Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health (PRN)

Rutherford Regional Health System; Rutherfordton (NC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off (PTO)

401(k) retirement with company match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Rutherford Regional Health System is seeking an RN for Behavioral Health on a PRN basis. The unit provides care for adults 18+, with an interdisciplinary team focused on trauma-informed, patient-centered care. The role emphasizes plan-of-care interventions, safe patient handling, and collaboration with physicians and families.

The ideal candidate holds a NC license, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (Bachelor’s preferred) and at least 1 year BH RN experience. On-call duties may be required.

Qualifications

• Current North Carolina State License or Compact License with NC endorsement.
• Associate’s Degree in Nursing is required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of RN experience in Behavioral Health.

Responsibilities

• Performs plan-of-care interventions including medication administration, specimen collection, and clinical treatments.
• Provides direct patient care using the nursing process in accordance with behavioral health standards.
• Monitors, records, and communicates patient condition to the care team, physicians, patients, and families.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, nutrition, elimination, and ambulation.
• Collaborates across disciplines to coordinate transfers, discharges, referrals, and psychosocial/spiritual support.
• Assesses learning needs and delivers age- and culture-appropriate patient and family education.
• Advocates for the physical and emotional well-being of patients in crisis.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives and required continuing education.
• Provides quality patient care and supports other shifts/units as needed; may be assigned on-call.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support safe, therapeutic care.

Skills

Critical thinking

Decisive judgment

Minimal supervision

Handle high-stress situations

Education

Associate’s Degree in Nursing

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

BLS certification

Handle With Care certification

Job description

Schedule: PRN

Your experience matters

Rutherford Regional Health System is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well‑being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Registered Nurse on our Behavioral Health team, you will play a vital role in our mission of Making Communities Healthier®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More about our team

Our 14-bed Behavioral Health unit provides a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for adult patients ages 18 and up. We focus on trauma‑informed, patient‑centered care delivered by a collaborative, interdisciplinary team. If you’re looking to join a supportive department that values teamwork, emotional resilience, and high‑quality outcomes, our Behavioral Health team may be exactly what you’re looking for.

How you’ll contribute

• Performs plan‑of‑care interventions, including medication administration, specimen collection, and clinical treatments
• Provides direct patient care using the nursing process in accordance with behavioral health standards of practice
• Monitors, records, and communicates patient condition to the care team, physicians, patients, and families
• Assists patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, nutrition, elimination, and ambulation
• Collaborates across disciplines to coordinate transfers, discharges, referrals, and psychosocial/spiritual support
• Assesses learning needs and delivers age‑and culture‑appropriate patient and family education
• Advocates for the physical and emotional well‑being of patients in crisis
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives and required continuing education
• Provides quality patient care and supports other shifts/units as needed; may be assigned on‑call
• Performs other duties as assigned to support safe, therapeutic care

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits:Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage — withmedical plans starting at just $10 per pay period—tailored benefit options for part‑time and PRN employees, and more.
• Financial Protection & PTO:Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long‑term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth:Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well‑being:Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development:Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we’re looking for

• Current North Carolina State License or Compact License with North Carolina endorsement.
• Associate’s Degree in Nursing required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of RN experience in Behavioral Health is required.

Additional requirements include:

• Requires critical thinking skills.
• Decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Handle With Care certification.

More about Rutherford Regional Health System

Rutherford Regional Health System is a 143-bed acute care facility dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients across Rutherford County and surrounding communities. As part of Lifepoint Health, we combine the support and resources of a national healthcare network with the close‑knit feel of a community hospital. Through our partnership with Duke Lifepoint Healthcare, we are strengthening quality, expanding access to physician expertise and specialists, and investing in resources that help transform healthcare in Rutherford County. Here, you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to making a meaningful difference for patients and helping build healthier communities.

EEOC Statement

"Rutherford Regional Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Rutherford Regional Health System is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."