Clinical Nurse Specialist

Full Job Description

This is an open continuous announcement to fill an Advanced Practice Nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist in Mental Health Service at the Cincinnati VHA.

Need is in Dearborn and Clermont CBOC Locations but strong applicants for the main campus may be considered.

The first round of applicants will be reviewed for consideration on 3/11/2026, and then as needed after that. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series.

For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Advanced Practice Nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist) Basic Requirements Education.

A post-master's certificate or masters or doctoral degree as a clinical nurse specialist.

(Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Must be a graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) NOTE: Foreign Education.

Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the CNS degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).

Candidates with equivalent CNS post-masters, masters, or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.

Licensure and Certification. The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment. License.

All APN (CNSs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a CNS, or equivalent, in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.

Certification. All APN (CNSs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty.

Certification must be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), or another nationally recognized certifying body.

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNS) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.

The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist) II: Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians.

Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician Clinical Nurse Specialist on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C.

§ 7405(c)(2)(B) Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.

Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (CNSs); no experience is required.

Dimension Requirement: APN (CNSs) at grade II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice.

Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program. Outcome Focus.

Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.

Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care. Professional Development.

Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice. Professionalism/Collegiality.

Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.

The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist) III: Scope: Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care.

Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNS) AND One year of specialized APN (CNS) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level. Dimension Requirement.

APN (CNSs) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice.

Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program. Outcome Focus.

Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations. Leadership.

Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population, or program.

Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility. Professionalism/Collegiality.

Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population, or program level.

Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Per VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position.

A physical examination prior to placement is required. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

This position requires potentially long periods of continues walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required.

The RN may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures.

The RN may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Major Duties:

The VA has been named one of the Top 5 Best Places to Work in the federal government. Cincinnati is a family friendly, affordable, metropolitan city with great parks, fine arts, and food scene.

With both an urban energy and southern charm, the Cincinnati region has a vibrant and unique culture that flows from the Ohio River to the things to do, landmarks and events all around town.

With rich cultural offerings, award-winning family adventures, an ever-expanding art scene, a foodie's paradise, and breweries galore, this is one picturesque river region with much to explore!

With major league sports, big-city arts, fun festivals and award-winning attractions, it can be hard to decide what to do in our dynamic river region!https://www.frommers.com/destinations/cincinnati VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory This is an open continuous announcement to fill an Advanced Practice Nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist in Mental Health Service at the Cincinnati VHA.

Need is in Dearborn and Clermont CBOC Locations but strong applicants for the main campus may be considered.

The first round of applicants will be reviewed for consideration on 3/9/2026, and then as needed after that. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series.

For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) practices in Mental Health Service to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of the Veterans Affairs (VA) mission.

The CNS provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management. The CNS practices to the full extent of their education, training, and certification.

Core functions are outlined in the clinical privileges that correspond with this position. The CNS has prescriptive authority for a panel of patients or program as indicated by their position.

Major duties may include but not limited too: Independently manages a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention using evidence-based practice.

Develops and implements an individualized plan to achieve optimal population health and disease management. Demonstrates leadership and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.

Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies. Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Makes appropriate referrals for patients and families.

Initiates referrals/consults to specialty services. Provides education to patients and their families. Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Clinical Nurse Specialist is responsible to the assigned rating and approving supervisors and is accountable to the Associate Director of Patient Care Services (ADPCS).

The incumbent is responsible for self-directed performance of the approved clinical privileges. Work Schedule: Day Shift; Flexible Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized