Registered Nurse (RN)

This position is eligible for a $10,000 recruitment payment. This position is also eligible for a retention payment of $10,000 for every 6 months of commitment. Speak to the Hiring Manager for more information on eligibility. Current state employees are not eligible for recruitment payments upon transfer, demotion, or promotion to another agency.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Independence Mental Health Institute (IMHI) is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to join our team! This is a full-time position with HHS.  In addition to the base pay rate, there is an available shift differential of $0.90 per hour for second shift and $1.00 per hour for third shift. We also offer a strong opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.

An effective RN, under the functional supervision of the nursing supervisor, will have the ability to communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, receive, and transcribe physician orders and report and document client conditions. RNs routinely provide treatment, implement nursing interventions, and respond to emergency situations. Documentation is important so RNs will need to accurately and efficiently capture client assessments, observations, progress, and care provided.IMHI and HHS want you to grow as a professional so offer opportunities for you to attend seminars, conferences, and other training activities to stay current in nursing practice standards and evidence-based nursing care. Our RNs must also maintain licensure, basic life support certification, and other mandatory continuing education activities.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check and hold valid, unrestricted Iowa Registered Nurse licensure to be considered for this position.

IMHI provides inpatient treatment and acute psychiatric services. The facility offers several services includingindividualized treatment plans and support for children and adolescent patients to continue their education. Individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling and activities therapies might be included as well. We serve patients with mental illnesses and provide therapeutic care through a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, social workers, nursing staff, activities staff, pharmacists, and dieticians.

When a long-term team member was asked “why did you choose a career at IMHI,” the team member stated, “It really is the work that has kept me here. The work is rewarding. The patients are the most difficult to treat and most expensive. We are the final stop for getting cutting edge psychiatric treatment.”

We are seeking dedicated RNs to care for our patients. If you are a caring and compassionate professional who is looking to join a great team, please consider applying! 

Benefits of Joining IMHI

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

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.

Independence Highlights

IMHI is in Independence, Iowa, a city of approximately 6,000, located in scenic Northeast Iowa. The Wapsipinicon River flows through town offering many recreational opportunities from canoeing to fishing. Independence is a progressive community sporting a newer public library, trails, and Cedar Rock state park which includes a Frank Lloyd Wright home.

Independence is 30 minutes from Waterloo/Cedar Falls home of the UNI Panthers, 45 minutes from Cedar Rapids and 1 hour from Iowa City, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

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.