Lead Registered Nurse (RN) 2026-02160

State of Wyoming; Evanston (WY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation & sick leave

State retirement plans & 457B

Flexible schedules

Job summary

State of Wyoming is seeking a compassionate RN to provide direct patient care in a behavioral health setting at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston. You will assess patients, administer medications, educate patients, document care, and collaborate with doctors, therapists, and support staff to ensure safe, effective care.

The role offers strong mentorship, growth paths and a $2,000 hiring bonus; flexible total compensation details can be explored via the State calculators.

Qualifications

• RN license in Wyoming or eligible for licensure (Wyoming)
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited program
• 1–2 years of progressive nursing experience (or 4–6 years per substitution clause)
• Must be eligible for RN licensure in the State of Wyoming

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and administer medications
• Document care and collaborate with physicians, therapists, and staff
• Lead nursing clinics or educational sessions for patients and staff
• Assist with treatment planning and quality improvement efforts
• Mentor new nursing staff and support clinical staff teamwork
• Manage projects including budgeting and implementation

Skills

Nursing care

Medication administration

Education delivery

Documentation

Team collaboration

EHR systems

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Open Until Filled

** This position is eligible for a $2,000 hiring bonus

** See notes for eligibility and conditions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Are you a compassionate RN ready to make a difference? Whether you're newly licensed or have a few years under your belt, the Wyoming State Hospital is a great place to build your career. You’ll work as part of a dedicated behavioral health team, providing direct patient care, supporting recovery, and gaining valuable experience in a specialized setting.

Our nurses assess patients, administer medications, provide education, document care, and collaborate closely with doctors, therapists, and support staff. You’ll also help ensure a safe environment, lead therapeutic interactions, and contribute to treatment planning.

We offer excellent training, strong mentorship, and clear paths for growth—including future leadership opportunities.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Why Evanston, WY?

Evanston is a friendly Rocky Mountain town just 45 minutes from Park City, Utah, and an hour from Salt Lake City. Enjoy easy access to skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, and more. Wyoming also has no state income tax, so your paycheck goes further!

Human Resource Contact: Brenda Hales / 307-444-0791 / [e-mail]

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Helping develop and improve nursing policies, procedures, and programs that support quality care
• Welcoming and mentoring new nursing staff to ensure they feel confident and supported
• Collaborating on nursing protocols and teaching materials to guide patient care and staff training
• Leading by example—offering guidance and mentorship to other nurses to support their success
• Serving as a clinical resource to support outreach efforts, health education, and community initiatives
• Managing special projects from start to finish, including budgeting and implementation
• Contributing to quality improvement by tracking and analyzing key data
• Providing hands‑on nursing care—assessing, treating, and supporting individuals with complex behavioral health needs
• Coordinating and leading nursing clinics or educational sessions for patients and staff
• Reviewing documentation and financial records related to patient care and services

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of principles of nursing and management processes.
• Knowledge of the medical diagnosis and treatment of patient care using nursing diagnosis.
• Knowledge of organization, planning, and team building.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public health nursing.
• Knowledge of human service management to include supervisory techniques, methods, and standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (typically in Nursing)

Experience:

1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Nursing) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Nurse

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Wyoming

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Nursing) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Nurse

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Wyoming

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Lift/transfer patients to different positions.
• Lift medical/patient equipment of varying sizes and weights up to about 50 lbs.
• Restrain clients for treatments, climb stairs to patient homes, and drive long distances.
• Travel throughout the state and to national conferences if requested.
• Work evenings, nights, and /or weekends when the situation requires it.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing will be conducted on safety-sensitive positions. Drug testing will be completed on any position if reasonable suspicion exists.
• A background check, including the taking of fingerprints, will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for every successful applicant.
• A current Influenza Vaccination is required.
• Employees of this facility will be expected to follow all rules and requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding COVID-19.
• We participate in E-Verify.
• The Wyoming Department of Health offers an excellent benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, state retirement plan, deferred compensation plan, and longevity pay.
• Hiring Bonus eligibility and conditions
  • New state employees and temporary employees accepting a permanent position
  • Current state employees acceptinga promotional opportunity - recruitment must have been open to the public
  • One year of service in the position must be completed. Failure to complete this requirement will require reimbursement of the bonus with the funds deducted from the final pay.
  • Internal candidates will be required to remain in the position for a minimum of (1) year from the promotion date.
  • Employees will only be eligible for (1) hiring bonus in a 12-month period.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Brenda Hales / 307-444-0791 / [e-mail]