Title: RN II
State Role Title: 49113
Hiring Range: Starting pay $84,417 (Salary commensurate with experience)
Pay Band: 5
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 Registered Nurse II for 2nd and 3rd shifts
We offer sign on bonus up to $15,000 for Qualified New Hires!
Make a meaningful difference in behavioral health care while growing your professional career. Western State Hospital, a leader in psychiatric treatment and recovery, is seeking experienced Registered Nurses II for 2nd, and 3rd shift positions. Join a supportive, mission-driven team in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
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.
What We Offer
• Up to $15,000 Sign-On Bonus for new hires to state service with a one-year written agreement (must be new to DBHDS or not employed within the past 12 months)
• Flexible Schedules:
o (2) 12-hour shifts and (2) 8-hour shifts per week, or
o (5) 8-hour shifts per week
o Includes every other weekend
• Starting Salary:
o RN II starts at $84,418, with additional compensation based on experience, education, and certifications
o Total compensation value begins at $127,470, including salary, paid time off, and benefits
• Generous Shift Differentials:
o 1st Shift Weekend: $5.50/hour
o 2nd Shift Weekday: $5.50/hour
o 2nd Shift Weekend/Holidays: $6.00/hour
o 3rd Shift Weekday: $4.00/hour
o 3rd Shift Weekend/Holidays: $7.00/hour
• Overtime
o Voluntary overtime is available based on the hospital needs, you can pick overtime on your day off or pick extra hours after your shift.
o Every member of staff at WSH is required to work 4hrs of mandatory overtime every week.
Outstanding State Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off:
o 13 Paid Holidays
o 12 Vacation Days
o 8 Sick Days
o 4 Family/Personal Days annually
• Comprehensive Insurance Options:
o Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance
o Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
o Group Life and Optional Life Insurance
o Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Career Development & Financial Perks:
o Student Loan Repayment Opportunities
o Career Ladders & Continuing Education Support
o Training Opportunities
o Referral Bonuses
o Exclusive State Employee Discounts
About the Role
As a Registered Nurse II, you will:
• Provide advanced, compassionate nursing care to individuals with psychiatric and co-occurring disorders
• Follow hospital protocols and professional standards in a highly structured and supportive setting
• Participate actively in interdisciplinary treatment planning
• Implement safe practices for seclusion/restraint use, understanding the physical and emotional needs of each patient
• Promote recovery-focused outcomes and a positive therapeutic environment
Your Impact Starts Here
DBHDS and Western State Hospital are committed to building a life of possibilities for all Virginians. If you are an experienced RN ready to bring your skills and passion to a forward-thinking team, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of behavioral health.
Contact our recruitment team for more information about this opportunity.
Minimum Qualifications
• 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
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: 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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (540-332-8300) for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.
Western State Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.
DBHDS Facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated for COVID-19. However, facilities encourage and educate staff on the benefits and offer COVID - 19 vaccination programs to staff, residents, clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre-employment process. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Contact Information
Name: Elizabeth Weber
Phone: 540-332-8056
Email: elizabeth.weber@dbhds.virginia.gov
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.