Virginia Information Technologies Agency·Staunton, Virginia
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with psychiatric disorders within a 24/7 therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include administering medications, documenting patient progress, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support mental wellness and recovery.
Registered Nurse - New Graduates
State Role Title: Registered Nurse I
Hiring Range: salary up to $113,219
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location: Western State Hospital
General Public - G
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you clearly and specifically detail all relevant work experience; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications. Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.
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 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 (540) 332-8300 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
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.
Name: Elizabeth Weber
Phone: 540-332-8056
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 [https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx] or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
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.
Market context
In Virginia, nursing-related roles are typically supported by steady demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. These positions are competitive because employers often look for both patient-care experience and current credentials, and this role requires a high school diploma, BLS certification, and one of several entry pathways such as CNA, EMT-B, Medical Assistant graduate status, or nursing program progress. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification status and clinical hours before applying.
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