Registered Nurse I-III RN Investigator

State of Delaware; Delaware; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentives up to $10,000

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The State of Delaware is seeking an RN Investigator for the Delaware Psychiatric Center. This role involves investigating incidents affecting patient safety, reviewing reports, interviewing involved parties, and preparing comprehensive reports of findings.

Qualified candidates must possess a Delaware RN license and have experience in Psychiatric Nursing. This position requires commitment to thorough investigations, which may occur outside regular hours.

Qualifications

• Must be a new employee to the State of DE.
• Possession of a Delaware Registered Nurse license or multi-state compact license is required.
• For RN II, at least one year experience in Psychiatric Nursing is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of incidents potentially causing harm to patients.
• Prepare and submit detailed investigative reports.
• Develop investigative timelines.

Skills

Direct nursing care

Nursing care plans

Health care instruction

Quality assurance activities

Education

Delaware Registered Nurse license

Bachelor's degree or higher in Nursing

Job description

Introduction

Now offering Recruitment and Referral Incentives at the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

• $10,000.00 recruitment incentive for Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurse Consultants, Nursing Supervisors, Compliance Nurses
• $7,500.00 recruitment incentive for Licensed Practical Nurse
• $5,000.00 recruitment incentive for Certified Nursing Assistant

Referral bonuses of $1,000 are available to referring DHSS employees.

You must be a new employee to the State of DE to be eligible for this program.

The DHSS seeks to increase the number of applicants for clinical nursing positions by offering these incentives to eligible candidates in accordance with the DHSS Recruitment and Referral Incentive Program.

The Program Provides Incentives As Follows

Recruitment incentives will be paid in quarterly installments over the first year of hire and will begin after the first quarter of employment. New employees accepting this recruitment bonus must commit to two consecutive years of employment with DHSS.

Referral bonuses of $1,000 are available to current DHSS employees who refer new hires to the state in the following classifications: Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Consultant, Nursing Supervisor, Compliance Nurse, Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Certified Nursing Assistant. Referral bonuses will be paid in quarterly installments over the first year of hire of the referred applicant.

NOTE: This program is administered by the Department of Health and Social Services. The program may be terminated by the State at any time.

Summary Statement

The RN Investigator is responsible for conducting comprehensive investigations of incidents that have caused or could potentially cause harm to patients at the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC). Responsibilities include reviewing incident reports and relevant video footage; interviewing witnesses, patients, complainants, and other involved parties; conducting on-site inspections as needed; developing investigative timelines; preparing detailed investigative reports; making recommendations for corrective action and process improvement; presenting findings to the DPC Safety Panel; and following up to ensure investigations are complete and fully documented. The RN Investigator must maintain knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations, accrediting body standards, DHSS/DSAMH/DPC policies and procedures, and standards of patient care. Due to the nature of this role, candidates should understand that incidents requiring immediate investigation may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours and may require adjustments to their work schedule to meet operational and investigative needs.

Essential Functions

• Provides or evaluates direct nursing care.
• Develops, implements and/or reviews nursing care plans.
• Provides health care instruction and guidance to individuals, families, community groups and/or nursing home facilities in the management of their health care needs.
• Maintains an effective working relationship with other members of the treatment team.
• Prepares and submits records, reports, evaluations and forms.
• Participates in and makes recommendations regarding quality assurance activities.

Job Requirements for Registered Nurse I

• Possession of a Delaware Registered Nurse license OR multi-state compact license.

Job Requirements for Registered Nurse II – Psychiatric Nursing

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Nursing OR at least one year experience as a Registered Nurse in Psychiatric Nursing.
• Possession of a Delaware Registered Nurse license OR multi-state compact license.

Job Requirements for Registered Nurse III – Psychiatric Nursing

• At least two years' experience as a Registered Nurse in Psychiatric Nursing OR a Bachelor's degree or higher in Nursing and at least one year experience as a Registered Nurse in Psychiatric Nursing OR a Master's degree or higher in Nursing.
• Possession of a Delaware Registered Nurse license OR multi-state compact license.

Additional Posting Information

This posting may be closed on or before 12/14/2026 upon filling the vacant position(s).

Conditions of Hire

All new hires are required to attend an in-person, statewide mandatory New Employee Orientation on their first day of employment. The session will be held at a designated location in either Kent or New Castle County.

A satisfactory criminal background check is required and must be covered by the applicant, with an estimated cost of $85.00. Pre-employment drug testing is also required. All new hires are required to complete a 2-Step TB/PPD test, which will be administered on their first day at the facility.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/.

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232‑5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com . You may also call (302) 739‑5458 or email [e-mail] for additional applicant services support.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.