First Connect Health is seeking a travel nurse RN Psychiatric for a travel nursing job in Ithaca, New York.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: Psychiatric
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 10/05/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 36 hours per week
- Shift: 12 hours, nights
- Employment Type: Travel
Registered Nurse – Inpatient Psychiatric (BSU)
Order ID: CCA-46474
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks (10/04/2026 – 01/02/2027)
Shift Matrix:Night Shift | 19:00 – 07:00 (3x12-Hour Shifts)
Absolute Minimum Qualifications & Unit Hardstops:
- Licensure Mandate: Active, unencumbered New York State (NYS) RN License held in hand at submission.
- Experience Baseline: Minimum 3+ years of dedicated Inpatient Psychiatric / Behavioral Health RN experience.
- Core Certification Required: Active AHA BLS certification. (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Board Certification / PMHN preferred).
- Clinical Proficiency Mandate: Verified competency in acute psychiatric evaluations, de-escalation protocols, psychotropic medication management, and crisis intervention for adult and adolescent populations.
Job Summary & Clinical Scope
A hospital in Ithaca, NY is seeking an experienced Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN Psych) for a 13-week night assignment within the Behavioral Services Unit (BSU - 1157). The RN will deliver evidence-based, compassionate psychiatric care and behavioral management for adult and adolescent patients admitted with acute mental health conditions, psychiatric crises, and dual diagnoses.
- Behavioral Assessment & Care Planning: Execute comprehensive psychiatric nursing assessments, observe behavioral patterns, identify acute risk factors, and formulate individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
- Crisis De-Escalation & Safety: Utilize therapeutic communication techniques and evidence-based de-escalation strategies to manage acute behavioral emergencies, agitation, or self-harm risks while maintaining a safe milieu.
- Psychopharmacology & Medication Administration: Administer daily and PRN psychotropic medications, evaluate therapeutic efficacy, monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or adverse drug reactions, and conduct patient/family medication education.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Documentation: Coordinate care daily with psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers, occupational therapists, and mental health technicians; maintain complete clinical documentation in compliance with NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) standards.
Department & Facility Details
- Department Setting: Behavioral Services Unit / BSU (Cost Center: 1157).
- Unit Footprint: Inpatient acute psychiatric unit with 20 adult beds and 6 adolescent beds.
Order ID: CCA-46474 Contract Duration: 13 Weeks (10/04/2026 – 01/02/2027) Shift Matrix: Night Shift | 19:00 – 07:00 (3x12-Hour Shifts) Schedule Quality: Standard 12-hour night shifts. On-Call Requirement: None. Guaranteed Hours: 36 Hours Per Week
About First Connect Health
At First Connect Health, we take pride in being a Joint Commission–certified healthcare staffing agency, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. This prestigious certification is more than just a seal — it's a reflection of our commitment to excellence, safety, and quality in everything we do.
By meeting the rigorous standards set by The Joint Commission, one of the most respected accrediting bodies in healthcare, we've demonstrated that our processes, compliance, and patient care standards are aligned with the highest levels of quality in the industry.
But our dedication goes beyond certifications. Nurses choose First Connect Health because:
- ✅ Trust and Transparency: We foster honest communication, timely updates, and full transparency throughout your placement journey.
- ✅ Best Pay & Benefits: We offer industry-leading compensation packages, along with benefits that support your career goals.
- ✅ Flexibility & Choice: Whether you're seeking short-term assignments, long-term contracts, or local opportunities, we provide the flexibility to suit your preferences.
- ✅ Personalized Support: Our recruiters take the time to understand your needs, guiding you with care, respect, and responsiveness at every step.
When you work with First Connect Health, you're not just another number — you're a valued professional. Join a team that’s focused on your success, your well-being, and your future in healthcare.
Benefits
- Sick pay
- 401k retirement plan
- Weekly pay
- Referral bonus