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.
The Outpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to patients and is accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Follows procedures per established policies and guidelines.
Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives as well as customer service programs. They will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and enhance outcomes utilization.
The psychiatric MH RN independently provides patient-centered and recovery-oriented care and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients living with MH conditions. Duties include but are not limited to: Independently provides patient-centered and recovery-oriented care and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients living with MH conditions.
Facilitate warm hand-offs, tele-mental health care, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups; use therapeutic communication techniques, practice de-escalation techniques, utilize recovery-oriented language, and provide Veterans, their family members, and/or significant others with education regarding their illness, medications, and treatment plan. Manages the care of patients, while organizing and prioritizing patient care needs, and ensuring assigned tasks are completed.
Actively participates in care coordination, liaising with Inpatient MH Units to facilitate continuity of care, MH interdisciplinary treatment team huddles and meetings and responds to psychiatric and medical emergencies as directed. Provides and directs others in Veteran/patient driven care that optimizes the patient's experience, satisfaction, and/or safety for a team of patients.
Reports and addresses safety concerns, document nursing triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, and patient plan of care, according to facility policy. Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient. Role models and displays ethical behavior. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals.
Demonstrates knowledge over a wide range of job responsibilities, effectively communicating with individuals and groups to build a strong sense of teamwork and purpose. Promotes collaborative behavior and team efforts. Is confident of abilities, effectively initiates solutions and, is alert to new opportunities, techniques, and approaches. Integrates individual preferences and goals into evidence-based decision-making.
Preferred Experience: Mental Health Nursing Experience preferred 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: M-F 8-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Schedule may be available Telework: Available as determined by local leaders and subject to change Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN15edrp@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Bethanne.Rheney@va.gov · 361-277-9058
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $75487 – $153842/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-09-18.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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