Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

Summary

The Registered Nurse for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in the Greenville Mental Health Clinics at the Greenville Health Care Center will work with the Mental Health Team and collaborate with licensed independent providers (LIPs) to assure high quality care to the Veteran with psychiatric diagnoses/mental health needs.

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Duties

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Duties include, but are not limited to:

Assist Veterans in the following ways:

• Provide Veterans and their family members with education regarding their illness, medications and treatment plan.
• Provide outreach to clients who are having problems with treatment adherence and who may be relapsing.
• Coordinate with other agencies and make referrals to provide patients with necessary community services.
• Refer to, consult with and coordinate care with other VA health care providers.
• Assess patients and provide additional support between visits with LIPs.
• Facilitate psycho-educational and support groups.
• Act as liaison to Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to facilitate continuity of care.
• Provide coverage as needed for other staff in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic.

BHIP Program responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary contact for Veterans.
• Assists in scheduling, re-scheduling appointments, and appointment cancellations.
• Works closely with Program Support Assistant with appointments and scheduling.
• Performs assessment/triage of Veterans for appointments, phone-calls, and/or walk-ins.
• Performs suicide risk assessments and/or mental status exams.
• Provides crisis assessment/intervention.
• Provides follow-up care, medication evaluation assessment, and administration of medications as needed.
• Enters order for medication refills, laboratory, and consults per Policy.
• Provides case management for high risk Veterans.
• Engages in end-of-life care for Veterans with serious mental illnesses.
• Ensures BHIP team and PCMM are assigned correctly.
• Assists in treatment planning, care coordination, and daily team meetings.
• Reviews and completes Clinical Reminders per Policy.
• Monitors Performance Measures, wait times, incomplete encounters, and outcome measures for BHIP team.
• Follow-up phone calls, secure messaging.
• Facilitates appointments with Primary Care Provider for medical evaluation.
• Takes vital signs and completes medication reconciliation.
• Documents care and treatment planning in CPRS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years successful Mental Health Nursing practice
• Prior Case Management Experience
• Prior VA work experience
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with patients, families and other members of the interdisciplinary team in an outpatient setting
• Demonstrated skills in decision-making, sound clinical judgment and critical-thinking abilities
• Demonstrated ability to use computer systems in support of patient care delivery

Work Schedule: 8-hour tours between 7:00an and 6:00pm, Monday - Friday; occasional Saturdays

Telework: No

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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

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

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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 & spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency & accredited by 1 of the following accrediting bodies at 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 & later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion & 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, & unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant 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, & unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess required licensure, may be appointed at entry step of grade & level applicable to completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to 2 years on a case-by-case-basis.)

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

Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education & Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, & if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements are detailed for each grade & level within the online assessment:

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 & technically competent practice providing care to clients w/ basic/complex.

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

Nurse I, Level III

Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious & deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.

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

Nurse II

Demonstrates leadership in delivering & improving holistic care through collaborative strategies w/others.

BSN with 2 years professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR MSN with 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN & 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN w/no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse III

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

MSN & 2 years specialized nursing experience, 1 that is equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR Master's degree in *related field with BSN & 2 years of specialized nursing experience, (1) that is equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR Doctoral degree in Nursing with & 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field w/ a BSN & 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.

* Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Preferred Level of Education:

BSN

Preferred Certification(s):

ANCC for Mental Health Certification

Full performance level of this vacancy is Nurse III. The actual grade an applicant may be selected for is Nurse I to Nurse III.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires potentially long periods continued walking, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, both legs & repeated bending. Heavy lifting (45 lbs. & over) Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. & over) Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours) Pushing (up to 4 hours) Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours) Standing (up to 8 hours); Repeated bending (up to 8 hours) Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously; Specific visual requirement: Read typed Chapters; Correctable vision 20/40 in one eye; Ability to distinguish basic colors & shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted). The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders; Emotional & Mental Stability: Incumbent must be 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, such as annual TB screening/testing, as condition of employment.

Education

Nursing Bridge Programs: Nursing bridge programs are accelerated nurse education programs which rely upon existing nursing knowledge and education. Graduates from nursing bridge programs that meet accreditation requirements specific grade level requirements in this standard must also be met in addition to the following:

(a) Master's Level Bridge Program Education Appointments Prior to Graduation. Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who achieve the level in their education in which they 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 for any period up to three years contingent upon full completion of the professional nursing education program, if education verification provided by the school supports the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) equivalency. Upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program, the Nurse may be converted to a permanent appointment under the provisions of section 7401(a)(1) of title 38. Failure to complete the bridge program on which the temporary appointment was based will result in termination of the appointment.

Degree in a Related Field: A graduate level or doctorate degree in health care/management related fields from an institution accredited by the State and approved by the Department of Education at the time the candidate completed the program may be credited as specifically indicated in grade requirements. The graduate level or doctorate degree and coursework must provide evidence in support of the nursing role and duties associated with the assignment and grade level. Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Dimension Requirement for Nurse III: Nurses at Nurse III must meet ALL the following dimension requirements to qualify for Nurse III.

• Practice . Demonstrates expertise in professional practice using the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation) with improved evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.
• Veteran/Patient Driven Care . Leads initiatives to improve Veteran/patient experience. Satisfaction and/or safety beyond the immediate practice setting.
• Leadership . Communicates and collaborates as an effective leader of the inter-professional team, at the expert level, with improved evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.
• Professional Development . Enhances knowledge base and practice evaluation, at the expert level, with improved outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.
• Evidence Based Practice/Research . Leads the identification and integration of evidence-based practice/research with clinical expertise to improve quality of care and resource utilization at the expert level with improved outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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