LPN Day Shift

DHRM; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $3,000

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off & holidays

Professional development opportunities

State employee discounts

Job summary

Western State Hospital in Staunton, VA is seeking licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for 1st shift to join a 24/7 psychiatric hospital. The role supports adult acute admissions, geriatric, and rehabilitation units, providing direct patient care and medication administration.

We offer a set 12-hour shift pattern, with a 36/48 hour weekly schedule, a $3,000 sign-on bonus for new DBHDS employees, comprehensive state benefits, and opportunities for professional development and continued education.

Qualifications

• Must have a current LPN license that is eligible to be utilized in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Knowledge of illness and treatment modalities to include medication administration.
• Ability to delegate and supervise nursing staff. Effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide work direction to PNA staff under RN supervision.
• Maintain safe, therapeutic environment for patients.
• Administer medications and treatments with continuity of care.
• Observe, document, and report patient treatments and wellbeing.
• Monitor vital signs in the EHR and assist with ADLs.

Skills

LPN supervision

Effective communication

Team collaboration

De-escalation techniques

Vital signs monitoring

ADLs assistance

Education

LPN license (Virginia)

Job description

Title: LPN Day Shift

State Role Title: Licensed Practical Nurse

Hiring Range: Salary range is a minimum of $56,115 up to a maximum of $77,439

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

WSH is currently offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus for LPNs who are new to DBHDS or who have not been employed with DBHDS within the past year.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – 1st Shift

Western State Hospital is currently looking for fresh graduates or experienced and dedicated Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to join our team on 1st.

Schedule: This position works a set 12-hour shift on a two-week schedule. Employees work 36 hours one week and 48 hours the following week or vice versa. Available shifts are 7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

If you are looking to build your nursing career in a setting where your skills and compassion make a difference every day, we encourage you to apply.

Who We Are

Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), is a 302-bed Joint Commission/CMS-accredited psychiatric facility nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Just 30 minutes from vibrant university towns, our hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for our Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.

We are proud to be a leader in behavioral health care innovation and patient-centered outcomes. Our team of compassionate, highly skilled professionals is committed to recovery, self-determination, and wellness for all individuals we serve.

WSH is currently seeking Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to provide direct patient care in a safe, therapeutic environment for a diverse patient population in a 24/7 psychiatric hospital. LPNs will adhere to established care and treatment policies, demonstrating a clear understanding of patient-specific needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide work direction to PNA staff under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).
• Maintain accountability for a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment.
• Foster healthy interpersonal interactions within various units (adult acute admissions, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation).
• Observe, document, and report on patient treatments, behaviors, and overall wellbeing.
• Administer medication and treatments while ensuring continuity of care through effective communication.
• Promote health and wellness education and monitor the functionality of equipment.
• Perform skilled nursing care for patients with complex mental and physical conditions within the scope of an LPN license.
• Monitor and document vital signs in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Provide one-on-one direct observations.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral situations.

Shift Differential

• 1st shift (weekends and holidays): $3.00/hr.
• 2nd shift (weekdays, weekends, and holidays): $3.50/hr.

What We Offer

Outstanding State Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off:
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Vacation Days
• 8 Sick Days
• 4 Family/Personal Days annually

Comprehensive Insurance Options

• Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Group Life and Optional Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Career Development & Financial Perks

• Continuing Education Support
• Training Opportunities
• Exclusive State Employee Discounts

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a current LPN license that is eligible to be utilized in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Knowledge of illness and treatment modalities to include medication administration.
• Ability to implement nursing care plan and provide guidance to other staff.
• Ability to delegate and supervise nursing staff. Effective communication (written, verbal and sign).
• Ability to participate in interdisciplinary team. Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care.
• Ability to work overtime due to staffing emergencies in a 24-hour 7 day per week psychiatric hospital which at times may mean working a 16-hour shift if and when necessary.
• Complete all annual competency training to include TOVA III with physical restraints.
• Complete and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association
• Demonstrates knowledge of recovery/trauma informed care.

Additional Considerations

• Psych Nursing experience
• Veteran or Veteran Spouse
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Special Instructions

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 strongly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply to the state application and respond accordingly.

Contact Information

Name: Elizabeth Weber

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

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.

Advertised: 24 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 26 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time