Travel RN - Psychiatric

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN for a Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) position at an acute care facility in Iowa, requiring at least 1 year of RN experience and active IA or compact licensure.

Job Details

• Acute care psychiatric unit licensed for 10 inpatient beds, serving adults (18+) only,

• Patient population includes those in psychiatric crisis, including suicidal ideation, psychosis, and other mental health conditions qualifying as a danger to self or others - violent patients or those with complex medical needs are not admitted,

• Day shift staffing includes one RN, one LPN, and one tech; night shift includes one RN and one tech,

• CNA support available 24/7; a psychiatrist or ARNP rounds daily from 8am-4pm with on-call coverage after hours,

• No telemetry on this unit; IVs are used infrequently,

• RN responsibilities include admissions, discharges, shift assessments, and medication administration; day shift has a heavier medication pass,

• Physical restraints are used when a patient poses an imminent risk to self or others, most often via a restraint chair,

• RT services are available if needed; RN administers treatments such as inhalers and nebulizers,

• Charting via MEDITECH,

• 13-week contract with three 12-hour night shifts per week,

• Cyclic 6-week schedule, subject to change based on staffing needs,

• Weekend rotation is approximately every 3rd weekend, subject to change,

• On-call may be required in the event of low census, with the expectation to return if admissions are anticipated,

• Floating is rare on this unit and typically limited to the CNA; may be required in very rare circumstances,

Job Requirements

• Active Iowa (IA) or Compact RN license required,

• Current certifications required: BLS and ACLS (AHA),

• Minimum 1 year of RN experience required,

• BSN not required,

• MEDITECH experience is a plus,

• CPI or MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) certification preferred within 6 months for longer assignments,

Additional Information

• Candidates must reside more than 50 miles from the facility to be eligible,

• Orientation consists of 1-2 shifts depending on experience level and comfort,

• Staff are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to shift for report,

• Holiday coverage is required on a rotating basis, working approximately every other holiday,

• Black scrubs are standard for RNs and LPNs; plain-color or mental health-themed T-shirts are acceptable; avoid hoodies or jackets with strings/hoods; sweatshirts are welcome as the unit can be cold,

• Overnight support includes a house supervisor, with the director available for urgent needs,

• The unit is described as a close-knit, supportive team environment with a passion for mental health care; candidates with the right personality and attitude are encouraged to apply even if psychiatric experience is limited