Registered Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) 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 application within four months of appointment. Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and 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 are 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. Education and Licensure Requirements Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program approved by the appropriate accrediting agency: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduate of a Master’s level bridge program in nursing who has completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may become a registered 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 after successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook5005, AppendixG6) Graduate of a foreign school 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. Credit for foreign nursing education higher than an 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, 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). 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. Dimension requirements: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I – delivers fundamental, knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. Requires 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 needs. Requires an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level I; 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. Requires 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 Nurse I, Level 2; or a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with 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. Requires 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. For additional detail on the online assessment for grade/level determination, please review the questionnaire available at #J-18808-Ljbffr