The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is currently recruiting for Registered Nurses (RNs).

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility (with one outpatient program). MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. Our overall service delivery goal is to provide specialized services in treatment, research, training and consultation.

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.

NOTE: Positions are full-time or part-time. Hours may be AM, PM, a combination of both, or NOC. The AM shift is 7:00 am – 3:30 pm; the PM shift is 3:00 pm – 11:30 pm; and the NOC shift is 11:00 pm – 7:30 am. Overtime will be required when needed (up to 15.5 total hours).

As an RN at MMHI, you will use a bio-psychosocial and recovery model as a basis for nursing practice in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care needs. You will:

• Deliver nursing care to patients and coordinate nursing activities in compliance with Department, State and Federal Laws.
• 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 and direction to the nursing team through planning, directing, implementing and coordinating patient care within unit activities.

The classification for these positions is Nurse Clinician 2. Starting salary is between $41.61 and $48.16 per hour (approximately $86,500 and $100,100 per year for full-time employment) based on years of licensure.  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 1^st shift RNs that work hours between 6pm and 6am.
• $3.90/hour differential for 2^nd or 3^rd shift RNs for work hours between 6pm to 6am.
• $0.80/hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts. 
• A $3.00 /hour temporary add-on will be paid for hours worked Saturday and Sunday. 
• A $2,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with MMHI in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1000 upon hire and $1000 after completing probation. 
• A 12-month probationary period is required. The pay schedule and range is 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 MMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting, and balancing. Applicants will be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, 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 all of the following:

• Licensure or eligibility** for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin. Must be licensed in Wisconsin within 3 months of appointment.
• Experience, education, or interest in nursing practice with a psychiatric patient population.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

**Eligibility is defined as your license application/exam is in process 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.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience or education developing appropriate treatment goals or plans for patients.
• Experience leading or training other staff.

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start the application process.  Sign in to your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and 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 Rachel Libera in Human Resources at rachel.libera@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 all positions are filled.