Registered Nurse

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Resource Center (WRC) is recruiting for multiple full-time registered nurses (RN)!

WRC specializes in serving adults with complex psychiatric conditions that are often combined with challenging behaviors. WRC provides care in a secure setting, meeting the legal, behavioral, treatment and recovery needs of incarcerated mental health patients. As an RN, you will be utilizing the nursing process in the provision of routine and complex patient care within this secured treatment setting.

Come work for the best! WRC was recognized as the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) 2022 Facility of the Year for its commitment to high quality resident care.

WRC is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services.

New graduates are encouraged to apply. We provide new nurses a one-on-one orientation designed by a nurse educator that meets individual learning needs. You'll have the opportunity to work side-by-side with experienced nurses too.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.

• Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.

• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use the Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!

• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and high-deductible health savings.

• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.

• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary

As an RN at WRC, you will provide health services to patients in a care and treatment correctional institutional setting, which is consistent with NCCHC standards.

You will:

• Collaborate with the Multidisciplinary Team in Treatment Learning Plan development regarding health care needs and specific nursing interventions and promote a professional role for nursing within the treatment team.

• Assess learning needs of patients and staff.

• Provide direction and educational activities to other staff.

• Identify your own learning needs and actively seek out opportunities to enhance knowledge.

• Promote quality patient care and a safe work environment through participation in nursing and/or institute committees and continuous quality improvement activities.

Salary Information

Starting salary is between $42.86 and $49.61 /hour (approximately $89,100 and $103,100 annually), based on years of licensure. Additional increases are based on years of licensure in the chart below.

Years of Licensure Pay Rate

0 $42.86

3 $45.06

5 $46.19

7 $47.33

9 $48.48

11 $49.61

• $1.40/hour differential for first shift RNs that work hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• $3.90/hour differential for permanent second or third shift RNs for work hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• $0.80/hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts.

• $3,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years who stay with the facility in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split $1,500 upon hire and $1,500 after completing probation.

• A 12-month probationary period is required. These positions are classified as nurse clinician 2 and are in pay schedule and range 11/02.

• Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

Job Details

All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by WRC or medical personnel approved by the facility within 30 days of the start date.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for these positions, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Licensure or be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Wisconsin. Eligible is defined as currently a registered as a professional nurse in another state, eligible to work in Wisconsin, and eligible to obtain licensure in Wisconsin. Licensure must be obtained by time of appointment.

• Training or experience utilizing the nursing process to identify patient needs for nursing care.

A well-qualified candidate will also have one or more of the following:

• Training or experience assessing the physical and mental health of a patient

• Training or experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team, maintaining dignity and respect for all individuals (co-workers, inmate patients, staff, etc.)