Travel Nurse RN - $2,651 per week in Syracuse, NY

Job Title

Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health Unit

Job Summary

This role is for a dedicated Registered Nurse to join a dynamic Behavioral Health Unit (BSU) in Syracuse, New York. The unit provides comprehensive care to adult patients requiring specialized psychiatric and behavioral health interventions. As an integral member of the nursing team, you will contribute to a therapeutic environment focused on patient stabilization, recovery, and well-being.

The position involves direct patient care, medication administration, therapeutic communication, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. There is also an opportunity for training in charge nurse responsibilities, enhancing leadership skills within the unit. Nurses may be required to float to a like unit, such as the Inpatient Addiction Rehab Unit (ARU), to support patient care needs across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients on the Behavioral Health Unit, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care.
• Administer medications safely and accurately, monitoring for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
• Conduct therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques with patients experiencing behavioral health crises.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Document patient observations, interventions, and outcomes thoroughly and accurately in the electronic health record.
• Educate patients and their families on diagnoses, treatment plans, and discharge instructions.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care planning discussions.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and staff.
• Potentially assume charge nurse responsibilities after appropriate training.
• Float to other similar units, such as the Inpatient Addiction Rehab Unit (ARU), as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of New York.
• Minimum of 1 year of recent experience as a Registered Nurse, preferably in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Ability to adhere to the hospital's uniform policy of navy blue scrubs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with charge nurse responsibilities.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) or equivalent de-escalation training.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in medication administration and management.
• Excellent therapeutic communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage challenging patient behaviors and de-escalate situations effectively.
• Competency in electronic health record (EHR) documentation.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Adaptability and flexibility to float to other units as required.
• Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach to patient care.

Shift Details

• Shift Type: Evening/Night
• Hours: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM (8.5-hour shifts)
• Days per week: 5
• Weekend Rotation: Every other weekend required.
• Holiday Requirements: Holidays are expected.
• Call Requirements: Not specified.
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Start Date: August 30, 2026
• End Date: November 28, 2026
• Blocked scheduling must be previously agreed upon. Scheduled weekends off require coverage found unless previously specified.

Licensing Requirements

• Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.