Title: RN I
State Role Title: 49112
Hiring Range: $79,268- 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 I on 2nd & 3rd Shift
We offer sign on bonus up to $15,000 for Qualified New Hires!
Are you a recent nursing graduate looking to launch your career in a supportive and dynamic environment? Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in behavioral health? Western State Hospital is hiring recent graduates as Registered Nurses for 2nd and 3rd shift positions, with flexible scheduling to maintain work life balance and exceptional state benefits.
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 with a one-year written commitment (must be new to DBHDS or not worked for DBHDS in the past 12 months)
• Flexible Scheduling Options:
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
• Competitive Starting Salary:
o RN I salary starts at $79,268, with increases based on experience, education, and credentials
o Total Compensation Value begins at $120,408
• 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.
Exceptional State Benefits
• Paid Time Off:
o 13 Paid Holidays
o 12+ Vacation Days
o 8 Sick Days
o 4 Family/Personal Days
• Health & Wellness:
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 I, you will:
• Deliver patient-centered psychiatric nursing care in accordance with state regulations and hospital standards
• Participate in a multi-disciplinary treatment team focused on recovery and rehabilitation
• Ensure safety by properly implementing seclusion/restraint procedures and understanding emotional/physical risk factors
• Promote wellness and positive clinical outcomes through therapeutic engagement and professional practice
Join Our Mission
At DBHDS, we are driven by a vision of "A life of possibilities for all Virginians." Our state-operated facilities provide structured, high-quality care for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.
If you're ready to grow your nursing career while making a real impact, Western State Hospital is the place for you.
Apply Today and Start Your Journey Toward a Meaningful Nursing Career!
For more information or to apply, visit Virginia Jobs Portal or contact our recruitment team.
Minimum Qualifications
KSA’s and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work (attach Competency Model, if applicable):
• 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 Masters Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution or higher education.
Psych Nursing experience preferred
Veteran or Spouse of Veteran
Bilingual - 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.