Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Muskogee, OK

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse provides and leads competent, evidence-based care for patients living with mental health conditions. The nurse independently provides patient-centered, recovery-oriented care, manages the therapeutic milieu, and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients. The position may float to other patient care areas as needed.

This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until December 14, 2026, or until vacancies are filled. The first group of eligible applicants will be reviewed November 13, 2026, with subsequent reviews conducted periodically. The position may be filled at one of several nursing grades and levels based on the candidate's qualifications. The assigned work schedule will be one of the schedules listed in the announcement. Telework and virtual work are not available; relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program requirements and approval. Applicants must submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. The program office determines approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years); former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Applicants must meet VA nursing education and licensure requirements, including graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing (or an applicable exception) and current, full, active, unrestricted nurse registration in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. English proficiency is required for direct patient care. Mental health experience is preferred but not required. The position includes physical activities normally associated with nursing and direct patient care, such as extended periods of walking, standing, or sitting, moderate lifting, bending, and kneeling.

Requirements

• Demonstrate basic written and spoken English proficiency.
• Graduate from a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by ACEN or CCNE when the program was completed, or meet an applicable education exception described in the announcement.
• Hold current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the Graduate Nurse Technician exception.
• Meet the education, experience, and practice-dimension requirements for the assigned VA nurse grade and level.
• Meet VA pre-employment requirements, including applicable drug testing, background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except where non-citizen appointment is permitted under VA policy.

Nice To Haves

• Mental health experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-centered, recovery-oriented care and manage the care environment for patients with mental health conditions.
• Facilitate shift reports, warm hand-offs, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups.
• Use therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques, and use recovery-oriented language.
• Report and assist in resolving safety concerns.
• Document nursing assessments, plans of care, patient safety observations, and environmental safety rounds according to facility policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and act in the patient's best interest.
• Foster a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals.
• Float to other patient care areas as needed.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential performance awards.
• 50 days of paid time off per year: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree