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) Clinic Registered Nurse (RN) is located at the Fort Dodge Iowa CBOC and is responsible for providing competent, evidence based care to assigned patients. The MH Clinic RN will support and help direct the delivery of nursing education, staff orientation, and competency development.
The RN will also participate in quality improvement initiatives and provide consultation on the utilization of outcomes data to enhance patient care and clinical processes. The psychiatric MH clinic RN independently provides patient-centered and recovery-oriented care and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients living with MH conditions.
Major duties include but are not limited to: Responsible and 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.
Will facilitate warm handoffs, 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 using face-to-face, telephone, and virtual modalities.
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, providing information about the crisis hotline, as pertinent.
Reports and addresses safety concerns, document nursing triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, injections, medication cassette refill management, Battlefield acupuncture, patient plan of care, and all other required documentation in accordance with facility policy. Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient.
Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals. Cross-trains into other MH programmatic areas to assist in ensuring competent care and coverage needs.
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, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Preferred Experience: 2 years of mental health experience Bachelors of science degree in nursing (BSN) The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
dacia.blascoe@va.gov · 612-467-2386
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $69723 – $126546/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-19.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
Apply on official site →