The Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Resource Center (WRC) is hiring multiple 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. Click here to learn more about nursing careers at WRC.

Come work for the best. WRC was recognized as the National Commission on Correctional Health Care’s 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. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

New graduates are encouraged to apply. New nurses are provided one-on-one orientation designed by a nurse educator that meets individual learning needs. An opportunity to work side-by-side with experienced nurses is also provided.

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. 
• Top rated health plan options starting at $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• Exceptional pension plan with a 6.95% employer match in 2025 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 this 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.

The current available shifts are: 

PM shift 2:00pm – 10:30pm 

AM/PM shift rotating 6:00am – 2:30pm and 2:00 – 10:30pm 

As an RN at WRC, you will provide health services to patients in a care and treatment correctional institutional setting, which is consistent with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Standards. 

As an RN, 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 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.

The classification for these positions is Nurse Clinician 2. The starting pay is between $41.61 and $48.16 per hour (approximately $86,500 and $100,100 per year). Additional increases are based on years of licensure in the chart below. 

Years of Licensure              Pay Rate
            0                                $41.61
            3                                $43.74

            5                                $44.84
            7                                $45.95
            9                                $47.06
            11                              $48.16

• $1.40/hour differential for 1st shift RNs that work hours between 6pm and 6am.
• $3.90/hour differential for 2nd or 3rd shift RNs for work hours between 6pm to 6am.
• $0.80/hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts. 
• A $2,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with WRC in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,000 upon hire and $1,000 after completing probation. 

A 12-month probationary period is required. These positions 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.

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.

Minimally qualified applicants will have: 

• Licensure, or eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin. Eligible is defined as: currently registered as a professional nurse in another state and are eligible to work in WI and are eligible to obtain licensure in WI. 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: 

• 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.).

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

Helpful 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.
• 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 DHSWRCRecruitment@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. 

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

Applications will be accepted until the positions have been filled.