Psych | Registered Nurse

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN) – Behavioral Health Travel Nursing Contract in Madison, Wisconsin

Experienced Psychiatric Registered Nurses (RNs) can join a collaborative inpatient behavioral health team in Madison, Wisconsin. This travel nursing opportunity offers thoughtful patient engagement, strong clinical support, and lower nurse-to-patient ratios in an 18-bed psychiatric setting.

Care for adult and geriatric patients while helping maintain a safe, therapeutic environment. Madison offers an energetic blend of lakeside scenery, vibrant cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community, making it an appealing destination for a Wisconsin travel nursing assignment.

Psychiatric RN Travel Job Details

• Specialty: Psychiatric / Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
• Employment Type: Travel nursing contract
• Weekly Estimated Pay: $1,730–$1,820
• Start Date: November 16, 2026
• Contract Duration: 13 weeks
• Shift: Nights, three 12-hour shifts per week; typical schedule is 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
• Hours: Approximately 36 hours per week
• Patient Population: Adults and geriatric patients
• Patient Ratios: Approximately 1:4 on days and weekends and 1:6 on nights
• Schedule Expectations: Weekend rotation and holidays as needed; self-scheduling may be available
• Floating: Float as needed, including support as a patient safety assistant based on census and operational needs

Psychiatric Registered Nurse Job Requirements

• At least 2 years of recent behavioral health RN experience, including acute inpatient psychiatric experience within the past 3 years
• Current Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin or a compact state
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association
• CPI certification preferred; certification may be required based on assignment compliance requirements
• Previous charge nurse experience
• Experience with Epic electronic health record (EHR) charting
• Demonstrated experience working with lower nurse-to-patient ratios in an inpatient psychiatric setting
• Proficiency in behavioral health assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, behavior management, suicide precautions, seclusion and restraint protocols, and medication administration
• Experience caring for patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and self-injurious or assaultive behaviors
• Successful completion of required pre-employment screening and clinical competency testing
• Flu vaccination is required; medical and religious exemptions may be considered
• Applicants must reside at least 50 miles from the assignment location to qualify under the local eligibility policy

Behavioral Health RN Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to adult and geriatric patients in an acute inpatient psychiatric environment.
• Complete behavioral health assessments, monitor changes in patient condition, and communicate findings to the interdisciplinary care team.
• Support patients experiencing psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, suicidal behavior, and other behavioral health concerns.
• Administer medications safely, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and mood stabilizers, while monitoring therapeutic response and adverse effects.
• Use therapeutic communication, psychoeducation, crisis intervention, and evidence-based de-escalation techniques to promote patient and staff safety.
• Follow protocols for suicide prevention, voluntary and involuntary commitments, physical holds, emergency chemical restraints, seclusion, and management of assaultive behavior.
• Maintain accurate documentation in Epic and collaborate with providers, social services, pharmacy, therapy teams, respiratory services, and other support departments.
• Participate in charge nurse responsibilities, support unit operations, and float when needed based on patient census and operational requirements.

Apply now for this Psychiatric RN travel nursing opportunity and join the behavioral health team in Madison, Wisconsin.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.