Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA•San Diego, CA

21d

About The Position

The Nurse (Clinical/Psychiatric) performs mental health nursing assessments, develops nursing plans of care, educates patients and families, administers medications, and participates in psychiatric treatment and education. The nurse directs the work of other clinical and support personnel. The role may include shift work and may be designated mission essential, requiring reporting during emergencies. The position requires eligibility for and maintenance of a Secret security clearance or access, pre-employment and annual physical examinations, drug testing, required certifications, immunization screening, influenza vaccination, tuberculosis testing, and clinical credentialing and privileges. The position is subject to a one-year probationary period. A graduate or higher-level nursing degree or diploma from an accredited professional nursing program and an active, unrestricted professional nursing license are required, with specified education and experience qualifications or qualifying doctoral education. The position is open to U.S. citizens. Recruitment or relocation incentives, advanced leave accrual, and advanced in-hire may be authorized for highly qualified candidates; PCS costs are not authorized. Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with specific eligibility depending on position type.

Requirements

Graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program, subject to the stated federal employee exemption.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted professional nurse license or registration from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory, and passage of the National Council Licensure Examination, subject to the stated exemption.
For foreign nursing-school graduates, official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required.
A diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in Nursing from a professional nursing program and at least one full year of professional nursing experience equivalent to GS-9 or above, including psychiatric or mental health assessments for adult patients, patient or staff education, and medication administration; alternatively, a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field.
Applicants using foreign education must have credentials evaluated as equivalent to accredited U.S. education or have full course credit granted by a U.S.-accredited college or university.
Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access.
Must complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
Subject to pre-employment drug screening and random testing, including testing based on reasonable suspicion and direct involvement in an on-duty accident.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. in regular performance of duties.
Must obtain and maintain Basic Life Support certification from or in accordance with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Must meet applicable immunization or immunity screening requirements, annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements, and tuberculosis testing requirements.
Must fulfill credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate or relevant clinical privileges.
Must complete a one-year probationary period unless previously meeting the stated exception.
Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
If using the stated federal employee exemption, applicants must provide documentation validating their status and meet the applicable education or registration requirements.

Nice To Haves

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Advanced leave accrual may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Advanced in-hire may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive mental health nursing assessments to identify existing and potential problems and formulate nursing plans of care.
Teach patients and families about disease processes, treatment modalities, possible adverse medication reactions, health maintenance, and illness prevention.
Administer psychotropic and complex medications via oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal, topical, rectal, respiratory, and intravenous routes.
Develop and present classes related to psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Participate as an active member in classes sponsored by other members of the multidisciplinary team.
Participate in group and milieu therapy as well as individual therapies.
Direct the work of Psychiatric Technicians, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, students, and volunteers.