Charge Nurse

Charge Nurse (Psychiatric/Forensic Specialty)

Lead the shift. Mentor the team. Transform patient care.

Are you a natural leader with a passion for psychiatric care and a commitment to clinical excellence? As a Charge Nurse, you are the cornerstone of our unit's success. You will perform advanced nursing interventions that directly result in positive patient outcomes, serving as both a master clinician and a strategic supervisor. From managing acute mental distress to mentoring both licensed and unlicensed staff, your leadership ensures our hospital's mission is carried out with compassion and precision. In this position, you aren't just following orders—you are the vital link that ensures care meets the highest standards set by the Joint Commission and CMS, while fostering a safe, therapeutic environment for recovery. Apply today!

Appointment Incentive: This vital leadership role includes a $12,500 incentive for any selected applicant who commits to a 12-month continuous term of service.

Applicants must pass a background check and a comprehensive drug/alcohol screening (urinalysis and breath analysis). Mandatory overtime is an essential function of this role to ensure 24/7 patient safety. We are a proud Tobacco-Free Campus.

Example of Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and evaluate subordinate nursing staff, providing real-time guidance and professional development to ensure the highest level of care.
• Lead administrative functions, including employee selection, performance evaluations, and team discipline, to maintain a high-functioning unit.
• Provide direction to licensed and unlicensed healthcare providers, acting as a clinical resource and subject matter expert on the floor.
• Provide expert care and crisis intervention for patients experiencing acute mental episodes or enduring mental illness.
• Conduct patient interviews to assess clinical needs and collaborate on individualized treatment plans as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Lead or participate in individual and group counseling, family conferences, and social therapy to help patients embrace their journey to wellness.
• Manage the administration of psychotropic and medical treatments; document reactions and educate patients on dosages and side effects.
• Drive Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) by monitoring seclusion/restraints and medication protocols to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the medical, psychiatric, and social histories of new admissions, ensuring charts, labs, and discharge plans are accurate and timely.
• Organize shift activities to meet hospital goals, ensuring all physician orders and regulatory standards are executed flawlessly.
• Lead team meetings to discuss patient progress, shift dynamics, and program policies, ensuring seamless communication across all departments.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: None.

Licensure/Certifications: Current valid West Virginia Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure.

Experience: Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Registered Nurse. Internal Applicants Only: One (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Registered Nurse may substitute for the required experience.

About the Organization

William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital, located in Weston, West Virginia, is a 200-bed acute psychiatric care facility owned and operated by the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities. William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital holds accreditation from The Joint Commission and certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The hospital offers a wide range of services to patients who are either committed to the hospital through civil commitment or, in the case of forensic patients, ordered by the judicial system. Through ongoing collaboration with West Virginia University's Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, a variety of medical and clinical professionals partner with the hospital's own staff to work diligently with patients to achieve a smooth transition back to the community after discharge.

Discover the amazing benefits awaiting you if employed by the State of West Virginia. With approximately 10 hours of annual leave and 12 hours of sick leave accruing monthly, your time off is secure and grows with your tenure. Ensure your health with comprehensive coverage, including health, dental, and vision plans. Plan for the future with confidence through our retirement and life insurance options. Take advantage of programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and tuition assistance. West Virginia offers more than just a job—it's a commitment to your well-being and future. Part-time permanent employees who work an average of 30 or more hours per week over the course of a year are eligible to receive benefits. Temporary employees who work 30 hours or more are eligible for insurance benefits only.

Please include your active license/certificate number for your West Virginia nursing licensure or temporary permit. If you do not have one, please do not apply. Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and includes varying shifts?

• Yes
• No

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