Position Summary

As the Registered Nurse Lead, you will:

• use a bio-psychosocial and recovery model as a basis for nursing practice in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care needs.
• deliver nursing care to all assigned patients and coordinate and supervise all delegated nursing activities.
• collaborate with the multidisciplinary team in treatment/learning plan development.
• present specific nursing interventions congruent with the treatment needs identified in the individualized treatment plan and promote a professional role for nursing within the team.
• provide leadership to nursing staff through planning, directing, implementing and coordinating patient care and unit activities.
• share responsibility with the Unit Manager in ensuring Unit Programs, Institute policies and Department work rules are adhered to by nursing staff and others as indicated.
• serve as a consultant for more complex patient cases, assess learning needs of self, patients, staff and others, and actively seek out opportunities to enhance knowledge.
• verify and manage the unit nursing staff competency evaluation process.

Salary Information

Starting salary* is between $56.67 and $58.25 /hour, based on years of licensure.

• *Salary includes a *1.00 /hour add-on for hours worked and performing direct care.
• $1.40 /hour differential for 1 st shift RNs that work hours between 6pm and 6am.
• $3.90 /hour differential for permanent 2 nd or 3 rd shift RNs for work hours between 6pm to 6am.
• 12-month probationary period is required.
• The pay schedule and range is 11/01. 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 the 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 MMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

These positions have physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs., standing, kneeling, bending, crawling, twisting and lifting. Applicants will be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.

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.

Successful completion of the Intervention Options Continuum (IOC) training is required within 3 months of appointment for applicants. Physical requirements are a part of the training and will include but is not limited to kneeling, bending, lifting, hands on intervention involving an act of aggression by a patient, etc.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin. Eligible is defined as your license is currently in progress with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services , or you currently hold a license in another state and are eligible to obtain a license in the State of Wisconsin. You must obtain licensure by the time of appointment.
• Experience working as an RN providing direct care to geriatric, adult, and adolescent patients.

Well-qualified applicants will also have:

• Experience working as a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric or correctional facility.
• Leadership coursework or experience working in a nurse leadership role (e.g., Charge Nurse, Supervisor, Nurse Educator, or similar leadership role) performing duties such as providing coaching, training, and/or guidance to nursing staff.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process. Sign in to your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Information:

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs .
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions . For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Rachel Libera in Human Resources at [email protected] .

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is August 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.