Registered Nurse -Mental Health Outpatient

Summary This position is located in the Nursing Mental Health unit at the Nashville VA in Nashville, TN. Qualifications English language proficiency – basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a professional nursing school approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time the program was completed. Or individuals attending a master’s‑level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s level degree may have the 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 applicant 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). Foreign school graduates: possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for an appointment as a nurse with an associated degree/entry level nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher than an associate degree/entry level requires 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 (including Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) exception: candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements but lack licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the applicable grade and level 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 the 0610 series and performing the duties as described 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: scope‑education and dimension criteria defined in the online assessment ( determine grade and level assignment. Grade/Level Scope for Nurse I – Level I: delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. Level I: an associate degree (ADN) or diploma in nursing with no additional professional nursing required. Level II: demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts; an ADN or diploma plus one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level I, or a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience required. Level III: demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning; requires an ADN or diploma plus two years of professional nursing experience where one year is equivalent to Nurse I – Level 2, or a BSN and one year of professional nursing experience, or a master’s degree in nursing with no additional professional nursing experience, or a master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Grade/Level Scope for Nurse II – Level I, II, III and Nurse III – include leadership and management of complex client care as defined in the qualification standard. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit Physical Requirements Pre‑placement physical examination required for all full‑time, part‑time, and intermittent employees identified by VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Examination to be completed prior to appointment to determine physical and mental fitness for the position. Assessment will include requisite laboratory and other screening as required by federal regulatory agencies. Position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. May require long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs; may require transferring patients and objects. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on organizational needs. Must complete annual employee health requirements such as annual influenza vaccination and TB screening or testing as a condition of employment. Duties Executes position responsibilities to improve patient and organizational outcomes. Provides patient‑centered and recovery‑oriented care while maintaining self‑awareness while caring for patients living with mental health conditions. Facilitates care coordination by linking with inpatient mental health units to ensure continuity of care, participates in interdisciplinary treatment team huddles and meetings, and develops content for nurse‑led psychoeducational groups. Uses therapeutic communication techniques, practice de‑escalation techniques, and recovery‑oriented language while providing veterans and their families with education regarding illness, medications, and treatment plans. Assists and directs safety‑concern resolution and collaborates with program leadership to improve patient and program outcomes and directs team response to psychiatric and medical emergencies. Documents nursing triage assessments, risk screens, measurement‑based care tools, clinical reminders, and patient plan of care according to facility policy. Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient. Provides peers with formal or informal constructive feedback for improvement. Supports colleagues and other nurses through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of health care professionals. Benefits VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: 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). Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% 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 U.S. state or territory. Work Schedule: Based on the needs of the service. Telework: Ad‑hoc. May be authorized at supervisory discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Pay scale: NG 57. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs