Outpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse

Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: 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 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 temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); 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 that 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, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12956714. 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. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;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. 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 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; 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 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with 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 *related field with 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 and 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 - BSN or higher nursing degree. - Recent Mental Health/Psychiatric nursing experience in outpatient, inpatient, residential, or crisis settings. - Experience with suicide prevention protocols and crisis intervention strategies. - Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care principles. - Strong communication, de-escalation, and therapeutic engagement skills. - Experience using electronic medical records, preferably CPRS. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: - Heavy lifting (up to 45 lb ); pushing, pulling, and carrying light to moderate items. - Standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods. - Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations. - Visual acuity, hearing (with or without aids), and manual dexterity required. - Emotional and mental stability to work effectively with acutely distressed or unpredictable patients. - Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as computer documentation.

The Mental Health Outpatient RN delivers safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care to Veterans receiving psychiatric and behavioral health services in an outpatient setting. This role supports comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, medication management, crisis intervention, and care coordination to foster recovery, independence, and improved mental health outcomes. The RN works collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to provide high-quality, trauma-informed care that adheres to VHA standards and policies. The responsibilities of the RN BHIP include but are not limited to: - Conducting comprehensive mental health nursing assessments, including suicide-risk screening, psychosocial evaluation, medication adherence review, and identification of risk factors. - Providing direct patient care, including medication administration, injections, health teaching, and symptom management for Veterans engaged in Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) services. - Participating as an integral member of the interdisciplinary BHIP team collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other providers in treatment planning and ongoing evaluation. - Supporting care coordination and case management functions, including follow-up on treatment plans, coordination with specialty services, and connecting Veterans to internal and community resources. - Performing crisis intervention and de-escalation, responding to acute changes in mental status, and activating emergency protocols when indicated to maintain safety for Veterans and staff. - Monitoring and documenting patient progress, responses to treatment, side effects, and changes in mental health status, ensuring timely communication with the BHIP team. - Providing patient and family education focused on recovery-oriented care, coping strategies, medication understanding, and wellness interventions. - Facilitating communication among providers, ensuring continuity across levels of care such as primary care, inpatient psychiatry, residential programs, and community partners. - Participating in performance improvement initiatives, population health strategies, safety huddles, and evidence-based program implementation within the Mental Health Service. - Maintaining compliance with VHA directives, Joint Commission standards, infection control practices, and all nursing practice policies. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards 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: 0730-1600 , Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized