Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Registered Nurse at the Amarillo VA Health Care System in the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) – supporting the care and recovery of Veterans with serious mental illness. The incumbent will provide individual and group care, help with suicide risk assessments and safety planning, and work closely with other team members. Qualifications Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency – proficiency in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a professional nursing school approved by an accredited agency such as ACEN or CCNE. Individuals attending a master’s level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s level degree may 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) Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing who possess 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 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. 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–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. 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. 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 and is 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 II. OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I – Level II. 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 III. OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level III. OR a master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level III. OR a doctoral degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience. OR a doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional 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: At least two years of supervising employees; at least two years of experience with serious mental illness patients. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Services. A pre‑placement examination will be required to determine if the incumbent is able to safely operate a Government Vehicle. Duties Provide clinical oversight and guidance to nursing staff within the PRRC program; ensure nurses adhere to evidence‑based practices in mental health and recovery care; conduct regular reviews of nursing documentation for accuracy and compliance; oversee medication administration processes to ensure safety and effectiveness; coordinate nursing assignments and workload distribution; provide mentorship and support for ongoing professional development; monitor performance, provide feedback, and conduct regular evaluations; supervise nurse facilitates communication between nursing staff and the interdisciplinary team; ensure participation in team meetings and foster collaborative care planning; implement new protocols or best practices; monitor adherence to safety and infection‑control standards; support quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes; assume responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self‑management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Responsible for documented outcomes at the program or service level; monitor and assess Veterans’ mental and physical health status – including supporting suicide risk screenings and safety planning; participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and communicate relevant observations to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other healthcare providers. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm – Monday–Friday. Telework: AD‑HOC telework available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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% contribution 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. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr