Title: Licensed Practical Nurse - Full Time
State Role Title: 49111
Hiring Range: Starting Pay $52,004 (Salary commensurate with experience)
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location: Western State Hospital
Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/wsh/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility that has been in operation since 1828 under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just 30 minutes from major university towns, WSH is a 302-bed, Joint Commission-accredited hospital. It is affiliated with the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine and serves as a training ground for professionals in nursing, social work, psychology, and activity therapy from various colleges and universities.
Bonus Offer for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Up to $17,500 in bonuses for newly hired LPNs who are new to state service and stay with the facility for two years:
• $10,000 sign-on bonus for new hires, with a one-year written agreement.
• $7,500 retention bonus paid after one year of employment, with an additional one-year agreement.
Note: These bonuses are available to LPNs who are new to DBHDS or have not worked with the department for at least one year.
Position Available: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
WSH is currently seeking Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to provide direct patient care in a safe, therapeutic environment for a diverse patient population in a 24/7 psychiatric hospital. LPNs will adhere to established care and treatment policies, demonstrating a clear understanding of patient-specific needs.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide work direction to PNA staff under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).
• Maintain accountability for a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment.
• Foster healthy interpersonal interactions within various units (adult acute admissions, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation).
• Observe, document, and report on patient treatments, behaviors, and overall wellbeing.
• Administer medication and treatments while ensuring continuity of care through effective communication.
• Promote health and wellness education and monitor the functionality of equipment.
• Perform skilled nursing care for patients with complex mental and physical conditions within the scope of an LPN license.
Shift Differential:
• 1st shift (weekends and holidays): $3.00/hr.
• 2nd shift (weekdays, weekends, and holidays): $3.50/hr.
Benefits of Working at Western State Hospital (DBHDS)
• Career ladder opportunities for professional growth.
• Flexible scheduling to maintain work-life balance.
• 11 insurance packages (health, dental, vision) to choose from.
• Two retirement savings plans.
• 24/7 on-site security.
• Shift and weekend differentials for select positions.
• Paid sick leave and personal time off.
• State employee discounts on products and services, including entertainment, travel, fitness, and more.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Three weeks of dedicated training.
• Vacation time and 12 paid holidays.
• Paid life insurance coverage.
• Loan repayment options for clinical positions.
Minimum Qualifications
- LPN licensure or eligible for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Current, Virginia license to practice as an LPN or license eligible; multi-state compact endorsement is accepted.
- Knowledge of illness and treatment modalities to include medication administration.
- Ability to implement nursing care plan and provide guidance to other staff.
- 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
• Psych Nursing experience preferred.
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.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: 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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (540-332-8300) for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.
Western State Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.
DBHDS Facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated for COVID-19. However, facilities encourage and educate on COVID - 19 vaccination programs to staff, residents, and clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre-employment process. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
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 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.
