Title: LPN

State Role Title: Licensed Practical Nurse

Hiring Range: $53,564 Salary commensurate with experience

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

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – 1st Shift

Western State Hospital is currently looking for fresh graduates or experienced and dedicated Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to join our team on day shift.

Schedule Requirements:
Shift hours: 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Two-week rotating schedule:
One week you will work Three 12-hour shifts and another week Four 12-hour shifts
Every other weekend and holidays (based on the rotation) are required.
No mandatory overtime.

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.

WSH is currently seeking Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to provide direct patient care in a safe, therapeutic environment for a diverse patient population in a 24/7 psychiatric hospital. LPNs will adhere to established care and treatment policies, demonstrating a clear understanding of patient-specific needs.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide work direction to PNA staff under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).
• Maintain accountability for a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment.
• Foster healthy interpersonal interactions within various units (adult acute admissions, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation).
• Observe, document, and report on patient treatments, behaviors, and overall wellbeing.
• Administer medication and treatments while ensuring continuity of care through effective communication.
• Promote health and wellness education and monitor the functionality of equipment.
• Perform skilled nursing care for patients with complex mental and physical conditions within the scope of an LPN license.
• Monitor and document vital signs in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Provide one-on-one direct observations.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral situations.

Shift Differential:
• 1st shift (weekends and holidays): $3.00/hr.
• 2nd shift (weekdays, weekends, and holidays): $3.50/hr.

What We Offer
Outstanding State Benefits
o 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 Continuing Education Support
o Training Opportunities
o Exclusive State Employee Discounts

Minimum Qualifications

- LPN licensure or eligible for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Current, Virginia license to practice as an LPN or license eligible; multi-state compact endorsement is accepted.
- Knowledge of illness and treatment modalities to include medication administration.
- Ability to implement nursing care plan and provide guidance to other staff.
- 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 Therapeutic Option 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

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.