Registered Nurse (Outpatient Mental Health)

Summary 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. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. 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. Qualifications 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) 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 a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program (Reference VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G6) 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 than 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: Nurse I – LevelI: 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 – LevelII: Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex needs. An ADN or diploma in nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – LevelI; OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I – LevelIII: 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 – LevelII; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I – LevelII; 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 – LevelIII; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – LevelIII; OR a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – LevelIII; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and no 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. An 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 a related field with a 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 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. Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019. Duties Duties include, however, are not limited to the following: General description of assigned duties – delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical skills. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates care based on age‑specific components. 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. Functions or scope of assigned duties: The Outpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse (RN) promotes personal growth and development of psychiatric‑mental health nursing practice. The Mental Health RN gains awareness of the principles and goals of outpatient Mental Health treatment by understanding practices related to patient‑centered care – recovery‑oriented principles – tele‑mental health – community‑based care – and self‑awareness related to caring for patients living with Mental Health conditions. The Mental Health RN attends and participates in Mental Health interdisciplinary team huddles and meetings – uses therapeutic communication techniques – practices de‑escalation techniques – utilizes recovery‑oriented language – and provides Veterans, their family members and/or significant others with education regarding their illness, medications and treatment plan. The Mental Health RN also participates in warm hand‑off, care coordination, liaising with Inpatient Mental Health Units to facilitate continuity of care – and responds to psychiatric and medical emergencies as directed. The Mental Health RN documents nursing triage assessments – risk screens – clinical reminders – and patient plan of care in accordance with facility policy. The Mental Health RN maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient. Benefits VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential for performance awards. Paid Time Off: 50 days per year – 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many federal programs can be carried into retirement). Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory. Work schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30 am‑4:00 pm. Telework: Not authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation / Recruitment incentives: Not authorized. EDRP authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. #J-18808-Ljbffr