Meet Heather, Behavioral Health RN

Looking for a career where you can make a real difference? Meet Heather, a Behavioral Health Nurse in the Valley Health EmPATH Unit (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing). Heather’s work helps transform lives—and she’s here to share why it could be the right fit for you.

Q: What does your role as a Behavioral Health Nurse entail, and what’s a typical day like?
I work night shifts across our inpatient behavioral health units, the new EmPATH unit, and Intake office for admissions. My day varies by unit. On inpatient, I do assessments, talk one-on-one with patients about their day and treatment, and focus on stabilization—medications, coping skills, and community resources. In Intake, I assess patients from the ER, figuring out if they need admission or outpatient support. The EmPATH unit lets people get help without the ER if there’s no medical issue. I love seeing the whole process—evaluation to discharge.

Q: What drew you to a career in behavioral health?
I’ve always liked helping people. As a young mom, I worked at Head Start and volunteered as a firefighter and EMT, which taught me a lot. Later, in Maryland, I worked support staff on a psychiatric unit and decided to become a nurse. Behavioral health felt right—I think mental health care needs more focus in our communities.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the EmPATH unit?
It’s a resource for people needing help now, without hospital admission. Waiting for services can be frustrating, so it’s great seeing people leave with hope and resources—medications started, adjustments made, or inpatient care if needed. Every patient’s needs are different—it’s not one-size-fits-all. It takes teamwork and patient input to make a plan work. Communication with my team and patients resolves most challenges. Helping patients set achievable goals is key, even if it takes time.

Q: What makes working in the EmPATH unit so rewarding?
I genuinely care about people. We all face things that affect our mental health—I’ve had support in tough times, so I like helping others. Empathy keeps me going.

Q: What’s a moment that made you proud to work on the EmPATH unit?
It’s new, but I love when someone comes in lost, and we give them a starting point. Seeing relief when they’re heard sticks with me.

Q: Advice for someone considering behavioral health?
Make self-care a priority—we tell patients to practice healthy habits, so we should too. Therapeutic communication matters a lot. It’s rewarding but tough, so talk to people in the field and find the right setting for you.

Ready to join Heather and make an impact? Explore opportunities in Behavioral Health at Valley Health and see how you can help our community thrive.

Join our team today!