Registered Nurse Mental Health (PTSD Domiciliary)

Veterans Health Administration • Topeka, KS

5d

About The Position

The Domiciliary Mental Health Registered Nurse provides and leads competent, evidence-based care for assigned patients, including people living with substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions. The nurse supports patient-centered, recovery-oriented care and maintains self-awareness and professional boundaries while protecting patient vulnerabilities and acting in patients’ best interests.

The role includes supporting nursing education, orientation, competency development, quality improvement, and outcomes-utilization consultation. The nurse facilitates shift reports, warm hand-offs, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups; uses therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and recovery-oriented language; and oversees the patient safe medication management program. The nurse participates in interdisciplinary mental health treatment teams, patient safety and environment-of-care rounds, and responds to psychiatric and medical needs and emergencies as directed. The position also involves documenting assessments, risk screens, plans of care, and safety and environment-of-care rounds according to facility policy, reporting safety concerns, and supporting colleagues through knowledge sharing and evidence-based practice.

The work schedule is 7:30 AM–8:00 PM, including weekends on a rotating basis. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program eligibility and approval; awards may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. VA’s stated total rewards include paid time off, retirement benefits, insurance, competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential performance awards.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited professional nursing program, or qualifying alternative education described in the announcement.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registered nurse licensure in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; qualifying Graduate Nurse Technician appointments may be available to candidates pursuing licensure.
• Meet the education and experience criteria for the assigned Nurse grade and level.
• Meet the applicable grade-level dimensions, which include practice, Veteran/patient-driven care, leadership, professional development, and evidence-based practice/research.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• For males born after December 31, 1959, Selective Service registration is required.
• Complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding; provide acceptable identification and pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Submit to pre-appointment urinalysis if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of VA employment.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete application requirements detailed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.

Nice To Haves

• Psychiatric nursing experience.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Responsibilities

• Provide and lead competent, evidence-based care for assigned patients.
• Support nursing education, orientation, competency development, quality improvement, and outcomes-utilization consultation.
• Provide patient-centered, recovery-oriented care to patients with substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions.
• Facilitate shift reports, warm hand-offs, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups.
• Use therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and recovery-oriented language.
• Oversee the patient safe medication management program.
• Participate in the mental health interdisciplinary treatment team and patient safety and environment-of-care rounds.
• Respond to psychiatric and medical care needs and emergencies as directed.
• Report safety concerns and document nursing assessments, risk screens, plans of care, and safety and environment-of-care rounds according to facility policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and act in the best interest of patients.
• Support colleagues through knowledge sharing and contribute to a safe, supportive environment for healthcare professionals.
• Question clinical practices to promote evidence-based care.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• Potential performance awards.
• 50 days of paid time off per year: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• 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