Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatric Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration • Columbia, SC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Nurse III Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) works in Mental Health Service, providing a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and advancement of the Veterans Affairs mission. The role provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management for Veterans with mental health needs.

The PMHNP uses advanced clinical judgment to independently provide evidence-based treatment for acute and chronic mental illness, including psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, and other modalities. The position also provides patient and family education, treats substance use disorders, orders and interprets diagnostic studies, and coordinates referrals and consultations. The PMHNP collaborates with mental health and specialty-care professionals and involves Veterans and their families, as appropriate, in treatment planning.

This is a permanent, non-virtual position with a Monday-through-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change based on agency needs. Telework and relocation or recruitment incentives are not available. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program requirements and approval; approved awards may be up to $200,000 for one to five years.

Requirements

• Post-master's certificate, master's degree, or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner.
• Graduate of an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE); foreign nursing education must meet the stated equivalency validation requirements.
• Active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Maintain current, full basic board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from ANCC, AANPCB, or another nationally recognized certifying body in the area of academic preparation.
• For Nurse Practitioner III: meet the basic education requirements and have at least one year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.
• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Pass required pre-employment screening, including a physical evaluation and, for testing-designated positions, urinalysis; comply with background/security investigation and applicable onboarding requirements.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience treating substance use disorders, including ambulatory detoxification from opioids and alcohol and initiating medication-assisted treatment in an outpatient setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based treatment independently to Veterans with acute or chronic mental illness, including psychotropic medication, psychotherapy, and other modalities.
• Educate patients and families about medical and mental health conditions, preventive measures, and prescribed treatments.
• Collaborate with mental health and specialty-care professionals and involve Veterans and their families, as appropriate, in developing treatment plans.
• Assess and adjust plans of care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Counsel and treat patients with substance use disorders.
• Order and interpret laboratory tests, other tests, and diagnostic studies.
• Initiate referrals and consultations to specialty services.
• Demonstrate the VA ICARE values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program eligibility, with approved awards of up to $200,000 for one to five years, subject to eligibility and program approval.
• 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.
• 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: Senior