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

Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health

Location: Somerville, New Jersey Employment type: Per diem Contract length: 13 weeks Shift: Day, 12 hours (7:00 to 19:30) Units: EDCC (1:4+ patient ratio), 5W (1:8+ patient ratio) Patient mix: Voluntary and involuntary patients needing emergency psychiatric evaluation and crisis intervention. Will work with CIWA patients.

Schedule and Commitments

• Commit to a minimum of 4 shifts per month, with a maximum of 3 shifts per week.
• Must be available to work some weekends and holidays, if needed.
• Three cancellations within 48 hours of a scheduled shift may result in a final warning after facility review.

Submission Requirements

• Submit to only one site, and be fully committed to that location. Once approved, a site-specific requisition ID is assigned and the location cannot be changed.
• Submission review may take 1 to 2 weeks.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Jersey.
• 2 years of behavioral health experience, including experience in an inpatient (IP) psychiatric setting.
• Behavioral health experience within the last year.
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association or RQI.
• IV Certification, required for all RNs except OR specialties. Must be on file by 6/1/2026 for working candidates. It can be completed through online CEUs or a peripheral IV and central line education course.
• ITTC De-escalation Training.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Experience with eating disorders.
• Behavior management techniques.
• Crisis intervention.
• De-escalation techniques, including skill in verbal de-escalation and suicide risk assessment.
• Managing Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification, completed through the designated training provider. Certificates are valid for 1 year. The online portion must be completed by the deadline set for it, and the in-person portion must be completed within 14 days of start. Candidates may start without the in-person portion, but proof of registration is needed for clearance.
• Physical hold protocols.
• Experience with Epic.

Health Requirements

• TB screening: Either one TB blood test within 3 months of start, or two TB skin tests (the first within 12 months and the second within 3 months). Candidates with a positive TB history need additional documentation.
• Physical: Within the past 12 months. Must state the candidate is cleared to perform the essential functions of the job and is free of communicable disease. Bring a copy to the first day of orientation.
• Immunity documentation: Rubeola (measles), mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B. Titers must be positive or documented by vaccine series.
• Tetanus/diphtheria/Tdap: Required within the past 10 years.
• Drug screen: 10-panel urine drug screen. Blood tests are not accepted.
• Influenza: Vaccine or approved exemption required. Pre-start candidates are due 9/15/2026 and working candidates are due 12/4/2026.
• Respiratory clearance: Required before start and updated annually. The candidate must complete the online questionnaire, and on-site fit testing is mandatory.
• Fit test questionnaire: Must be received within 48 hours of confirmation. Candidates must be clean-shaven unless an accommodation is approved. Masks brought from outside are not permitted.
• Latex questionnaire: Required only if job tasks involve gloves, color discrimination, or respirator use.

Background and Compliance

• Driver's license or state ID: Government-issued photo ID required within 48 hours of signing.
• E-Verify: Required to clear.
• Criminal background check: Required within 30 days of start. International searches are not required. Attestations are not acceptable. Candidates cannot start with open cases.
• Exclusion checks: EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and the New Jersey Department of Treasury Exclusions List are required within 30 days of start and must be updated for each extension.
• Work history verification: New Jersey requires verification of at least 1 year of work history before the start date, allowing gaps of 30 days or less.
• Orientation: RNs must watch the manufacturer orientation videos and sign the attestation before start.
• Annual education: Review the annual education presentation and complete the sign-off before start.
• Floating policy: Must be completed for every new assignment, including site transfers.

References and Employment History

• References: Two references from the last 2 years. At least one must be a manager, director, supervisor, or lead. Charge nurse references are not accepted.
• Employment history: Employment application or resume with 7 years of work history. All gaps must be explained.