Registered Nurse II (Nights)

About the role

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) operates a network of state mental health facilities, including the Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute (SVMHI), a 72‑bed Joint Commission‑accredited facility in Danville, VA. Registered Nurse II (RN II) professionals provide advanced nursing care for patients with psychiatric disorders, following hospital policies, nursing standards, and state regulations. The position is part of the night‑shift RN float pool and works 12‑hour, non‑rotating Pitman schedules.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced nursing care to patients with psychiatric disorders in accordance with hospital policies and nursing standards.
• Safely implement the use of seclusion and restraints, recognizing physical and emotional risk factors.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care utilizing knowledge of pharmacology, psychiatric and physical disorders, and cultural needs.
• Delegate, supervise, and evaluate nursing processes to solve complex patient care problems.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication and a team‑focused approach.
• Complete required training, including BLS, Therapeutic Options (TO), and orientation modules.
• Participate in overtime and weekend coverage as needed.

Requirements

• Current, in‑good‑standing Registered Nurse license to practice in Virginia (or license‑eligible); multi‑state compact endorsement accepted.
• Experience working as a Registered Nurse.
• Valid driver’s license maintained in good standing throughout employment.
• Successful completion of BLS certification and required on‑the‑job training (Therapeutic Options, orientation).
• Knowledge of nursing theory, psychiatric nursing, and psychosocial rehabilitation/recovery models.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills and professional demeanor.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate care for psychiatric patients, including pharmacology knowledge.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in psychiatric, acute care, long‑term, correctional, or other healthcare settings.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English.
• Veteran status or prior National Service experience.

Benefits

• Up to a $25,000 bonus for new state service nurses who remain for two years.
• $15,000 sign‑on bonus (one‑year written agreement required).
• $10,000 retention bonus for hires after December 10 2023 (paid one year after hire, one‑year agreement required).
• Competitive shift differentials:
  • 1st shift weekend: $5.50/hr
  • 2nd shift weekday: $5.50/hr; 2nd shift weekend/holidays: $6.00/hr
  • 3rd shift weekday: $4.00/hr; 3rd shift weekend/holidays: $7.00/hr
• State benefits including 13 paid holidays, 12+ paid vacation days, 8 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 (Anthem or AETNA).
• Group life insurance, optional additional life coverage, and flexible reimbursement accounts.
• Internships, career ladders, and continuing education opportunities.
• Referral bonuses, student loan repayment options, and potential Virginia 529 College Savings Plan contributions.
• State employee discounts and other ancillary benefits.

Pay

Hiring range: $87,373 – $120,575 (Pay Band 5).

Schedule

• Night shift: 7:00 pm – 7:30 am.
• 12‑hour shifts on a non‑rotating Pitman schedule.
• Weekend work on a rotating basis.
• Overtime may be required.
• Four‑week new‑employee orientation (Week 1: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with lunch; Weeks 2‑4 scheduled by Nurse Educator, includes some night shifts).