Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health

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) & 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 ineligible to apply

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

The Outpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients. They will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation. The Outpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse practices within Outpatient MH programs, including Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder program, and Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP), Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI), and Mental Health Triage.

The nurse will provide assessment and intervention services for patients enrolled. Patient populations include Veterans who present with the full range of DSM-5 mental disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. Patients are likely to present with co-morbid medical conditions, functional decline, and unstable living conditions. The nurse leads within a framework of a High Reliability Organization with culture of safety founded on a systems approach to developing health care solutions based on prevention, not punishment, with collective mindfulness.

Mental Health RN are constantly building upon current clinical competencies. Serves as an advocate for the veteran and is obligated to demonstrate nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory attitudes and behaviors that are sensitive to veteran diversity. The RN is accountable to function as an effective team member, team leader, preceptor and/or charge nurse. The Outpatient Mental Health RN will provide assessment and intervention services for Veterans enrolled in the Transmagnetic Stimulation program.

These positions will require standing and walking for extended periods of time as well as hearing and vision corrected to the near normal range. RN will perform other duties under the direction of the nurse manager or designee as assigned.

The Outpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

* Attends and participates in MH interdisciplinary team huddles and meetings.

* 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 their illness, medications, and treatment plan.

* Participates in warm hand-off, care coordination, liaising with Inpatient MH Units to facilitate continuity of care, and responds to psychiatric and medical emergencies as directed.

* Documents nursing triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, and patient plan of care in accordance with facility policy.

* Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient.

* Provides direct patient care including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and clinical support.

* Provides acute and routine psychiatric assessment and intervention for a variety of bio-psychosocial, PTSD, SUD, and medical concerns and assists the RRT Program staff in developing a recovery-based plan of care for the patients.

* Works directly with the RRTP professionals, psychiatric, and clinical staff to support clinical treatment. Collaborates with patients, staff, and other care providers.

* Administer medications and complete other applicable psychosocial interventions.

* Uses the nursing process and evidence-based practice in assessing patients' medical and MH needs, developing initial care plans, monitoring patients' status, and providing transitional care, all from a perspective of recovery-oriented, personalized, proactive, patient centered, holistic treatment approach.

Work Schedule:

Full Time, Night Shift Starting 1930 to 0800

Telework:
Not available

Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment

Incentives:

Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized.

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…