RNCA

About the role

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027. CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system.

We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be required to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary treatment team and to implement an effective Nursing Plan of Care as part of an integrated interdisciplinary Treatment Plan.

• Provide care appropriate to adult populations, including patient care treatments, wound prevention, falls prevention, and implementation of infection prevention and control practices
• Make appropriate nursing assessments and interventions for existing or potential patient care needs
• Safely and efficiently administer medications, assess effectiveness, and provide teaching to patient and family
• Perform infection prevention and control practices and appropriately apply standards in daily activities
• Demonstrate oral, written, and electronic skills to adequately communicate with others including patient, family, and other customers
• Provide patient/family education, complete medical record documentation, and “handoff” information satisfactorily to other caregivers
• Demonstrate successful interventions to manage conflict including crises and aggressive behavior, motivate others, work effectively in a constantly changing environment, and tolerate emotional stress

Requirements

• License or eligibility to practice as Registered Nurse by Virginia State Board of Nursing in the State of Virginia
• Graduation from an accredited school of registered nursing
• Ability to hear and see in order to assess and respond to safety concerns
• Ability to work overtime in a staffing emergency
• Successfully complete T.O. (Therapeutic Options of Virginia) Training and CPR
• Supervisory skills to include performance improvement activities, documentation, and effective leadership ability
• Ability to work in a secure and locked environment with individuals who are experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic/legal involvement

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include experience in providing nursing care in healthcare setting according to the Nursing Process, experience working with people with mental illness, geriatric issues, and/or substance abuse, and supervisory experience.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of professional registered nursing
• Computer skills to perform document development, learning tools, and electronic communication
• Ability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary treatment team

Benefits

DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!