Registered Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan 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.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate shift reports, warm hand-offs, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups
• Use therapeutic communication techniques, practice de-escalation techniques, and utilize recovery-oriented language
• Participate in MH interdisciplinary treatment team, MH Environment of Care rounds, assume team lead for psychiatric emergencies, report and assist in resolving safety concerns
• Document nursing assessments, nursing plan of care, patient safety observations, and environmental safety rounds according to facility policy
• Maintain professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient
• Maintain oversight of licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants, as appropriate to the setting
• Assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies, and provide quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation
• Provide informal constructive feedback for improvement to peers
• Foster a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals
• Contribute professional nursing perspective in discussions with the MH interdisciplinary team
• Support colleagues through MH knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care
• Share MH educational findings, experiences, and ideas with peers
• Participate in activities and strategies to sustain an evidence-based MH practice culture

Requirements

This vacancy is open to current permanent Veterans Health Administration Employees and US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency, Graduate of a school of professional nursing, Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
• Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12999583.
• Selective Placement Factor: Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license from a U.S. state or territory, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required, Must be able to perform physical intervention techniques and participate in Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) training.