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Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health Unit - Full Time

Mercyhealth · Janesville, WI · $34.45–$60.87 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

The unit cares for patients with acute mental illness and patients in medical detox. What experience do you have with either?

What they are checking: Fit for the specific mix of psychiatric and detox care on this unit.

How do you keep your own reactions in check when a patient is rude or hostile?

What they are checking: Emotional control and professionalism in a hard setting.

Tell me about a time you built trust with a patient who did not want help.

What they are checking: Therapeutic communication skills.

What would you do

A patient becomes agitated and starts threatening staff. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: De-escalation skills and knowing when restraint or medication is needed as a last resort.

A patient tells you they plan to hurt themselves after discharge. What do you do?

What they are checking: Suicide risk awareness and immediate escalation.

How would you handle a patient who refuses their psychiatric medication?

What they are checking: Respect for rights combined with safety and team communication.

About the work

What signs of alcohol withdrawal do you watch for, and how do you use a withdrawal scale?

What they are checking: Knowledge of CIWA or similar tools and early signs of dangerous withdrawal.

What medical problems can look like psychiatric symptoms?

What they are checking: Whether they think about medical causes like infection, low blood sugar or drug effects.

How do you keep the unit safe from items that could be used for self-harm?

What they are checking: Awareness of environmental safety checks on a psych unit.

How do you document a behavioral incident?

What they are checking: Clear, objective charting that protects patients and staff.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW The RN for Behavioral Health Unit provides compassionate, culturally sensitive, holistic nursing care to patients in a clinical setting, supporting the Mercyhealth nursing mission, practice values and strategic plan. The Behavioral Health Unit is an in-patient unit serves patients experiencing acute mental illness episodes and those experiencing a medical detox. Schedule : 3x12 hour shifts, every other weekend rotation Shift : Days ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Utilizes the nursing process and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in caring for patients. • Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques, policies and procedures, standards of care, and State laws practice act. • Documents according to standards of care. • Performs assessments, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care. • Develops, initiates, and executes a patient plan of care according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician and or clinic policy including patient and family instruction. • Participates in department or unit performance improvement activities, may include shared governance. • Utilizes clinical expertise and guidance to other units’ departments in support of the patient’s longitudinal plan of care. • Utilizes critical thinking regarding patient safety and patient experience and appropriately escalates to the appropriate chain of command. • Participates in the professional nursing continuum process, unit practice activities and decisions and peer review process. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of an accredited nursing program. ADN required upon hire, BSN preferred. May require specific years of applicable experience to qualify (per department guidelines) CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Licensed as an RN in state of practice Approved CPR/BLS certification required within 90 days Other certification(s) per unit requirements. For example : ACLS, PALS, PEARS, and NRP OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES May include color blind test (per department guidelines) PAY RANGE: $34.45 - $60.87 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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