<p>Ochsner Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in Houma, Louisiana is recruiting a travel Behavioral Health Registered Nurse for a 13-week night-shift contract. This role places an experienced psychiatric nurse at a recognized regional medical center, providing direct patient-centered care to individuals experiencing acute mental health crises within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment. Candidates must reside 65 miles or more from the facility to qualify for this travel assignment.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>Weekly gross pay of $1,978, comprising a $23/hour base rate and a $1,150 weekly non-taxed stipend</li> <li>Overtime rate of $45/hour</li> <li>13-week contract length with weekly pay cycle</li> <li>Comprehensive benefits package included</li> <li>Personalized onboarding assistance provided</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Night shift schedule: 6:45 PM – 7:15 AM</li> <li>Behavioral health unit focused on acute psychiatric and mental health patient population</li> <li>Responsibilities include full nursing process: assessment, care plan development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized patient plans</li> <li>Active crisis response role — monitoring patient conditions and intervening appropriately during behavioral health emergencies</li> <li>Medication administration and treatment delivery per physician orders</li> <li>Patient and family education covering treatment plans and discharge instructions</li> <li>Collaborative practice model with physicians, therapists, and allied health professionals</li> <li>Documentation maintained in an electronic medical record system</li> <li>Emphasis on maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Active RN license in Louisiana (or eligibility to obtain); no restrictions on license or certifications</li> <li>Minimum of 2 years of recent nursing experience required</li> <li>Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association required</li> <li>CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification required within 12 months of hire</li> <li>Proficiency with electronic charting systems and web-based clinical applications</li> <li>Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN) preferred</li> <li>Prior Behavioral Health or Psychiatric Nursing experience preferred</li> <li>Specialty nursing certification preferred</li> <li>Physical ability to lift, move, and assist patients as required; comfort working in environments with potential exposure to hazardous medications and waste</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>Houma is situated in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun bayou country, roughly 60 miles southwest of New Orleans, offering a rich cultural identity rooted in Cajun and Creole heritage, world-class seafood, and a strong sense of community. The region provides a low cost of living relative to major metro areas, easy access to coastal recreation including fishing, boating, and wildlife refuges, and the energy and entertainment of New Orleans within a short drive. For travel nurses seeking an immersive Louisiana experience alongside meaningful clinical work, Houma delivers a distinctive and welcoming environment.</p>