Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health

Outpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN)

The Outpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to patients and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Follows procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives as well as customer service programs. They will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and enhance outcomes utilization. The psychiatric MH RN independently provides patient-centered and recovery-oriented care and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients living with MH conditions.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Independently provides patient-centered and recovery-oriented care and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients living with MH conditions.
• Facilitate warm hand-offs, tele-mental health care, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups; use therapeutic communication techniques, practice de-escalation techniques, utilize recovery-oriented language, and provide Veterans, their family members, and/or significant others with education regarding their illness, medications, and treatment plan.
• Manages the care of patients, while organizing and prioritizing patient care needs, and ensuring assigned tasks are completed.
• Actively participates in care coordination, liaising with Inpatient MH Units to facilitate continuity of care, MH interdisciplinary treatment team huddles and meetings and responds to psychiatric and medical emergencies as directed.
• Provides and directs others in Veteran/patient driven care that optimizes the patient's experience, satisfaction, and/or safety for a team of patients.
• Reports and addresses safety concerns, document nursing triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, and patient plan of care, according to facility policy.
• Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient. Role models and displays ethical behavior.
• Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrates knowledge over a wide range of job responsibilities, effectively communicating with individuals and groups to build a strong sense of teamwork and purpose.
• Promotes collaborative behavior and team efforts. Is confident of abilities, effectively initiates solutions and, is alert to new opportunities, techniques, and approaches.
• Integrates individual preferences and goals into evidence-based decision-making.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30 (on an intermittent/as needed basis)

Telework: May be available as determined by local leaders and subject to change

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. This intermittent position expects 20-30 hours/week to cover planned and extended staff absences. This position covers both the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks outpatient mental health clinics.