Registered Nurse- Outpatient Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration • Fort Dodge, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic Registered Nurse is located at the Fort Dodge Iowa Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and provides competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients. The nurse supports and helps direct nursing education, staff orientation, and competency development; participates in quality improvement initiatives; and consults on using outcomes data to improve patient care and clinical processes. The psychiatric mental health nurse independently provides patient-centered, recovery-oriented care while maintaining self-awareness when caring for patients living with mental health conditions.

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

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 0730–1600. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) are not authorized. Preferred experience includes two years of mental health experience and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

The VA describes its care model as a Whole Health System that empowers people to manage their health and well-being through personalized health plans, healing relationships and environments, and connection to the Veteran’s community. The position supports the Veterans Health Administration mission to provide exceptional health care that improves Veterans’ health and well-being.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing, or qualifying nursing education as specified in VA requirements.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registered nurse licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a specified Graduate Nurse Technician exception may apply.
• Must meet the education, experience, and grade-determination criteria applicable to the appointed Nurse grade and level.
• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Applicants selected for a testing-designated position must pass urinalysis screening for illegal drug use before appointment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Must complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• Must complete application requirements listed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of mental health experience.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Responsibilities

• Provide and/or supervise direct patient care and remain accountable for all elements of the nursing process.
• Coordinate care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care.
• Follow established procedures, policies, and guidelines.
• Facilitate warm handoffs, tele-mental health care, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups.
• Use therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and recovery-oriented language.
• Educate Veterans, family members, and significant others about illnesses, medications, and treatment plans through in-person, telephone, and virtual modalities.
• Coordinate care with inpatient mental health units to support continuity of care and participate in interdisciplinary treatment team huddles and meetings.
• Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies and provide crisis hotline information when pertinent.
• Report and address safety concerns and document triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, injections, medication cassette refill management, Battlefield acupuncture, patient plans of care, and other required information in accordance with facility policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and act in the patient’s best interest.
• Foster a safe, supportive environment conducive to healthcare professionals’ professional development.
• Cross-train in other mental health program areas to help ensure competent care and coverage.
• Support and help direct nursing education, staff orientation, and competency development.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and consult on the use of outcomes data to improve patient care and clinical processes.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with a potential award of up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years, subject to program approval and eligibility requirements.
• 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.
• VA licensure benefit: one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.

What This Job Offers

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