing (9 panel) within 1 year of start.
• Facility Specific:

  • Completion of New York Central Registry forms and Social Services Law 424 and Child Abuse Statement (time sensitive).
  • Medicaid enrollment documentation required.
• References: Two professional references required.
• Skills Checklist: Required.

Additional Notes

• Staff are expected to maintain a therapeutic milieu and collaborate closely with Mental Health Therapy Aides.
• Strict policies on overtime, shift swaps, and breaks to ensure patient care and compliance.
• Compliance with all state and facility-specific credentialing and documentation is mandatory.

This position is ideal for RNs with psychiatric experience seeking a travel contract in behavioral health within New York State.