<p>A state psychiatric hospital in Pueblo, Colorado is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse for high-acuity adult inpatient behavioral health care on a 24-week travel contract. This role offers a strong weekly pay package, 12-hour shift flexibility across days or nights, and a structured, security-supported clinical environment that rewards nurses with genuine psychiatric expertise and confident de-escalation skills.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>$2,569 per week gross pay package</li> <li>24-week contract with rolling start dates available</li> <li>36-hour workweek (three 12-hour shifts) — consistent, predictable scheduling</li> <li>Choice of day or night shift to fit your lifestyle</li> <li>Comprehensive benefits package included with assignment</li> <li>Personalized onboarding support for a smooth transition into the assignment</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Adult inpatient psychiatric unit at a state psychiatric hospital — high-acuity behavioral health population</li> <li>12-hour shifts, day or night, on a 36/36 schedule</li> <li>Security-supported environment with expectation of clinical autonomy and independent nursing judgment</li> <li>Interdisciplinary team model requiring strong collaboration across psychiatry, social work, pharmacy, and allied health</li> <li>Clinical focus areas include behavioral crisis stabilization, medication management, and therapeutic communication</li> <li>CPI and de-escalation protocols are central to daily practice</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Active Colorado RN license or valid compact license</li> <li>BLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA)</li> <li>Minimum of 1 year of recent acute inpatient psychiatric nursing experience required; 2 or more years preferred</li> <li>Strong CPI and de-escalation skills — comfort managing high-acuity behavioral patients is essential</li> <li>Experience in behavioral crisis stabilization and psychiatric medication management preferred</li> <li>Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ADN or BSN) preferred</li> <li>Willingness to complete a background check in accordance with Colorado state law</li> <li>Ability to work independently in a security-supported inpatient setting</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>Pueblo sits along the Arkansas River in southern Colorado, roughly 45 minutes south of Colorado Springs and about 100 miles from Denver — close enough to major metro amenities while offering a notably lower cost of living than the Front Range. The region is known for its sunny high-desert climate, access to Lake Pueblo State Park for water recreation, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains for hiking, skiing, and outdoor adventure year-round. Pueblo's affordable housing, established arts scene, and relaxed pace make it a practical and enjoyable base for travel clinicians on extended assignment.</p>