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 Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered, recovery-oriented, and evidence-based nursing care to Veterans receiving outpatient mental health services. The RN assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates nursing care, promotes patient education and self-management, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to support continuity of care, patient safety, and improved health outcomes.
Responsibilities are performed in accordance with established nursing standards, policies, and procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to: Conduct psychosocial and clinical assessments in community settings. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates individualized nursing care based on patient needs, established standards, and evidence-based practices.
Provides patient-centered, recovery-oriented mental health nursing care while promoting patient safety, independence, and self-management. Conducts nursing triage assessments, risk screenings, clinical reminders, and other appropriate clinical assessments. Educates Veterans, families, and caregivers regarding mental health conditions, medications, treatment plans, and available resources.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment teams to coordinate care, facilitate continuity of services, and improve patient outcomes. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, care coordination activities, and transitions of care between inpatient and outpatient settings. Utilizes therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and recovery-oriented approaches when interacting with Veterans experiencing mental health concerns.
Facilitates or participates in nurse-led psychoeducational groups, telehealth services, and other therapeutic interventions. Identifies, reports, and responds to patient safety concerns, psychiatric emergencies, and medical emergencies in accordance with established protocols. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of nursing assessments, interventions, patient education, and plans of care.
Participates in quality improvement initiatives, evidence-based practice activities, and efforts to improve nursing care delivery and patient outcomes. Supports professional development through collaboration, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and participation in nursing education activities. Demonstrates leadership and sound clinical judgment in managing complex patient care situations, consistent with assigned nursing responsibilities and level of practice.
Maintains professional boundaries, protects patient confidentiality, and adheres to applicable nursing standards, policies, and ethical guidelines.
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: Variable weekday schedule, Monday through Friday.
Specific work hours will be determined based on the needs of the service. Telework: Ad-Hoc telework authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN2CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Note for RNs: Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326.
The ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate, masters/post master's certificate, baccalaureate, associate and diploma nursing education programs. (Note: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013.
ACEN's website may be utilized to verify accredited programs using automated inquiry processes; however, for verification of any nursing program's accreditation prior to 1998, an automated inquiry cannot be used and ACEN must be contacted directly via their email contact information on the ACEN website to verify.) The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), located at 655 K Street, NW, Suite 7, Washington, DC 20001.
The CCNE is an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and accredits nursing education programs at the bachelor and master's level.
Detelshia.baker@va.gov · (281) 928-3768
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $70779 – $130281/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-28.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-23 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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