Description

A sign-on bonus of $7,500 will be awarded to new hires to state service, with a one-year written agreement required.
    
The above bonus is available to Registered Nurses who are new to DBHDS or who have not worked for at least 1 year with the Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Services (DBHDS). 

Compensation

Competitive salaries start from $79,572 and increase commensurate with experience, education, and credentials. Total compensation, including monetary and non-monetary 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

Location: Western State Hospital
103 Valley Center Drive, Staunton, VA 24401.

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 our 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.

Position Overview:

Registered Nurses at Western State Hospital deliver direct patient care in a safe, therapeutic environment for a specific patient population within a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week psychiatric facility. Nursing practice is conducted in accordance with established care and treatment policies and procedures, demonstrating knowledge of population-specific needs and competencies. The Nursing Department offers around-the-clock direct care services to psychiatric patients. The primary goal is to facilitate discharge to a less restrictive setting by helping patients improve and/or maintain their physical, mental, and social functioning. This goal is achieved through collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that provides quality care as part of an interdisciplinary effort, maintaining accountability within a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment. Nursing fosters healthy interpersonal interactions on the adult acute admissions unit, geriatric unit, and extended rehabilitation service unit, while observing and providing feedback on interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional well-being, and other relevant situations. Documentation and communication are integral, and staff use specialized training to promote mental wellness and recovery. The Nursing Department's commitment to 24-hour care ensures continuous support for psychiatric patients, aimed at improving outcomes and facilitating safe discharges.

Key Responsibilities

- Clearly communicate unit and departmental goals and provide staff with consistent, constructive feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
- Ensure nursing staff possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to meet goals, including providing ongoing education and documenting training.
- Address, document, and report performance issues promptly while upholding professional standards and serving as a role model to staff.
- Promote a safe and healthy work environment by reviewing safety issues, conducting monthly environmental rounds, and following up on deficiencies.
- Maintain open, clear, respectful communication and use appropriate chainofcommand while collaborating effectively with supervisors and other units.
- Deliver direct patient care using the nursing process, engage in treatment planning, and model recoveryoriented care and hospitality.
- Conduct patient and milieu rounds each shift, monitor changes in patient condition, report concerns promptly, and document care activities accurately.
- Complete required clinical documentation, CPI data collection, patient education, and progress evaluations with established compliance standards.
- Demonstrate initiative and critical thinking by proposing creative solutions, participating in interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing to PSR programming.
- Maintain professional competence by completing required inservices, providing education to others, sharing knowledge, and effectively using the Electronic Health Record.

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. Available shifts are 7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.

Exceptional State Benefits Include:

• 13 paid holidays, paid time off, 32 hours of personal time, 64 hours of sick time per year;
• Family Medical Leave, Short- and Long-term disability coverage;
• Low-cost, comprehensive health insurance benefits;
• Group life and optional life insurance, and Flexible Reimbursement accounts.
• Career growth and continuing Education Opportunities
• Referral Bonuses
• Student Loan Repayment opportunities
• Relocation Reimbursement may be available for this role
• State Employee Discounts and More!

To submit an online application, click "APPLY" or visit https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/ and search for Western State Hospital!

Requirements

Minimum Qualification

• Holds an unrestricted active license or is eligible for licensure to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, or possesses a valid multistate Compact License.
• Graduate of an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate tasks and supervise nursing staff effectively, with strong communication skills (written, verbal, and sign).
• Ability to participate as an active member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime during staffing emergencies in a 24/7 psychiatric hospital, which may include working a 16hour shift when necessary.
• Completion of all required annual competency training, including Therapeutic Option with physical restraints.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers through the American Heart Association.
• Demonstrates knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care principles.

Additional Consideration

• Bachelor's or Master's degrees in Nursing from an accredited institution or higher education
• Psych Nursing experience
• Veteran or Spouse of Veteran
• Bilingual