Behavioral Health Careers

Behavioral health nursing is a fulfilling and demanding career that requires a high-level of compassion and sensitivity, as well as excellent communication skills. Behavioral health nurses, also referred to as psychiatric mental health nurses or mental health nurses, work with patients of all ages, helping them address complex emotional and physical needs.

The need for clinicians in the behavioral health field continues to rise. Munson Healthcare is seeking qualified psychiatric mental health nurses in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The inpatient unit in Traverse City was recently renovated and provides patients and staff with a warm, comforting environment.

Munson Healthcare offers a competitive wages and benefits package that includes full medical, dental, and optical insurance, tuition reimbursement, retirement plan, and generous paid time off. Click here for details about Munson Healthcare benefits.

What Does a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Do?

Psychiatric mental health nurses play a critical role in managing the care of people with behavioral health concerns such as substance use and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and psychoses.

Members of the behavioral health care team, which may include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, develop strong therapeutic relationships with patients and often with family members.

Psychiatric mental health nurses are employed in a diverse array of healthcare settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, substance abuse treatment facilities, and outpatient clinics. They may also be called to acute care settings such as an emergency room or medical/surgical units when patients are experiencing behavioral health crises.

What Makes a Good Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse?

Behavioral health clinicians must have exceptional communication and relationship skills, including the ability to set boundaries and establish and maintain trust. Therapeutic communication skills are essential to empowering patients and promoting mental health. Psychiatric mental health nurses must become proficient in knowing not only what to say, but how to say it, with the right tone of voice, volume, and body language.

Additionally, members of the care team must be flexible, demonstrate openness toward diverse lifestyles, and have a strong foundation in the behavioral sciences as well as medical science. They must be prepared to meet the complex needs of their patients and maintain a calm, caring demeanor in an environment that can at times be unpredictable.

Why Behavioral Health Professionals Choose Munson Healthcare

At Munson Healthcare, the patient is at the center of everything we do. We promote an integrated care approach that includes prevention, treatment, education, and support. Nurses choose careers with our organization to improve the lives of those living with behavioral health concerns and to be part of a cohesive, skilled, and compassionate team.

	Munson Healthcare Team Goes Above and Beyond Staff on the inpatient behavioral health unit at Munson Medical Center realized some patients lacked essentials when discharged. Read about their efforts to help patients in need in this blog post.
	Peer Support Coach Offers Hope As a peer recovery coach, Paul uses his own journey to recovery as a launching pad to encourage those struggling with addiction. Read about how his work helping others motivates him every day in this blog.

What Qualifications Do Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses Need?

Munson Healthcare’s behavioral health nurses will have graduated from a state-approved nursing education program and be registered or planning to take the state board licensing exam. Experience in the clinical area being applied to is desirable but not required. All nurses must maintain Basic Life Support certifications as well as specialty life support certifications applicable to the area of specialty. For specific details, view the requirements on our job postings.