Meritus Health·Washington County, Maryland
Provide direct nursing care and mental health assessments for patients in acute psychiatric crises. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement treatment plans and ensure patient stabilization and safety.
35.50 - 58.00
RN - Brook Lane Inpatient - 7am-730pm Full Time - 72 hrs. Biweekly Additional $1.00/hr for Premium Differential/ Up to $10,000 Sign on Bonus!
As an inpatient Behavioral Health Nurse, you play a vital role in providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. You will work in a fast-paced, structured environment within a mental health hospital, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support patients through stabilization and recovery. This role requires strong clinical skills, emotional resilience, and a commitment to patient advocacy.
What to Expect in This Role
Daily Responsibilities
Provide direct nursing care, including medication administration, monitoring for side effects, and assessing changes in patient behavior.
Conduct patient assessments to evaluate mental, emotional, and physical health needs.
Work closely with psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
Support de-escalation efforts, utilizing therapeutic communication and crisis intervention techniques.
Educate patients and families about mental health conditions, coping strategies, and discharge planning.
Document all patient interactions, interventions, and progress in electronic health records.
Participate in shift hand-offs and team meetings to ensure continuity of care.
Work Environment
A high-acuity, structured setting, where teamwork is essential to maintaining patient and staff safety.
Patients may experience severe psychiatric symptoms, including agitation, aggression psychosis, or suicidal ideation.
Regular use of nonviolent crisis intervention techniques to manage escalations
Shifts may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays based on patient needs.
A multidisciplinary team approach, where communication and collaboration are key.
Security team on staff and rounding on units 24/7.
Challenges You May Face
Emotional intensity—working with patients in crisis requires strong emotional regulation and self-care.
Physical demands—assisting patients in distress may require standing, walking, and occasional interventions.
Complex cases—co-occurring disorders, medication noncompliance, and social barriers can make treatment challenging.
Safety concerns—while rare, aggressive behavior from patients may occur, requiring quick thinking and adherence to hospital safety protocols.
Your work as an Inpatient Behavioral Health Nurse has a profound impact on patients' lives. You will provide hope, support, and stability during some of their most vulnerable moments. If you are compassionate, resilient, and committed to mental health advocacy, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference every day.
Education - ASN or higher required. BSN or higher preferred.
Experience - Minimum of one year of experience in a hospital setting required.
Licensure/Certification - Current license to practice as Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland, or if resident of a state that participates in Nurse Multi-State Compact agreement, holds Registered Nurse License from that state that is designated as "Compact" or "Multi-State Privilege" using primary source verification and provides additional documentation as required by the Maryland Board of Nursing. RN License from a compact state with a designation of "Single State" does not meet the requirement and nurse must obtain a Maryland license.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Ability to apply the standards of professional nursing practice with compassion and empathy. Basic computer skills required. Must posses high level of organization and communication skills.
Caring for Our Team
Happy to Help
At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help, and are always Happy to Help.
Requires an ASN or higher and at least one year of hospital experience. Must hold a valid Registered Nurse license in Maryland or a compact state license.
Market context
In Maryland, nursing openings that require an RN and outpatient care experience are typically competitive because employers often want candidates who can step into ambulatory workflows with limited onboarding. Strong applicants usually show familiarity with patient education, care coordination, and fast-paced clinic settings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save time, then compare your outpatient experience to the core duties before applying.
