RN Staff Nurse - Adult Psychiatric Care
Company : Legacy Health
Location : Portland, OR, 97232-2003
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Overview
The Legacy nursing philosophy focuses on patients and their families. Our nurses embody this philosophy in everything they do, as advocates, communicators, problem-solvers and caregivers. Their expertise is sought after and respected by our health care team. In short, they are the face of wellness at Legacy. Does this sound like an environment in which you could thrive? If so, we invite you to consider this opportunity.
Unity is founded on a mission of trauma-informed care and destigmatizing behavioral health diagnoses. Unity nurses strive to innovate and elevate behavioral health nursing through holistic treatment of our patients. Unity nurses apply their behavioral health specialty through high-level critical thinking, individualized patient care plans, early interventions, specialized assessments, and de-escalation and motivational interviewing techniques. Unity nurses maintain their physical health skills as part of our holistic treatment including attending to physical health needs such as assessment, wound care, and phlebotomy. We welcome nurses from all backgrounds to join our team who share our values of inclusion, kindness, and excellence and a heart for the behavioral health population!
Our patients are highly acute and often require varied and intensive interventions to start stabilization. Our four adult units serve voluntary and involuntary patients 18 years and older. Adult unit patient capacity ranges from 17 to 25 private and shared beds. Our inpatient care goes beyond medication management. Our care includes specialized nursing care, care management, peer support services, multiple groups throughout the day, animal therapy, and garden therapy. Nursing is an essential part of the interdisciplinary treatment team that collaborates with the patient to create a journey to recovery.
Responsibilities
Responsible for patient care within an assigned department/unit and participates as a member of the health care team in cooperation with and under the direction of the clinical manager or designee as defined by the relevant Standards and Scope of Practice for the Registered Nurse. The RN Staff Nurse assesses, analyzes, plans, implements and evaluates patient care following established patient care standards for Legacy Health System including those for patient assessment and transfer.
Qualifications
Education:
As required by licensure. BSN or degree in progress strongly preferred. BSN may be required for specific assignments; experienced RNs without a BSN may be hired based on clinical experience with approval of the site CNO.
Experience:
One-year registered nursing experience or completion of either the Legacy Health RN Residency program or a nursing program that is equivalent in content, curriculum and duration. Additional clinical experience requirements may vary dependent upon the specific department in which the position is utilized.
Knowledge/Skills:
Demonstrated ability of positive interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, patients, families, physicians and the community. Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions.
Licensure
Current applicable state RN license required. AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers.
Pay Range
USD $54.37 - USD $81.21 /Hr.Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity
Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.
If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.
Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you
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Frequently asked questions
In Portland, RN Staff Nurses in adult psychiatric care engage deeply with trauma-informed approaches, combining mental and physical health skills. Unlike general nursing, this role requires expertise in de-escalation, motivational interviewing, and managing acute behavioral health cases within a supportive community-focused environment.
Possessing a BSN is highly valued, especially for psychiatric nursing in Oregon. Experience with behavioral health assessments, trauma-informed care, and certifications like AHA BLS enhance an RN’s ability to deliver holistic mental health services tailored to diverse patient needs in settings like Legacy Health.
This role demands balancing psychiatric symptom management with physical health care, including wound care and phlebotomy. Nurses also lead individualized care plans, employ specialized assessments, and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, emphasizing recovery journeys beyond standard medication management.
Legacy Health fosters an inclusive, kinder work culture focusing on trauma-informed behavioral health. Psychiatric nurses here benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative patient engagement strategies like animal and garden therapy, and a supportive environment encouraging professional growth.
Legacy Health’s psychiatric units handle highly acute cases demanding critical thinking and early intervention skills. Nurses face the challenge of managing complex behavioral health needs but gain advantages through supportive peer services, advanced training opportunities, and a mission-driven care philosophy.
RN Staff Nurses at Legacy Health in Portland earn between $54.37 and $81.21 per hour. This competitive range reflects the specialized skills needed for psychiatric nursing, local cost of living, and the high acuity of patients requiring advanced mental health care.
Portland’s growing awareness of mental health increases demand for skilled psychiatric nurses, resulting in steady hiring at Legacy Health. The region’s commitment to behavioral health innovation means nurses with trauma-informed care expertise are highly sought after.
Portland’s urban layout and transit options make commuting manageable for psychiatric nurses. Legacy Health’s emphasis on inclusive work environments supports work-life balance, which is vital given the emotionally intensive nature of adult psychiatric care roles.
Yes, Legacy Health encourages professional development with opportunities for specialty certifications, leadership roles, and advanced practice pathways. Nurses committed to behavioral health can evolve into clinical specialists, educators, or nurse practitioners within this supportive system.
Success hinges on strong communication, critical thinking, and proficiency in de-escalation techniques. Additionally, balancing physical health interventions with behavioral health expertise and fostering empathy aligns with Legacy Health’s holistic nursing philosophy.