Registered Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

About the role

The Inpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse (RN) position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Eligibility requirements and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates shift reports, warm hand-offs, and develops content for nurse-led psychoeducational groups
• Uses therapeutic communication techniques, practices de-escalation techniques, and utilizes recovery-oriented language
• Obtains and maintains all levels of Preventative and Management of Disruptive Behavior Training (PMDB) and competency to promote safety in the inpatient psychiatric setting
• Participates in MH interdisciplinary treatment team, MH Environment of Care rounds, directs team response to psychiatric emergencies, reports safety concerns, and assists in safety concern resolution
• Demonstrates performance and leadership that improves the care for MH patients
• Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient
• Collaborates in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Evaluates MH outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes for individuals, groups, and populations
• Works effectively with all levels of staff, including collaborative efforts with other health professionals
• Adheres to established policies, standards of care, and standards of practice
• Serves as a role model when assigned as team leader or charge nurse under the supervision of the Nurse Manager or designee

Requirements

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency
• 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: ACEN or CCNE
• 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 before completion of the bridge program
• Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
• Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply

Qualifications

• 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: ACEN or CCNE
• 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 before completion of the bridge program
• Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
• Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply

Skills

• Experience working with Veteran patients - highly desired
• Mental Health Experience - preferred
• At least 3 years RN Experience - preferred
• BSN or MSN highly desired

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Regular salary increases
• Potential for performance awards
• 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting)
• 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)

Pay

Competitive salary - regular salary increases - potential for performance awards

Schedule

Full-Time - Night Shift with rotating weekends/holidays

Contact Information

Contact VISN5HREDRPCoordinators@va.gov for questions/assistance regarding the EDRP.