Psych Nurse (RN) - Temp Assignment (8 weeks)

Universal Hospital Services Inc.; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Challenging work environment

Growth opportunities within UHS

Competitive compensation

Medical/Dental/Vision

401k plan

Job summary

River Oaks Hospital in New Orleans is seeking a Psychiatric Nurse (RN) to provide dedicated mental health care on the night shift within a dynamic hospital environment. The ideal candidate will hold a valid RN license and have prior psychiatric or behavioral health experience, with strong crisis intervention skills and compassionate patient care.

This temporary assignment is 8 weeks (with potential extension) and requires a 36-hour work week.

Qualifications

• Valid RN license with current Louisiana state certification.
• Must have prior experience in psychiatric/behavioral health settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive psychiatric nursing care including crisis intervention and stabilization.
• Conduct patient assessments including vital signs, mental status, and risk assessment.
• Administer psychotropic medications and monitor for adverse effects.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized treatment plans.
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant medical documentation.

Skills

RN License

Psychiatric Experience

Crisis Intervention

Communication Skills

Critical Care

Education

Registered Nurse (RN)

Job description

Responsibilities

Who We Are

River Oaks Hospital, affiliated with Universal Health Services, is located in metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana, is a private psychiatric facility for adults, adolescents and children. Since 1970, River Oaks has established a tradition of excellence in the treatment of acute psychiatric illness, dual diagnosis, alcohol and drug detoxification, trauma based disorders, compulsive behaviors, and eating disorders, River Oaks has provided quality treatment to service individuals suffering from mental illness, and/or addictive disorders. Situated on a 14-acre campus, services are available at all levels of care (inpatient, day or partial hospitalization, outpatient, and intensive outpatient).

For more information about our hospital, please visit: https://riveroakshospital.com/

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse (RN) to join our team on the night shift, providing exceptional mental health care in a dynamic hospital environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, a passion for patient-centered care, and the ability to work effectively during overnight hours. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

• Shifts Available: Days (7am - 7pm), rotating weekends; Nights (7pm - 7am), rotating weekends
• Must work 36 hours week
• Temporary assignment is 8 weeks. The temporary assignment may be extended additional weeks based on organizational needs.

If the temporary assignment extends working through the holidays, the candidate must be able to work the holidays as follows:

• Day Shift Nurses
  • Must work Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day
• Night Shift Nurses
  • Must work Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve

NOTE: Candidates employed by any UHS facility within the last 6 months are not eligible for these appointmens.

Hourly rate: $65.00

This position is not eligible for shift differential or benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license with current Louisianna state certification.
• Must have prior experience working in psychiatric or behavioral health settings.
• Experience as an ER nurse in also highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of mental health assessment tools, medication administration, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or in memory care units is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to handle acute pain management and emergency response procedures effectively.
• Excellent communication skills combined with a compassionate approach to patient care.
• Critical care experience or background in hospital medicine enhances suitability for this role.

Duties

• Provide comprehensive psychiatric nursing care to patients with diverse mental health needs, including crisis intervention and stabilization.
• Conduct thorough patient assessments, including vital signs, mental status evaluations, and risk assessments.
• Administer medications accurately, including psychotropic agents, and monitor for adverse reactions or side effects.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Maintain detailed and accurate medical documentation ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Educate patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.
• Respond promptly to emergencies or behavioral escalations using de-escalation techniques and crisis management protocols.

Join our team as a Psychiatric Nurse (RN) and contribute your expertise to delivering compassionate mental health services in a supportive environment dedicated to healing and recovery!

River Oaks Hospital offers comprehensive benefits, such as:

• - Challenging and rewarding work environment
• - Growth and development opportunities within UHS and its subsidiaries
• - Competitive Compensation
• - Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plan
• - 401k plan with company match

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

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EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.