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

Registered Nurse (RN) | Other
Location: Syracuse, NY
Agency: Highland Staffing, LLC
Pay: $2,651 per week
Shift Information: Evenings - 5 days x 8 hours
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 11/22/2026

About the Position

Job Title

Registered Nurse - Acute Inpatient Psychiatry

Job Summary

Join a dedicated team on a 25-bed acute inpatient psychiatry unit in Syracuse, New York, specializing in the care of adult patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises. This role involves providing comprehensive nursing care to individuals presenting with conditions such as acute psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicidal or homicidal ideation, and dual diagnoses.

The unit maintains a supportive patient-to-staff ratio, typically up to 5:1, ensuring focused and individualized care. Nurses are integral to patient admissions, medication management, and leading therapeutic groups, while also being trained for charge nurse responsibilities. This position offers a dynamic environment focused on de-escalation techniques and patient stabilization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients with acute psychiatric conditions, including psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dual diagnoses.
• Manage patient admissions, including comprehensive assessments and care planning.
• Administer medications accurately and safely, monitoring for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
• Facilitate therapeutic patient groups and engage in individual patient interactions to support recovery.
• Conduct regular patient rounds, vital sign monitoring, and assist with daily living activities.
• Implement de-escalation techniques and manage crisis situations, including the application of restraints as a last resort in accordance with hospital policy.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic patient care.
• Serve in a Charge Nurse capacity as assigned, overseeing unit operations and staff.
• Respond to emergent medical issues by initiating 911 calls and coordinating transfer to an external Emergency Department.
• Potentially float to a like unit, such as the Inpatient Addiction Rehab Unit (ARU), as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of New York.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Charge Nurse role.
• Experience with patient admissions in a behavioral health setting.
• Experience working with patients in an addiction rehabilitation setting.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in acute psychiatric assessment and intervention.
• Strong de-escalation and crisis intervention skills.
• Competence in medication administration and management for psychiatric patients.
• Ability to facilitate therapeutic groups and engage patients in recovery-oriented activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration and patient interaction.
• Ability to manage patient assignments and prioritize care effectively.
• Adaptability and flexibility to float to other units as required.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Shift Details

• Shift Type: Evening
• Shift Duration: 8 hours
• Start Time: 3:00 PM
• End Time: 11:30 PM
• Days per Week: 5
• Weekend Rotation: Every other weekend required.
• Holiday Requirements: Expected to work holidays as scheduled.
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Assignment Dates: November 22, 2026, to March 13, 2027.
• Call Requirements: Not specified.
• Blocked Scheduling: Must be previously agreed upon.

Licensing Requirements

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in New York State.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.