Chief Nursing Officer

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plan options

Virginia Retirement System

Paid holidays (14+)

Job summary

Central State Hospital in Petersburg, VA is seeking a Chief Nursing Officer to provide executive leadership for Nursing Services and guide strategic priorities across clinical and operational areas.

The role emphasizes workforce planning, quality, safety, and evidence-based patient care, while partnering with executives and clinical teams to drive performance and accountability. Competitive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program and clinical, administrative, and management experience in a psychiatric hospital setting.
• Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact state.
• Knowledge of executive nursing leadership, strategic planning, workforce management, performance management, employee relations, nursing standards, the Virginia Nurse Practice Act, quality improvement, patient safety, infection prevention and control, and regulatory and accreditation requirements; ability to analyze clinical, workforce, operational, and financial data, manage resources, lead change, and exercise sound independent judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, lead and develop nursing leaders, and respond to urgent situations while fulfilling Administrator on Call responsibilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, accountability, and person-centered care; ability to maintain confidentiality and apply policies consistently and equitably

Responsibilities

• Providing executive leadership and strategic direction for Nursing Services as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, establishing nursing priorities, standards, and accountability for clinical and operational outcomes
• Leading nursing workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, retention, succession planning, and staff development; reducing vacancies, turnover, mandatory overtime, and reliance on agency staffing
• Developing nursing leaders through coaching and performance management; ensuring timely evaluations, competency assessments, and consistent accountability for performance, conduct, and attendance
• Overseeing nursing quality, patient safety, infection prevention and control, employee health, and performance improvement; managing nursing financial and staffing resources and using data to improve outcomes and operational efficiency
• Collaborating with executive leaders, physicians, Human Resources, nursing staff, and other clinical disciplines; maintaining a visible leadership presence and serving as Administrator on Call
• Maintaining compliance with applicable hospital policies and state and federal requirements, professional nursing standards, and accreditation requirements; ensuring survey readiness and timely corrective action

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Workforce management

Communication

Education

Nursing degree

Job description

Title: Chief Nursing Officer

State Role Title: 49116

Hiring Range: $143,626 - $169,000

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

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

Join Our Team at Central State Hospital

Are you looking for a meaningful career where your work can make a lasting difference? Central State Hospital is seeking a skilled and compassionate Chief Nursing Officer to join our team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead Nursing Services, strengthen nursing practice and workforce performance, and advance safe, high-quality, recovery-focused patient care.

About Central State Hospital

Central State Hospital (CSH), located in Petersburg, Virginia, is a state psychiatric hospital operated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Since opening in 1870 as the nation’s first psychiatric hospital dedicated to treating African Americans, CSH has maintained a proud history of serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Today, CSH provides inpatient psychiatric treatment to individuals with diverse and complex behavioral health needs, including civil and forensic patients. Our interdisciplinary teams provide individualized, recovery-focused care that promotes safety, dignity, stability, and successful community reintegration.

This is an exciting time to join Central State Hospital as we prepare for the opening of a new, modern hospital facility designed to support high-quality care and an enhanced environment for patients and employees.

What You’ll Do

• Providing executive leadership and strategic direction for Nursing Services as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, establishing nursing priorities, standards, and accountability for clinical and operational outcomes
• Leading nursing workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, retention, succession planning, and staff development; reducing vacancies, turnover, mandatory overtime, and reliance on agency staffing
• Developing nursing leaders through coaching and performance management; ensuring timely evaluations, competency assessments, and consistent accountability for performance, conduct, and attendance
• Overseeing nursing quality, patient safety, infection prevention and control, employee health, and performance improvement; managing nursing financial and staffing resources and using data to improve outcomes and operational efficiency
• Collaborating with executive leaders, physicians, Human Resources, nursing staff, and other clinical disciplines; maintaining a visible leadership presence and serving as Administrator on Call
• Maintaining compliance with applicable hospital policies and state and federal requirements, professional nursing standards, and accreditation requirements; ensuring survey readiness and timely corrective action

What We’re Looking For

Skills and experience required:

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program and clinical, administrative, and management experience in a psychiatric hospital setting
• Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact state
• Knowledge of executive nursing leadership, strategic planning, workforce management, performance management, employee relations, nursing standards, the Virginia Nurse Practice Act, quality improvement, patient safety, infection prevention and control, and regulatory and accreditation requirements; ability to analyze clinical, workforce, operational, and financial data, manage resources, lead change, and exercise sound independent judgment
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, lead and develop nursing leaders, and respond to urgent situations while fulfilling Administrator on Call responsibilities
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, accountability, and person-centered care; ability to maintain confidentiality and apply policies consistently and equitably

Bonus points if you have

• A concentration in psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing
• Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Executive leadership experience
• May be required to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory performance of the work through a simulated exercise.

Why Work at Central State Hospital?

At Central State Hospital, you can build a rewarding public-service career while contributing to the care and recovery of individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Employees benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the stability of employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Eligible salaried employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Health insurance plan options
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer-paid group life insurance
• Virginia Retirement System retirement benefits
• Voluntary deferred compensation savings
• Fourteen+ Paid holidays
• Annual leave
• Sick leave and family and personal leave
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Employee Assistance Program services
• Employee wellness programs
• Employee discount programs
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, based on individual circumstances

For additional information, visit the DHRM State Employee Resources webpage.

Benefits and eligibility vary based on employment status and are subject to applicable Commonwealth policies and plan requirements.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code

• 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at [phone] during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.

Benefits

DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!

SOEI

Per the Code of Virginia

• 2.2-3114, persons occupying positions of trust within state government or non-salaried citizens of policy and supervisory boards file a disclosure statement with the Commonwealth’s Ethics Advisory Council, as a condition to assuming office or employment, and thereafter shall file such a statement annually on or before February 1. Additionally, per Executive order, positions of trust include senior-level positions with responsibility affecting legislative policies and rule-making authority or substantive authorization and decision-making regarding policy, contracts and procurement, audits, licensure, inspections and investigations, and investments or other financial matters. Sections 2.2-3128 through 2.2-3131 of the Code of Virginia require that each employee within a position of trust complete COIA training within two months of their hire date and at least once every two years after the initial training. This position is identified as a position of trust within the agency.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.