The Chief Nurse, Mental Health (CN MH), is an integral member of Nursing Executive Leadership and the Mental Health Executive Management Team. The CN MH has direct line responsibility for the nursing staff assigned to Mental Health (MH), either as the direct supervisor or as a reviewing official for practice and performance. The CN MH may serve as a delegate for the Deputy Chief Nurse Executive and Associate Director for Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive.
The Chief Nurse (CN) of Mental Health (MH) functions as an advisor, administrator, educator, consultant, and mentor who possesses a wide range of experience and leadership ability. The CN MH provides senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative operations within nursing as directed by the Associate Director for Patient Care Services (ADPCS).
Duties include but are not limited to the following: The CN MH supports the integration and collaboration of nursing with other professional disciplines and functional areas in the mutual achievement of patient-centered and organizational goals. They champion a High Reliability Organization (HRO) with a culture of safety founded on a systems approach to developing evidence-based health care solutions based on prevention, not punishment, with collective mindfulness.
The CN MH collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, including other program and service leaders at the facility and network. They work closely to establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) staff nationwide. The CN MH relates effectively with customers, families, and the community, as well as program and service leaders at the local and network levels.
The CN MH assists the ADPCS with healthcare operations and performs expected functions and activities. The CN MH contributes ideas and recommendations for the establishment of standards of care, policies, and objectives for the enhancement of nursing. The Chief Nurse, Mental Health, is responsible for other duties as assigned.
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: Monday-Friday, 8am - 4:30pm EST Telework: ADHOC eligibility only following agency and facility guidance.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Christina.Vanderwerff@va.gov · 4106422411
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $149294 – $198552/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-14.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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