Registered Nurse- Inpatient Mental Health

Overview

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan repayment program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval includes an award amount (up to $200,000) and an eligibility period (one to five years) determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Basic Requirements:

• 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 nursing program approved by an accrediting agency (ACEN or CCNE)
• For master's level bridge programs in nursing: may become registered with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program, with temporary appointment possible upon licensure
• Upon state licensure, appointment may be temporary and later converted to permanent upon successful completion of the bridge program
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6
• For graduates of foreign nursing schools: current full, active, and unrestricted registration in a U.S. state/territory or D.C.
• Foreign nursing education higher than an associate degree requires degree equivalency validation from a recognized evaluator (e.g., ICD)
• GNT (Graduate Nurse Technician) exception: may be appointed at entry step without licensure on a temporary basis while pursuing licensure (up to 120 days, may extend up to two years case-by-case)
• Preferred Experience:
  
  1 year inpatient acute mental health experience
• Grade determinations and scope of practice are defined by VA qualification standards

• Provide and lead evidence-based, patient-centered care for patients with mental health conditions
• Facilitate shift reports, warm hand-offs, and nurse-led psycho educational groups
• Utilize therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and recovery-oriented language
• Participate in MH interdisciplinary treatment team, environment of care rounds, and lead psychiatric emergencies as needed
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect patient safety
• Oversee licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants as appropriate
• Contribute to nursing education, orientation, competencies, quality improvement, and outcomes utilization
• Provide informal feedback to peers; foster professional development and a safe learning environment
• Engage in MH knowledge sharing to support safe, high-quality care
• Share MH educational findings and ideas with peers; question clinical practices to support evidence-based care
• Participate in activities to sustain an evidence-based MH practice culture

VA Nurse Total Rewards: competitive salary with regular increases, paid time off (50 days/year), retirement options, federal health/vision/dental/long-term care insurance, licensure support, and a flexible work schedule. Telework is not available; relocation/recruitment incentives not authorized. EDRP participation: former participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Work schedule varies/rotating shifts (examples include 7:30pm-8:00am, 12:00am-8:00am, 7:30am-8:00pm, etc.). 72/80 schedule eligibility may require orientation and adherence to hospital policy. This is not a virtual position. Learn more and discuss details during interview.