Registered Nurse - Acute Care

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.; Lake City (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Health plans

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Pet insurance

Job summary

Meridian Healthcare is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse in Florida to provide hands-on, patient-centered care in a fast-paced behavioral health setting. You will assess needs, monitor progress, and administer medications within a multidisciplinary team to promote safety and healing.

Join a mission-driven environment where leadership, critical thinking, and compassionate communication help support patients and families through recovery and treatment planning.

Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted RN license in Florida required.
• Experience in behavioral health or inpatient settings preferred.
• Strong critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on, patient-centered nursing care from admission to discharge.
• Assess patient needs, monitor progress and respond to changes in condition.
• Administer medications and carry out physician orders safely.
• Develop and update nursing care plans and contribute to treatment planning.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care.
• Provide leadership during shifts and support staff, including crisis response.
• Ensure accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Educate patients and families with compassionate care.

Skills

Leadership

Critical thinking

Communication

Patient-care

Education

Florida RN license

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Job description

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About the Role

In this role, you'll provide hands-on, patient-centered nursing care in a fast-paced behavioral health setting. From admission through discharge, you'll assess patient needs, monitor progress, and deliver care that promotes safety, stability, and healing.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll collaborate closely with providers and support staff while also guiding and supporting LPNs, CNAs, and unit staff. Your clinical judgment, leadership, and compassion will help create a safe and therapeutic environment for every patient.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including admission, shift, and discharge evaluations
• Monitor patient status and respond to changes in condition with appropriate interventions
• Administer medications and carry out physician orders safely and accurately
• Develop and update nursing care plans and contribute to overall treatment planning
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care
• Provide leadership during shifts, including staff support and crisis response
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record
• Support patients and families with education, communication, and compassionate care

What We're Looking For

• Active, unrestricted RN license in the State of Florida required
• Experience in behavioral health or inpatient settings preferred
• Strong critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills
• Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay & Incentives
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health plans, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Retirement Planning: 403(b) with up to 8% company match after 7 years
• Growth & Development: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources
• Inclusive Culture: Supportive, team-oriented environment with employee events and recognition
• Additional Perks: Cell phone discounts, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more

Make a Difference

Help bring hope and healing to the communities we serve.

For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.