Registered Nurse, (RN) Behavioral Health - Forensic Unit

Memorial Physician Practices; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive benefits

PTO & leave

401(k) with match

Well-being programs

Professional development

Job summary

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) to join the Behavioral Health Forensic Unit. You will provide trauma-informed care within a secure unit, coordinate with an interdisciplinary team, and support discharge planning while maintaining patient safety and dignity.

The role requires MA RN licensure, ADN minimum with BSN preferred, and BLS certification within 30 days.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts RN license required.
• ADN required; BSN preferred.
• BLS certification within 30 days of hire.
• Behavioral health/forensic nursing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans.
• Monitor patients' physical and behavioral health status and respond to changes.
• Administer medications and treatments per doctor orders.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, therapists and other team members.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the EMR and ensure safety.

Skills

Assessment

Communication

Critical thinking

De-escalation

Crisis intervention

Patient advocacy

Education

Massachusetts RN license

ADN

BSN preferred

BLS within 30 days

Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) - Behavioral Health Forensic Unit

Your experience matters

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Health and Baystate Health. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well‑being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Registered Nurse (RN) joining our Forensic Unit team, you're embracing our promise to provide superior patient care that exceeds industry standards as well as patient expectations. Join us on this meaningful journey where your compassion, clinical expertise, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More about our team

Our Behavioral Health team operates within a 150-bed inpatient facility focused on healing, safety, and innovation. The Forensic Unit provides specialized care for individuals involved with the legal and criminal justice systems who require behavioral health treatment in a secure therapeutic environment. Our team works collaboratively to deliver patient-centered, trauma-informed care while maintaining safety, dignity, and recovery-focused outcomes.

How you'll contribute

A Registered Nurse (RN) who excels in this role will:

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans
• Monitor patients' physical and behavioral health status and respond appropriately to changes in condition
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and facility policies
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, social workers, and interdisciplinary team members
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record
• Support a safe and therapeutic environment through effective de‑escalation and crisis intervention techniques
• Participate in treatment team meetings and discharge planning activities
• Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans, medications, and recovery goals
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and patient safety initiatives
• Serve as a patient advocate while promoting recovery‑oriented care

What we're looking for

Applicants should have a current RN license in the state of Massachusetts and graduate from an accredited nursing program. Additional requirements include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 30 days of hire
• Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nursing, Corrections, or Forensic Nursing experience preferred
• Strong assessment, communication, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to effectively manage challenging patient behaviors in a therapeutic manner
• Experience with crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques preferred
• Commitment to patient‑centered and trauma‑informed care

Schedule

Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: Evening Shift (3p-11p)
Schedule: 8‑Hour Shifts

Hourly Range

$42.55 - $57.45 per hour

Sign On Bonus $15,000

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental, and vision coverage for full‑time and part‑time employees

Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short‑and long‑term disability, paid family leave, and paid time off

Financial & Career Growth: Tuition assistance, certification support, loan assistance, and 401(k) with company match

Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs, including gym memberships, virtual care, and mental health services

Professional Development: Ongoing learning and advancement opportunities

More about Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is a 150-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital serving the Western Massachusetts community. We provide comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services in a modern, patient‑centered environment. As a joint venture between Lifepoint Health and Baystate Health, we are committed to making communities healthier® through teamwork, compassion, and clinical excellence.

EEOC Statement

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community‑based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post‑acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.