Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health

Summary This is an Intermittent - Not to exceed 12 Month Position. The Outpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to patients and is accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. The psychiatric MH RN independently provides patient-centered and recovery-oriented care and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients living with Mental Health conditions. Qualifications Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) – a person shall serve in direct patient care positions only if proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency, accredited by ACEN or 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 seek registration as a nurse with a state licensing board before completing the bridge program. Upon obtaining 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). OR graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing – possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for appointment as a nurse who has completed an approved nursing 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 U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who meet basic education requirements but lack licensure may be appointed as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while pursuing licensure; may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case basis. (Grandfathering Provision – existing VHA employees in the 0610 series remain qualified under the effective date of the standard.) Grade Determinations: Scope, Education, and Dimension criteria must be met for grade assignment and level within a grade (details available at Grade/Level Scope Education – Nurse I – Level I: Deliver fundamental, knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. Grade/Level Scope Education – Nurse I – Level II: Demonstrate integration of biopsychosocial concepts and technical competence for clients with basic or complex needs. Grade/Level Scope Education – Nurse I – Level III: Demonstrate proficiency in practice based on conscious planning and self‑directed goal setting for complex client situations. Grade/Level Scope Education – Nurse II: Demonstrate leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaboration. Grade/Level Scope Education – Nurse III: Execute position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. Physical Requirements: The position requires potentially long periods of walking, standing, and sitting; exposure to infected patients and contaminated materials; occasional exposure to combative patients; requires a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations. Must comply with any Employee Health requirements. Duties Provide competent, evidence‑based care to patients and ensure accountability for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Coordinate care focused on patient education, self‑management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Follow procedures per established policies and guidelines. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to influence care outcomes. Participate actively in unit/program‑level quality improvement processes and initiatives and customer service programs. Assist in directing nursing education, orientation, and competencies, and in providing quality improvement and outcome utilization. Provide patient‑centered, recovery‑oriented care while maintaining self‑awareness. 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 educate Veterans, their family members, and significant others about illness, medications, and treatment plans. Manage patient care, organize and prioritize patient needs, and ensure completion of assigned tasks. Participate in care coordination, liaise with inpatient MH units, facilitate continuity of care, attend MH interdisciplinary treatment team huddles and meetings, and respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies as directed. Provide and direct Veteran/patient‑driven care that optimizes the patient’s experience, satisfaction, and safety. Report and address safety concerns; document nursing triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, and patient plans of care per facility policy. Maintain professional boundaries, protect patient vulnerabilities, and act in the best interest of the patient. Model ethical behavior and foster a safe and supportive environment for professional development of healthcare professionals. Demonstrate knowledge across a wide range of responsibilities, communicate effectively with individuals and groups, and build teamwork and purpose. Promote collaborative behavior and team efforts. Confidently initiate solutions, remain alert to new opportunities, techniques, and approaches. Integrate individual preferences and goals into evidence‑based decision‑making. Position is intermittent, expecting 20‑30 hours/week to cover planned and extended staff absences; covers both the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks outpatient mental health clinics. Benefits VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Competitive salary with regular raises and potential performance awards. Paid Time Off: Not applicable. Retirement: Not applicable. Insurance: Not applicable. Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory. Work Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:00‑4:30 (intermittent/as‑needed basis). Telework: May be available as determined by local leaders and subject to change; not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr