Registered Nurse II

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 located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. The hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for its Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs. The position is based in Staunton, VA, near vibrant university towns and outdoor recreational opportunities.

About the role

The Registered Nurse II provides direct patient care in a 24/7 psychiatric hospital, ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment for a specific patient population. This role involves leadership in performance management, staff competency development, and interdisciplinary collaboration to facilitate patient recovery and discharge to less restrictive settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in performance management by communicating unit goals, coaching and mentoring staff, delivering constructive feedback, and addressing performance concerns.
• Ensure staff competency through ongoing education, identifying training needs, documenting completed education, and collaborating with RNCB/RNC on staff development.
• Promote a safe and therapeutic environment by conducting monthly environmental rounds, monitoring safety issues, and modeling professional behavior.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills through clear, respectful verbal, written, and electronic communication, and appropriate use of the chain of command.
• Provide direct patient care using the nursing process and evidence-based practices, including medication administration, patient assessment, and documentation.
• Monitor patient and milieu acuity through regular rounding, report significant clinical changes, and ensure accurate documentation on patient tracking tools.
• Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration by exchanging clinical information, contributing to patient education, and engaging in Psychosocial Rehabilitation programs.
• Demonstrate professional development by completing annual competencies, maintaining BLS certification, and providing in-service training to nursing staff.
• Support unit reliability and teamwork by maintaining dependable attendance, responding to emergencies, assisting coworkers, and flexing schedules as needed.
• Uphold professional nursing standards by delegating tasks, supervising staff, practicing trauma-informed care, and utilizing critical thinking skills.
• Implement the use of Seclusion/Restraints safely, including knowledge of physical and emotional risk factors for patients.

Requirements

• Current or eligible licensure as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia/Compact licensure.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program (BSN preferred).
• Ability to delegate and supervise nursing staff.
• Effective communication skills (written, verbal, and sign).
• Ability to participate in an interdisciplinary team and assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed, person-centered, and relationship-based nursing philosophies.
• Ability to work overtime, including 16-hour shifts during staffing emergencies in a 24/7 psychiatric hospital.
• Completion of annual competency training, including TO III with physical restraints.
• Maintenance of Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of recovery and trauma-informed care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution.
• Psychiatric nursing experience.
• Experience creating training materials and maintaining a training program.
• Prior experience as a Nurse Supervisor or in a training role.
• Veteran or spouse of a veteran.
• Bilingual (Spanish).

Pay

Starting salary for RN II begins at $84,418 and increases commensurate with experience, education, and credentials. Total compensation, including paid time off and benefits, begins at $120,408. A $7,500 sign-on bonus is available for new hires to state service with a one-year written agreement (available to those new to DBHDS or who have not worked for DBHDS for at least one year). Shift differentials apply:

• 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

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 (or vice versa). Available shifts are:

• 7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays per year.
• 12+ paid vacation days, 9 paid sick days, and 4+ paid family/personal days per year.
• Family Medical Leave, Short- and Long-term disability coverage.
• Low-cost, comprehensive health insurance benefits (Anthem or AETNA).
• Group life and optional life insurance.
• Flexible Reimbursement accounts.
• Internships, career ladders, and continuing education opportunities.
• Referral bonuses and student loan repayment opportunities.
• Virginia 529 College Savings Plan eligibility.
• Relocation reimbursement may be available.
• State employee discounts and additional benefits.