Registered Nurse- Inpatient 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. 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. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. 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). 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 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 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 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, 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. Preferred Experience: Mental health nursing experience. 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: Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I – Level I: Delivers fundamental, knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. 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. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 1; 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. 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 the Nurse I – Level 2; 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 – Level 3; or an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3; or a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3; 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. 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. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Preferred Experience: Previous acute mental health experience. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of examination. Duties The Inpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse (RN) provides 24‑hour nursing care and leads the provision of patient‑centered, recovery‑oriented care and milieu management. The RN facilitates shift reports and warm hand‑offs – leads psychoeducational groups – uses therapeutic communication techniques – practices de‑escalation techniques – and consistently utilizes recovery‑oriented language. Major duties include – but are not limited to: Actively participates in the MH interdisciplinary treatment team – MH Environment of Care rounds – and assumes the role of team lead for psychiatric emergencies. Recognizes and supports suicide prevention initiatives – reports and assists in resolving safety concerns – and documents nursing assessments, individualized treatment plans with veteran‑centered goals, patient safety observations, and environmental safety rounds in accordance with facility policy. Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and consistently acts in the best interest of the patient. Participates in unit quality improvement activities and contributes to professional development of self and colleagues through MH knowledge sharing. Evaluates and questions clinical practices as needed to ensure the delivery of evidence‑based MH nursing care. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards 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 401(K) 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. Work Schedule: Night shift 7:30pm‑7:30am – plus one 8‑hour tour every two weeks – either 7:15pm‑3:15am or 11:15pm‑7:15am; 80 hours per pay period. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more about Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care – you will operate in a model with three core elements – seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being. #J-18808-Ljbffr