Registered Nurse - New Graduates
About The Position
DBHDS is seeking dedicated, experienced Registered Nurse Professionals. A Registered Nurse 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. Who We Are 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. Just 30 minutes from vibrant university towns, our hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for our Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs. WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff. Employees also 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.
Requirements
- Ability to delegate and supervise nursing staff. Effective communication (written, verbal and sign).
- Ability to participate in 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 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.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s and Master's Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution or higher education.
- Psych Nursing experience
- Veteran or Veteran Spouse
- Bilingual in Spanish
Responsibilities
- Provide direct psychiatric patient care using the nursing process, evidence‑based practices, and specialized training to support mental wellness and recovery in a 24/7 therapeutic environment.
- Ensure a safe, secure, and therapeutic milieu by conducting regular rounds, monitoring patient and unit acuity, responding to emergencies, and maintaining accountability for patient and staff safety.
- Participate actively in interdisciplinary treatment planning by observing, assessing, and reporting patient behaviors, interventions, medical changes, and overall well‑being to appropriate clinical staff.
- Administer medications and treatments in accordance with hospital policies and procedures and maintain accurate documentation of all care delivered.
- Document and communicate patient information clearly and professionally through written, verbal, and electronic methods to support accurate care coordination and compliance.
- Serve as a role model for recovery principles, professionalism, and therapeutic interpersonal interactions across adult acute, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation units.
- Provide performance management support to nursing staff through coaching, mentoring, feedback, training, performance issue documentation, and ongoing education to maintain competency and quality care standards.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams by engaging in clinical discussions, participating in patient education, supporting PSR programming, and contributing to positive team dynamics.
- Maintain compliance with all safety, regulatory, and environmental standards by completing environmental rounds, reporting hazards, and adhering to HIPAA Level One requirements and essential staff expectations.
- Demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and adaptability by maintaining attendance standards, supporting staffing needs across units, assisting coworkers, and responding flexibly to emergent or changing patient care demands.
Benefits
- $7,500 sign on bonus will be awarded to new hires to state service with a one-year written agreement required.
- Competitive Shift Differentials
- 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, and 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!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
