Registered Nurse - New Graduates

Position Overview 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.

• Key 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.

Detailed position description will be provided at the time of interview.

Minimum Qualifications

• KSA’s and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work (attach Competency Model, if applicable):
• 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.

Additional Considerations

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

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Requirements

Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you clearly and specifically detail all relevant work experience; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications. Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

• Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify
• Human
• Resources at (540) 332-8300 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

• The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
• There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We strongly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply to the state application and respond accordingly.

Contact Information

Name: Elizabeth Weber

Phone: 540-332-8056

Email

elizabeth.weber@dbhds.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter [https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx] or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note

Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.