RN, Psychiatry, Mental Health Nurse

Job Title

Registered Nurse (RN) - Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse to join our Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (Psych ICU) team in Vallejo, California. This role offers an opportunity to provide critical care to patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises within a supportive and structured environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive nursing care for a diverse patient population requiring intensive psychiatric intervention.

You will play a vital role in maintaining a safe, therapeutic milieu while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. This position involves working evening shifts, contributing to a dynamic team focused on de‑escalation, crisis management, and stabilization of patients with severe mental health conditions.

• Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments, including mental status exams, for patients in acute psychiatric distress.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans in collaboration with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, monitoring for efficacy and adverse reactions specific to psychiatric pharmacology.
• Provide crisis intervention, de‑escalation, and therapeutic communication to manage challenging behaviors and ensure patient and staff safety.
• Monitor patient progress, document observations accurately, and report changes in condition to the healthcare team.
• Educate patients and families on mental health conditions, treatment plans, and coping strategies.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment, adhering to all hospital policies and procedures, including those related to restraint and seclusion.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and contribute to discharge planning.

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience in a Psychiatric setting.
• Recent experience (within the last three months) in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit or similar acute psychiatric environment.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification (can be attained on‑site).

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills specific to psychiatric nursing.
• Proficiency in administering psychiatric medications and managing potential side effects.
• Expertise in crisis intervention, de‑escalation techniques, and therapeutic communication.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑stress environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Empathy, compassion, and a non‑judgmental approach to patient care.
• Knowledge of mental health disorders, treatment modalities, and relevant legal/ethical considerations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

• Shift Type:
  Evening
• Hours:
  
  3:00 PM – 11:30 PM (8‑hour shifts)
• Days per Week: 5 days per week, with rotating days off.
• Weekend Rotation:
  Typically every other weekend.
• Call Requirements:
  Not specified.
• Contract Length: 13 weeks (June 8, 2026 – September 5, 2026).

Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of California. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.