RN II-Admissions Office Float

Western State Hospital is recruiting for an RN II for the Admissions Office/Float position. This role provides professional nursing coverage for the Admissions Office and serves as a hospital-wide float RN when Admissions Office coverage is not required.

About the Role

The RN II completes the nursing admission process for newly admitted patients, provides age-appropriate psychiatric nursing care, develops and implements individualized nursing care plans, administers medications and treatments, responds to behavioral and medical emergencies, and ensures timely and accurate clinical documentation.

This position provides coverage for the Admissions Office nurse during leave and may be assigned to inpatient units by the Scheduling Office, Shift Supervisor, or Administrator on Duty based on hospital staffing and patient-care needs. When assigned to a unit, the RN II may perform charge nurse responsibilities, coordinate staff assignments, communicate significant patient and staffing concerns, and promote safe, effective delivery of nursing care.

The RN II also serves as a clinical resource and role model for nursing staff, assists with the orientation and training of new employees, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, participates in performance improvement activities, and supports WSH's recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach to patient care. The position requires flexibility, strong clinical judgment, effective communication and leadership skills, and the ability to transition between Admissions Office responsibilities and inpatient nursing assignments based on operational needs.

A $7,500 sign-on bonus will be awarded to new hires to state service with a one-year written agreement required. This bonus is available for Registered Nurse II candidates who are new to DBHDS or have not worked for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) for at least one year.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership in performance management by clearly communicating unit goals, coaching and mentoring staff, delivering constructive feedback, and addressing performance concerns in a timely and well-documented manner.
• Ensures staff competency by providing ongoing education, identifying training needs, documenting completed education, and collaborating with RNCB/RNC regarding staff performance and development.
• Promotes a safe and therapeutic environment by conducting monthly environmental rounds, monitoring safety issues, and modeling professional behavior and recovery-oriented principles.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills through clear, respectful verbal, written, and electronic communication; appropriately uses the chain of command; and collaborates with scheduling, shift leadership, and other unit RNs.
• Provides direct patient care using the nursing process and evidence-based practices, including medication administration, assessment of patient status, documentation of care, and active engagement in treatment planning.
• Monitors patient and milieu acuity through regular rounding, promptly reports significant clinical changes to supervisors and physicians, and ensures accurate documentation on patient tracking tools.
• Participates in interdisciplinary collaboration by exchanging clinical information, contributing to patient education and clinical evaluations, and engaging in Psychosocial Rehabilitation programs through group leadership or curriculum support.
• Demonstrates professional development by completing required annual competencies, maintaining BLS certification, completing the core competency packet, and providing in-service training to nursing staff.
• Supports unit reliability and teamwork by maintaining dependable attendance, responding to emergencies, assisting coworkers, accepting pull assignments, and flexing schedule or working extended shifts to meet patient care needs.
• Upholds professional nursing standards by effectively delegating tasks, supervising staff, practicing trauma-informed care, and utilizing critical thinking skills to recommend improvements and problem-solve within the clinical setting.
• Provides direct patient care in a safe, therapeutic environment for a specific patient population in a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week psychiatric hospital, conforming to care and treatment policies and procedures while demonstrating knowledge of population-specific needs and competencies.
• Maintains accountability in a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment, creating healthy interpersonal interactions on adult acute admissions, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation service units.
• Observes and reports feedback regarding interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional wellbeing, and other situations.
• Documents and communicates patient care information effectively.
• Uses specialized training to promote mental wellness recovery.

Requirements

• Ability to delegate and supervise nursing staff.
• Effective communication (written, verbal, and sign).
• Ability to participate in an 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 may include working a 16-hour shift if necessary.
• Complete all annual competency training, including 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution (preferred).
• Psychiatric nursing experience (preferred).
• Trained in IV cannulation, tube feeding, catheter, ostomy, and wound care (preferred).
• Veteran or Veteran Spouse status (preferred).
• Bilingual in Spanish (preferred).

Pay

Salary range is a minimum of $84,418 up to a maximum of $116,497. Starting pay begins at $84,418 and increases commensurate with experience, education, and credentials. Total compensation, including paid time off and benefits, begins at $120,408 for this role.

Shift differentials:

• 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

Benefits

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

About the Organization

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. The hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for its Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs. WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff.

Employees 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.