Registered Nurse (RN, Psych, Acute, Crisis) - Inpatient

Location Detail: Backus Hospital (10309)

Shift Detail: rotating weekends and holidays

Work where every moment matters.

Backus Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care on the Adult Behavioral Health unit. Our Adult Behavioral Health Unit is a safe, therapeutic environment where patients receive individualized treatment plans, 24/7 support, and the dignity they deserve. We believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and collaboration among our care team.

The Impact You'll Make

As an Inpatient Psychiatric Nurse, you will be a cornerstone of our multidisciplinary team, directly influencing patient recovery and well-being. Your expertise will help stabilize patients in crisis, guide them through treatment, and equip them with the tools to transition safely back into their communities. Every shift, you'll make a tangible difference—whether it's de-escalating a tense moment, celebrating a patient's progress, or advocating for their needs.

What You'll Do

• Provide direct nursing care to adult patients experiencing acute psychiatric conditions, following individualized treatment plans.
• Administer prescribed medications, monitor effects, and educate patients on their use and importance.
• Conduct mental status assessments, risk evaluations, and ongoing monitoring to ensure patient safety.
• Collaborate closely with psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, and other nurses to coordinate holistic care.
• Lead or assist in therapeutic group activities that promote coping skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
• Respond to psychiatric emergencies using trauma-informed, de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards. 

For more than 118 years, Backus Hospital has been the primary source of healthcare services for much of Eastern Connecticut. We deliver and coordinate a continuum of high-quality healthcare with the goal of improving the health of our communities.

Qualifications

What You'll bring:

• At least 1 year of nursing experience – psychiatric or behavioral health experience strongly preferred

• Graduate of an accredited nursing school (BSN or MSN preferred)

• Current Connecticut RN license

• BLS certification by the American Heart Association

• Ability to obtain and maintain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.

• Strong assessment skills and the ability to respond quickly in crisis situations

• Knowledge of psychiatric medications, side effects, and therapeutic interventions

What our nurses love about Backus Hospital: 

• Automatic enrollment into the Nurse Residency Program for all graduate RNs with less than one year of experience. 

• Loan forgiveness for qualifying existing student loans

• Employee assistance and wellness programs including a strong focus on promoting mental health

• Paid time off, health insurance packages and retirement plan

• Supportive team-oriented environment where your voice and expertise matter

• Discounts on services, products and optional coverages – movie tickets, pet insurance, travel and more! 

Backus Hospital is part of Hartford HealthCare, a system that includes 7 acute care hospitals, a comprehensive Behavioral Health Network, Home Care services, Senior Services, and an extensive Medical Group network. Hartford HealthCare's unified culture enhances access, affordability, equity and excellence. Its care-delivery system of more than 40,000 colleagues — in more than 500 locations serving 185 towns across Connecticut offers unparalleled expertise - touching more than 23,000 lives every single day. Here you'll learn, grow, and contribute to healing and health as part of one of Connecticut's premier health systems. No matter where you work in the Hartford HealthCare system, you're connected to the team that's redefining care.

Start here, where every moment matters.