Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania
Psychiatric Nurse jobs in Pennsylvania are in consistent demand, concentrated across inpatient behavioral health units, community mental health centers, and integrated hospital systems, with openings ranging from entry-level staff positions through senior clinical and charge nurse roles. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown anchor the state's hiring activity, with established employers such as Jefferson Health, UPMC, and Tower Health maintaining ongoing psychiatric nursing needs across their networks. Geriatric psychiatry, substance use disorder treatment, and child and adolescent behavioral health are the most sought-after specialties in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. This is nearly one in five adults. Are you searching for the opportunity to make an impact on these individuals? Are you passionate about dispelling widespread stigma and misunderstanding associated with mental health?
For more than 70 years, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital has been a national leader in the treatment of mental health and addictive disorders throughout the lifespan. In conjunction with the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, we continue to strive to be one of the nation’s foremost academic- based psychiatric care facilities and remain dedicated to providing professionals with state-of-the-art training and assistance.
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse to help support the Atrium (ATR 13th Floor) Department for its Oakland location. The Atrium unit on the 13th floor is a 15 bed is psychiatric unit specializing in the treatment of Trauma/PTSD patients and mood and anxiety disorders. This position will work evening/night rotation, with 8 & 12-hour shifts.
GN level candidate starting rate $35.75 (BSN $37.25).
Starting rate may be increased commensurate with previous nursing experience.
**Sign on bonus up to $15,000!**
Responsibilities:
- Performs a nursing assessment and initial plan of care within 8 hours of patient's admission. Orients/educates patient regarding hospitalization.
- Documents in the medical record according to established policies.
- Maintains current knowledge of medication policies and practices, including side effects, dosage and patient response.
- Completes medication administration safely and accurately, including transcription, administration and documentation according to established policies.
- Demonstrates a working knowledge of DSM IV diagnosis as evidenced by individual, group and milieu therapeutic interventions.
- Manages crisis situations effectively using positive approaches.
- Adheres to Nursing Standards and Policies including ANA Standards for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, ANA Professional Code for Nurses, the WPIC policies and procedures and the Nurse Practice Act.
- Performs point of care testing per unit (i.e., glucose monitoring, urinalysis, Hemocults.)
- Performs charge RN responsibilities competently and effectively.
- Participates with unit management in Program Development and Performance Improvement Activities.
- Participates in interdisciplinary activities including, treatment team, staff meeting, co-worker feedback process and other committees as assigned.
- Follows research protocols as required.
- Maintains competency requirements.
- Attends two unit-based or institute-wide in-services yearly.
- Serves as mentor to students and new employees.
- Learns and utilizes up-to-date technology in delivery of patients care.
- Graduation from an approved School of Nursing required.
- BSN preferred.
- Six months of experience in Clinical Psychiatry preferred.
- Successful completion of the central and unit specific orientation programs including the medication proficiency examination.
- The incumbent must by physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent, mentally ill patients as necessary including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing and pulling equipment, such as, wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
- Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Act 33 with renewal
- Act 34 with renewal
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
- Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
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Find Psychiatric Nurse JobsPsychiatric Nurse Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Psychiatric Nurse Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- UPMC11

- Blackbird Health7

- Optum6

- WellSpan Health5

- Vital Healthcare Solutions5

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in psychiatric nurse jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Active Registered Nurse license issued or recognized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher preferred by most Pennsylvania health systems
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMHN or PMHNP-BC) for mid-level and senior roles
- Experience with electronic health records systems used across Pennsylvania hospital networks
- BLS and CPI or de-escalation certification required by most inpatient behavioral health units
- Strong familiarity with Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act and mandatory reporting obligations
Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a psychiatric nurse in Pennsylvania?
To become a psychiatric nurse in Pennsylvania, you must first earn a nursing degree, complete an accredited RN program, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, then obtain licensure through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. From there, most nurses pursue psychiatric-specific experience in inpatient or outpatient behavioral health settings. Earning the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center strengthens candidacy significantly at Pennsylvania health systems.
How much do psychiatric nurses make in Pennsylvania?
Psychiatric nurses in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $96,430 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $70,800 for the lowest 10% to over $117,900 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire psychiatric nurses in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring psychiatric nurses in Pennsylvania right now include UPMC, Blackbird Health, and Optum, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's large integrated health systems and standalone behavioral health hospitals account for the bulk of ongoing openings across both inpatient and community-based settings.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most psychiatric nurse jobs?
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and York have the most psychiatric nurse openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads due to its concentration of academic medical centers, large health systems, and community mental health programs, while Pittsburgh's strength in integrated hospital networks drives steady hiring there, and Allentown reflects growing demand in the Lehigh Valley corridor where regional health systems have expanded behavioral health capacity.
Are there remote psychiatric nurse jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. About 62% of psychiatric nurse openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on, direct-care nature of most psychiatric nursing roles. The positions most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are telepsychiatry triage support, case management coordination, and utilization review nursing within larger Pennsylvania health systems.
How can I get hired as a psychiatric nurse in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate nurse residency programs at Pennsylvania health systems such as UPMC, Jefferson Health, or Tower Health, several of which include behavioral health rotations. Candidates without direct psychiatric experience often transition from medical-surgical, emergency, or substance use detox units, where overlapping clinical skills are recognized. Completing a psychiatric clinical rotation during your nursing program, holding an active Pennsylvania RN license, and obtaining CPI certification before applying gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to psychiatric nurse jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to psychiatric nurse jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 80 Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania
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