Registered Nurse; RN - Inpatient Mental Health

Overview

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) and 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.

• The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive, patient-centered care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric and behavioral health issues in a secure inpatient setting. This role involves assessing mental health needs, developing and implementing individualized care plans, administering medications, monitoring for behavioral and physical changes, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to promote patient stabilization and recovery.
• The RN plays a vital role in delivering safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health conditions. The RN conducts comprehensive physical and mental health assessments upon admission and continues to monitor patients throughout their stay, observing for changes in mental status, behavior, and physical condition. All assessments, interventions, and patient responses are documented accurately and in a timely manner.
  
  The nurse administers psychiatric and other prescribed medications, monitors for side effects and therapeutic effectiveness, and educates patients about their medications to ensure adherence to the treatment plan.
• In crisis situations, the RN utilizes approved de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies in response to aggressive or self-harming behavior. When necessary, they implement PMDB or other facility-approved behavioral management protocols to maintain a safe environment. The nurse actively participates in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, contributes feedback, and helps develop individualized treatment plans based on patient goals, diagnoses, and progress. Effective communication with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and other care team members is essential to coordinate care.
• Using active listening, empathy, and therapeutic communication skills, the RN supports each patient s emotional and psychological needs while promoting autonomy and dignity. The nurse may also facilitate or co-facilitate psycho educational and therapeutic groups as required. Maintaining a secure and therapeutic environment is a priority; this includes conducting safety rounds and room checks to prevent harm or contraband, and responding promptly to behavioral codes or emergencies within the unit.
• The RN provides patient education on mental health diagnoses, medications, coping skills, and available community resources. They collaborate with the treatment team to support safe transitions of care upon discharge. Adherence to hospital policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements is expected at all times. The RN maintains accurate, complete, and confidential nursing records in the electronic health record (EHR) system and participates in ongoing education, mandatory training, and performance improvement initiatives.
  
  Maintaining current licensure and required certifications is essential. The nurse also assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and provides support for any additional care needs, especially in the veteran population.

• 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 401K 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:
  
  7:30am - 8:00pm; 6 x 12-hour shifts, 1 x 8-hour shift, rotating weekends & holidays
• Compressed/Flexible:
  Compressed
• Telework:
  Not Available
• Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  Not Authorized
• EDRP Authorized:
  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) and 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.

• Requires current licensure in accordance with applicable state or territory requirements.
• No other…