Registered Nurse II

DHRM•Staunton, VA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to provide direct patient care in a safe, therapeutic environment for a specific patient population in a 24-hour 7 day a week psychiatric hospital that conforms to care and treatment policies and procedures and demonstrates knowledge of population specific needs and competencies. Providing quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team, maintaining accountability in a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment, creating healthy interpersonal interactions on adult acute admissions unit, geriatric unit, and extended rehabilitation service unit, observing and reporting feedback regarding interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional wellbeing, and other situations, documenting and communicating, and using specialized training for promoting mental wellness recovery are key aspects of this role. The Nursing Department provides 24-hour direct care services to psychiatric patients with the goal of facilitating discharge to a less restrictive setting by assisting patients to improve and/or maintain their physical, mental and social functioning. This nursing care goal is achieved in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. 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. DBHDS is seeking dedicated, experienced Registered Nurse Professionals. A Registered Nurse II 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.

Requirements

Current licensure or eligibility for 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 (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 at times may mean working a 16-hour shift if and when necessary.
Complete all annual competency training to include TO 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with creating training material and maintaining a training program is preferred.
Prior experience as a Nurse Supervisor or training is preferred.
Familiarity with Nursing philosophy of care, to include trauma-informed, person-centered, and relationship-based tenets.
Bachelor's and Masters Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution or higher education.
Psych Nursing experience preferred
Veteran or Spouse of Veteran
Bilingual - Spanish

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.

Benefits

$7,500 sign on bonus will be awarded to new hires to state service with a one-year written agreement required.
13 paid holidays, 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 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 may be available for this role
Relocation Reimbursement may be available for this role
State Employee Discounts and More!