Inpatient Psychiatric RN – Child/Adolescent & Adult Unit
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Registered Nurse (Psychiatric)

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Psychiatric Registered Nurse to work on an inpatient locked child/adolescent and adult psychiatric unit. The unit has 25 licensed beds, currently utilizing 3 adult beds and 6 adolescent beds. 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.

Work Environment & Patient Care

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Adults: typically 3:1 (can increase to 7 patients)
  • Adolescents: 6:1
• Unit includes mental health techs/aids, occupational therapy (M-F), OT assistant, and social work support.
• Respiratory therapy available as needed (CPAP/BiPAP, oxygen support).
• Use of mechanical restraints and seclusion is rare but may occur.
• No tele/monitor techs; RNs do not read their own strips.
• Floating throughout the hospital may be required for helping hands or 1:1 patient care.

Shifts & Scheduling

• Shift options:

  • 7a-7p, 7p-7a
  • 7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a
• Self-scheduling based on seniority with managerial balance.
• Weekend and holiday work every other week.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) specific to the unit.

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license in North Dakota.
• BLS Certification required.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification preferred.
• Experience in acute/inpatient psychiatric or state hospital settings required.
• Strong de-escalation and communication skills.
• Adolescent psychiatric experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Comfortable working with both adolescent and adult psychiatric patients.
• Patience and ability to remain calm under pressure are essential.
• First-time travel nurses are welcome; prior travel experience is not required.
• IV experience is rare and not required but considered a plus.

Additional Information

• Locked psychiatric unit located on the 4th floor.
• Emergency protocols include code blue and code yellow with hospital security and life safety support.
• Nurses are expected to be actively involved in patient care, including 15-minute rounds.
• Dress code: business casual or scrubs in any color except maroon.
• Radius rule: candidates must be within 50 miles and cannot have current or prior employment with certain affiliated health systems.
• Return to office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in the only child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the region, providing comprehensive care in a supportive team environment.