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Registered Nurse (RN)

This position is eligible for a $5,000 recruitment payment. This position is also eligible for a retention payment of $5,000 for every 6 months of commitment. Speak to the Hiring Manager for more eligibility information.


The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to join the team at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI). This is a  full-time opportunity with  a possible shift differential of $0.90 per hour for second shift and $1.00 per hour for third shift plus a strong opportunity for advancement, growth, and development. Starting pay is dependent upon experience and education.

At CMHI, our team of RNs provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. While utilizing the Nursing process to provide that care, the RN in this position will also direct services provided by Licensed Practical Nurses and Resident Treatment Workers. The successful candidate will carry out prescribed treatments, document care provided, and participate with the Treatment Team in planning and carrying out the Treatment Plan Interventions, while maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for our patients. 

CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services includingindividualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

We have a great total compensation package, including:

  • Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) (Employee contributes 6.29%/State of Iowa contributes 9.44%)
  • Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan) (State of Iowa matches up to $75/month)
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (See below for additional information)
  • Vacation Leave (96 hours/year to begin, and increases with years of service)
  • Sick Leave (144 hours/year)
  • Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance ($20,000 paid for by the State of Iowa)
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Cherokee Highlights

CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River that winds through town, providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the “best kept secret in Northwest Iowa.”

Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).  

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.e-verify.gov. 

Qualifications

Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa by the Iowa Board of Nursing or licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact Administrator's Agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. 

More information regarding the Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is available at the Nurse Licensure Compact


Review the provisions of the statute that authorized the creation of the Nurse Licensure Compact at Chapter 152E, Iowa Code.

Date Posted
06/30/2025
Job Reference
25-02872
Organization
400 Health & Human Services- State Operated Specialty Care- Cherokee Mental Health Institute
Location
Cherokee - 51012 - Cherokee County, IA 50319
Category
Nursing
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