Registered Nurse - Mendota Mental Health Institute

Introduction. The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting Registered Nurses (RNs). This is a reannouncement; if you already applied, you do not need to reapply. 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, and 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.

MMHI 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.

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; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top-rated health plan options starting at $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 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
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Positions are full-time or part-time. Hours may be AM, PM, a combination of both, or NOC.

• AM shift: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
• PM shift: 3:00 pm – 11:30 pm
• NOC shift: 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.

Starting salary is between $42.86 and $49.61 per hour (approximately $89,100 and $103,100 annually), based on years of licensure. Additional increases are based on years of licensure in the chart below.

• 0 years of licensure: $43.72 per hour
• 3 years: $45.97 per hour
• 5 years: $47.12 per hour
• 7 years: $48.28 per hour
• 9 years: $49.45 per hour
• 11 years: $50.61 per hour

• $1.40 per hour differential for 1st shift RNs that work hours between 6 pm and 6 am.
• $3.90 per hour differential for permanent 2nd or 3rd shift RNs for work hours between 6 pm to 6 am.
• A $3.00 per hour temporary add‑on will be paid for hours worked Saturday and Sunday.
• $0.80 per hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts.
• $3,000 sign‑on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with the facility in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,500 upon hire and $1,500 after completing probation.
• A 12‑month probationary period is required. These positions are classified as a Nurse Clinician 2 and 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…