Patient Care Director - Behavioral Health Unit

Position Title

Patient Care Director, Behavioral Health Unit

Job Description Summary

The Behavioral Health Unit boasts all semi-private rooms, with the capacity of 18 patients. Recent unit accomplishments include decrease in locked seclusions, no locked restraints in almost two years and a recent unit refresh, including new furniture! In this unit, patients rage from adult ages to geriatric. Typical procedures of this unit include patient centered therapeutic and recreational groups, fun activities like karaoke and dance, off unit walking privileges for fresh air and Electroconvulsive Therapy. Many skills are used in this unit such as de-escalation techniques using MOAB-Management of Aggressive Behaviors, therapeutic communication, and most importantly, compassion. What makes the BHU unique is the diversity of diagnosis, staff diversity, caring for patients across a spectrum of physical and mental functionality, making a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing difficulty across a range of social issues. This unit is team based, patient-centered support, autonomy, has a flexible scheduling, a positive work environment, supportive leadership and that is what make the BHU a great place to work!

Located in Arlington, Virginia, VHC Health is a 548-bed, independent, not-for-profit health system and nationally recognized teaching hospital. We have proudly served the Washington, DC metropolitan community for more than 75 years. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Virginia and the region, VHC Health has earned recognition as a 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Employer and a 2025 Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. We also hold the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. As a Level II Trauma Center, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care when it matters most.

Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

This professional RN is responsible for the 24-hour management of the department. Develops patient care services goals, objectives, standards of performance, policies and procedures; organizes the department in accordance with the hospital's mission and vision statements in order to provide specified nursing services to meet the legal, organizational, and medical staff guidelines. Evaluates proposed procedural changes as they relate to patient care, directs / supervises the implementation, and ensures compliance with Standards of Nursing Practice that promote optimum health care delivery.

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an Accredited School of Nursing is required.

Master's degree in nursing, business administration, or healthcare administration is preferred.

Experience:

Three years of Nursing Leadership is PreferredThree years of experience in area of clinical specialty is required.

Certification/Licensure:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required.Compact State Licensure in Nursing is required.BLS Certification required.

Additional Job Description

At VHC Health, every role contributes to exceptional care, better outcomes, and stronger communities.  In addition to your base compensation, VHC Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (subject to eligibility requirements), as well as additional wellness and retirement benefits designed to support our employees and their families.  VHC Health is committed to wage transparency and equitable pay practices. The compensation offered for this position—whether expressed as an annual salary or hourly rate—is determined based on a variety of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, relevant training and experience, skill level, shift differentials (where applicable), internal equity, and current market conditions.  The posted hiring range reflects the range VHC Health, in good faith, believes is appropriate for this role at the time of posting. This range may be adjusted in the future based on business needs or market changes. No portion of compensation is considered earned until it is vested and determined in accordance with the terms of applicable policies and benefit plans. The availability and amount of any bonuses, incentives, or other benefits are subject to the terms of those plans and may be modified at the sole discretion of VHC Health, in accordance with applicable law.  VHC Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.  VHC Health maintains a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at all VHC Health locations. 

Compensation: 123260.8 to 234145.6 (USD)