Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health

Summary Robley Rex VA Healthcare System - Louisville - Kentucky is currently recruiting for a Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health Louisville - Kentucky 603. Qualifications English Language Proficiency – in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f); no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing 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). 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 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 individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. 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) 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). 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. Preferred experience: 2 years in outpatient mental health/inpatient mental health or substance abuse rehab; previous experience in VHA preferred; BSN/MSN preferred. Physical requirements: All selected applicants and employed personnel are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to perform the duties of the position. A pre‑placement physical examination is required for all full‑time, part‑time, and intermittent employees identified by VA Directive and Handbook 5019; this examination assesses mental and physical fitness and includes required laboratory and other screening. Required visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Position requires potentially long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing; ability to lift at least 50 lbs; transferring patients and objects may be required. Exposure to infected patients or contaminated materials may occur; protective clothing may be required. Exposure to combative patients secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders may also occur. Must be mature, flexible, sensible, 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 The outpatient mental health registered nurse (RN) executes position responsibilities to improve patient and organizational outcomes. The psychiatric RN provides patient‑centered and recovery‑oriented care, maintains self‑awareness while caring for patients living with mental health conditions. The RN facilitates care coordination—linking with inpatient mental health units to facilitate continuity of care, interdisciplinary treatment team huddles and meetings, warm hand‑offs, and develops content as well as facilitates nurse‑led psycho‑educational groups. The RN uses therapeutic communication techniques, practices de‑escalation techniques, utilizes recovery‑oriented language, and provides veterans, their family members, and/or significant others with education regarding illness, medications, and treatment plans. The RN reports, assists, and/or directs safety concern resolution and collaborates with program leadership to help improve patient and program outcomes; directs team response to psychiatric and medical emergencies. The RN demonstrates leadership, creativity, and experience in managing complex client care. The RN documents nursing triage assessments, risk screens, measurement‑based care tools, clinical reminders, and patient plan of care according to facility policy. The RN maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities, acts in the best interest of the patient, provides peers with formal or informal constructive feedback, supports colleagues through knowledge sharing, and fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to professional development of health care professionals. #J-18808-Ljbffr