Registered Nurse - II

Title: Registered Nurse - II

State Role Title: 49113

Hiring Range: Starting pay $82,000 (Salary commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/wsh/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility that has been in operation since 1828 under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just 30 minutes from major university towns, WSH is a 302-bed, Joint Commission-accredited hospital. Affiliated with the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine, it serves as a training ground for professionals in nursing, social work, psychology, and activity therapy from various institutions.
Bonus Offer for Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Up to $25,000 in bonuses for newly hired RNs who are new to state service and remain with the facility for two years.
o $15,000 sign-on bonus with a one-year written agreement.
o $10,000 retention bonus awarded after one year of service, with an additional one-year written agreement.
Note: These bonuses apply to RNs new to DBHDS or those who have not worked with DBHDS in the past year.
Position Available: Registered Nurse (RN)
WSH is seeking experienced Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide direct patient care in a safe, therapeutic environment for a specific patient population in its 24/7 psychiatric facility. Care will be delivered in accordance with policies and procedures, with an emphasis on patient-specific needs and competencies.
Key Responsibilities:
• Deliver quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain accountability in a secure, therapeutic environment.
• Foster healthy interpersonal interactions in adult acute admissions, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation units.
• Observe and report on interventions, treatments, behaviors, and emotional wellbeing.
• Accurately document patient care and communication in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Supervise unit staff, including Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) and LPNs.
• Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and perform direct one-on-one patient observations.
• Apply de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral incidents.
• Administer medication and treatments as directed.
• Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team regarding patient status and care plans.

Western State Hospital is looking for full-time classified Registered Nurses for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts. RNs will work (2) 12-hour shifts and (2) 8-hour shifts, or (5) 8-hour shifts per week. The successful candidate must work every other weekend, with holidays and overtime required as needed.

Shift Differential:
• 1st shift weekends and holidays): $5.50/hr.
• 2nd shift weekdays $5.50/hr. on weekends, and holidays: $6.00/hr.
• 3rd shift weekdays $4.00/hr. on weekends, and holidays: $7.00/hr.

Benefits of Working at Western State Hospital (DBHDS):
• Career advancement and continuing education opportunities.
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement savings plans (two options).
• 24/7 on-site security.
• Paid sick leave and personal time off.
• Employee discounts on entertainment, travel, fitness, and more.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Three weeks of paid training.
• 12 paid holidays and vacation time.
• Paid life insurance coverage.
• Student loan repayment options.
• Referral bonuses.
• Virginia 529 College Savings Plan (eligibility may apply).
• Relocation reimbursement (eligibility may apply).

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Virginia licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or eligibility for licensure in Virginia; multi-state compact endorsement accepted.
• Experience as an RN in psychiatric, acute care, long-term care, or correctional facilities preferred.
• Ability to effectively assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Strong clinical knowledge and supervisory skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
• Must complete BLS, TOVA, and other required training upon employment.
• Must successfully maintain competencies required by WSH.

Additional Considerations

• Preference fo