Registered Nurse - Mental Health Outpatient

Full Job Description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C.

7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

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); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.

Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program.

(Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program.

Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).

Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and 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.

Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade.

The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12930846.

Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies.

An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required.

Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required.

Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.

A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.

MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.

*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. *Preferred Experience: Three years working as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a Mental Health Setting.

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

Physical Requirements: Functional requirements include ability to climb stairs; frequent walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, and squatting. Transferring patients and objects may be required.

The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, invasive procedures, or home settings.

The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment. Major Duties:

Major duties include, but may not be limited to: Conducts comprehensive assessment of mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) patients.

Develops age-appropriate, individualized nursing care plans. Implements direct patient care interventions for MH and SUD populations.

Evaluates and documents clinical outcomes to ensure ongoing quality of care. Coordinates care throughout the continuum, including transitions across care settings.

Serves as liaison with Emergency Room, inpatient MH Units, and MH Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs. Responds promptly to psychiatric and medical emergencies in outpatient settings.

Facilitates warm hand-offs between providers and care settings. Utilizes therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques with patients.

Provides patient and family education about illness, medications, and treatment plans. Administers medications, including psychotropics, according to provider orders.

Completes and collects urine drug screens as ordered. Recognizes, reports, and participates in resolving safety concerns.

Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, participates in team huddles and meetings. Documents all patient encounters and interventions per facility policy.

Conducts nursing triage assessments as needed. Uses measurement-based care tools and validates clinical reminders. Coordinates and advocates for patient-centered, recovery-oriented care.

Maintains professional boundaries to safeguard patient vulnerabilities. Participates in the development and delivery of nurse-led psychoeducational groups.

Supports and mentors peers through knowledge sharing and constructive feedback. Leads or participates in performance improvement initiatives.

Manages and protects VA sensitive data in accordance with privacy and security regulations. Promotes a safe, therapeutic, and supportive work environment.

Models professional behavior and upholds VA I CARE values. Supports initiatives to improve Veteran experience, safety, and satisfaction.

Leads staff in identifying and addressing ethical issues impacting care. Participates in facility or service-level committees to influence care delivery.

Leads with emotional and social intelligence, demonstrating resilience under stress. Provides formal and informal mentoring to develop current/future nurse leaders.

Initiates and facilitates interdisciplinary teams using critical thinking for practice improvement. Leads educational initiatives to expand staff and patient knowledge.

Sets and is accountable for personal and professional career goals. Guides and supports the professional growth of other staff nurses.

Advances nursing practice through research, evidence-based projects, or QI initiatives. Integrates evidence-based research with clinical expertise in practice.

Shares outcome data and improvement strategies with peers. Demonstrates expertise in managing resources for efficient, cost-effective care.

Integrates patient preferences into care delivery and decision-making. Provides care appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and age-specific needs of Veterans.

Trains and monitors staff for competency in age, development, and lifestyle-related care. Handles conflict and complaints from patients or families constructively and respectfully.

Utilizes safe patient handling and mobility techniques during clinical tasks. Maintains flexibility with shift, assignment, and scheduling as required for patient care needs.

Remains physically capable and prepared for long periods of standing, walking, lifting, bending, or kneeling.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact visn5hredrpcoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.

Learn more 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 Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am- 4:30pm.

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized