RN I and New Graduates

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Paid time off

Health insurance

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Western State Hospital seeks a Registered Nurse I for new graduate hires. The position offers a 12-hour shift schedule on a two-week rotation, with shifts from 7:00–19:30 or 19:00–07:30.

A $7,500 sign-on bonus is available for new state service hires who commit to one year, plus competitive compensation and full benefits. Starting salaries range from the state minimum to higher levels based on experience; total compensation with

Qualifications

• Must have or be able to obtain a Virginia RN license.
• Ability to delegate and supervise nursing staff.
• Ability to participate in interdisciplinary teams and assess plan, implement and evaluate patient care.
• Complete annual competency training including TOVA III with restraints and BLS.
• Psych Nursing experience preferred; bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct psychiatric patient care using nursing process in a 24/7 setting.
• Maintain safe, therapeutic milieu with rounds and safety monitoring.
• Document and communicate patient information clearly across teams.
• Administer medications and treatments per policy and document care.
• Support staff development through coaching and education.

Skills

Registered Nurse license

Delegation

Interdisciplinary teamwork

BLS certification

Trauma-informed care

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

Master’s degree in Nursing (advantage)

Job description

Title:

RN I and New Graduates

State Role Title:

Registered Nurse I

Hiring Range:

Salary range is a minimum of $79,268 up to a maximum of$113,219

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

Job Duties

Western State Hospital is hiring new Registered Nurses!

• $7,500 sign on bonus will be awarded to new hires to state service with a one-year written agreement required.

The above bonus is available for Registered Nurse I that are new to DBHDS or have not worked for at least one year for Department of Behavior Health Developmental Services (DBHDS).

Schedule: This position works a set 12-hour shift on a two-week rotating 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. or 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.

Competitive salaries: RN II-Starting Pay from $79,572 and increases to commensurate with experience, education, and credentials. Total compensation including paid time off and benefits begins at $120,408 for this role.

Competitive Shift Differentials

• 1st shift weekend-$5.50 per hour
• 2nd shift-weekday-$5.50 per hour/2nd shift weekend/holidays-$6.00 per hour
• 3rd shift-weekday-$4.00 per hour/3rd shift weekend/holidays-$7.00 per hour

Exceptional State Benefits Include

• 13 paid holidays, 12+ paid vacation days, 9 paid sick days and 4+ paid family personal days per year; Family Medical Leave, Short- and Long-term disability coverage; Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance benefits; Group life and optional life insurance, and Flexible Reimbursement accounts.

Other State Benefits Include

• Internships, Career Ladders and Continuing Education Opportunities
• Referral Bonuses
• Student Loan Repayment opportunities
• Virginia 529 College Savings Plan may be available for this role
• Relocation Reimbursement may be available for this role
• State Employee Discounts and More!

Position Overview

DBHDS is seeking dedicated, experienced Registered Nurse Professionals. A Registered Nurse at DBHDS is responsible for providing advanced nursing care for patients with psychiatric disorders in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, as well as nursing standards and regulations. Registered Nurses are also responsible safely implementing the use of Seclusion/Restraints including knowledge of physical/emotional risk factors of the patients served at the facility.

Who We Are

Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), has been a leader in psychiatric treatment since 1828. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission/CMS-accredited psychiatric facility located 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 its Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.

WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff. Employees also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Shenandoah Valley, with nearby cities such as Charlottesville and Harrisonburg offering dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, making Staunton an attractive place to live and work.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct psychiatric patient care using the nursing process, evidence‑based practices, and specialized training to support mental wellness and recovery in a 24/7 therapeutic environment.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and therapeutic milieu by conducting regular rounds, monitoring patient and unit acuity, responding to emergencies, and maintaining accountability for patient and staff safety.
• Participate actively in interdisciplinary treatment planning by observing, assessing, and reporting patient behaviors, interventions, medical changes, and overall well‑being to appropriate clinical staff.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with hospital policies and procedures and maintain accurate documentation of all care delivered.
• Document and communicate patient information clearly and professionally through written, verbal, and electronic methods to support accurate care coordination and compliance.
• Serve as a role model for recovery principles, professionalism, and therapeutic interpersonal interactions across adult acute, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation units.
• Provide performance management support to nursing staff through coaching, mentoring, feedback, training, performance issue documentation, and ongoing education to maintain competency and quality care standards.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams by engaging in clinical discussions, participating in patient education, supporting PSR programming, and contributing to positive team dynamics.
• Maintain compliance with all safety, regulatory, and environmental standards by completing environmental rounds, reporting hazards, and adhering to HIPAA Level One requirements and essential staff expectations.
• Demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and adaptability by maintaining attendance standards, supporting staffing needs across units, assisting coworkers, and responding flexibly to emergent or changing patient care demands.

Detailed position description will be provided at the time of interview.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have or have the ability to obtain a Registered Nurse license that can be utilized in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• 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

Bachelor’s and Master's Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution or higher education.

Psych Nursing experience

Veteran or Veteran Spouse

Bilingual in Spanish

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]

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.