Registered Nurse (RN) Forensic Unit

Valley Spring Behavioral Health Hospital | Holyoke, MA

Registered Nurse - RN | Forensic Unit (Assessment and Evaluation Unit) 

Job Type: Full Time | Nights

Schedule: 8-Hour Shifts

Hourly Rate Range: $42.55 to $57.45

Your experience matters

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Health and Baystate Health. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a  joining our team, you're embracing our promise to provide superior patient care that exceeds industry standards as well as patient expectations. Join us on this meaningful journey where your compassion, skills, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

As a Registered Nurse (RN)  joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to  making communities healthier ® . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More about our team

Our Behavioral Health team operates within a 150-bed inpatient facility focused on healing, safety, and innovation. The Forensic Unit provides specialized care for individuals involved with the legal and criminal justice systems who require behavioral health treatment in a secure therapeutic environment. Our team works collaboratively to deliver patient-centered, trauma-informed care while maintaining safety, dignity, and recovery-focused outcomes

How you'll contribute

A Registered Nurse (RN)  who excels in this role:

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans
• Monitor patients' physical and behavioral health status and respond appropriately to changes in condition
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and facility policies
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, social workers, and interdisciplinary team members
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record
• Support a safe and therapeutic environment through effective de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques
• Participate in treatment team meetings and discharge planning activities
• Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans, medications, and recovery goals
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and patient safety initiatives
• Serve as a patient advocate while promoting recovery-oriented care

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits : Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO : Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth : Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well-being : Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development : Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we're looking for

Applicants should have a current  Active Massachusetts RN License Required (single state or compact). If relocating, licensure must be updated to the new Primary State of Residence (PSOR) before employment begins.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 30 days of hire
• Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nursing, Corrections, or Forensic Nursing experience preferred
• Strong assessment, communication, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to effectively manage challenging patient behaviors in a therapeutic manner
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques preferred
• Commitment to patient-centered and trauma-informed care

Connect with our Nursing recruiting specialist 

Not ready to complete an application, or have questions? Please contact Dee by emailing Show email

More about Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital

Who We Are:

At Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, our team makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families every day. As the most comprehensive behavioral health provider in Western Massachusetts, we offer both inpatient and outpatient services, creating opportunities for clinicians and support staff to grow, collaborate, and impact the community across the full continuum of care.

A Purpose-Driven Environment

Behavioral healthcare is more than a career. It is an opportunity to help individuals navigate some of life's most challenging moments. At Valley Springs, our employees are supported in an environment built on compassion, respect, collaboration, and clinical excellence.

Our state-of-the-art facility features:

• Modern, well-appointed patient rooms
• Therapeutic treatment spaces designed to support healing
• Peaceful outdoor courtyards
• Activity-based therapy areas
• Welcoming communal spaces for patients, families, and staff

We believe that a healing environment benefits both our patients and the professionals who care for them.

Work Alongside Clinical Experts

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Psychiatrists and physicians
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Registered nurses
• Licensed therapists and counselors
• Behavioral health specialists
• Clinical support professionals

Team members work collaboratively to deliver exceptional patient care while learning from experienced professionals with expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis stabilization, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and evidence-based treatment practices.

Commitment to Clinical Excellence

Valley Springs is dedicated to delivering evidence-based behavioral healthcare through nationally recognized treatment approaches and continuous clinical improvement. Employees have the opportunity to practice at the top of their license, participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

Make an Impact in Your Community

Our team serves diverse populations, including individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and those facing complex mental health challenges. Every employee plays an important role in helping patients achieve stabilization, recovery, and long-term wellness.

Build Your Career with Valley Springs

Whether you are an experienced behavioral health professional or looking to begin a rewarding career in mental healthcare, Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital offers the opportunity to grow professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Join a team where compassion drives care, collaboration fuels success, and every day offers the opportunity to change lives.

Where We Are:

Holyoke, Massachusetts is a vibrant city in western Massachusetts known for its rich industrial heritage, scenic New England landscapes, and easy access to a wide variety of outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley, Holyoke offers residents and visitors opportunities to explore the scenic Mount Tom State Reservation, enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking, or spend a day shopping and dining at Holyoke Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in New England. The area is also just minutes from Northampton and Amherst, home to unique restaurants, local breweries, live music, theaters, art galleries, and the Five College community. With a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and small-town charm, Holyoke provides an appealing quality of life for individuals and families alike.

EEOC Statement

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.