Registered Nurse- Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI)

Veterans Health Administration • Newington, CT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This full-time outpatient nursing position supports Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) services in the Mental Health service at the Newington VA Healthcare System’s Newington, Connecticut campus. The nurse works with primary care providers, mental health clinicians, and other interdisciplinary team members to provide Veterans with timely, coordinated, and comprehensive care. The position is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, on a day-shift schedule of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and timely application. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA program office. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply. Relocation and recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station benefits are not authorized.

The role requires a current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing registration in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, along with qualifying nursing education from an appropriately accredited program. Preferred experience includes mental health nursing, triage, and crisis de-escalation; a BSN is preferred. Grade and step depend on the selected candidate’s qualifications and approved assignment. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from a professional nursing program accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or qualifying equivalent education as described in the posting.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a temporary Graduate Nurse Technician appointment may be available to qualifying candidates pursuing licensure.
• Meet the education and experience criteria for the assigned Nurse grade and level.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Selected applicants are subject to pre-employment drug testing, background/security investigation, physical evaluation, and required onboarding.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Must complete all application requirements specified in the announcement.
• Physical ability to lift and carry, reach above shoulder level, use fingers, walk and stand for up to eight hours, bend repeatedly, and work alone; the role may involve protracted or irregular hours and occasional emotional strain.

Nice To Haves

• Nursing experience in mental health.
• Strong triage and crisis de-escalation skills.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health nursing assessments, screenings, and follow-up evaluations.
• Provide brief, evidence-based nursing interventions and patient education for Veterans experiencing depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health conditions.
• Assist with medication monitoring, treatment adherence, and symptom management in collaboration with prescribers.
• Facilitate referrals and coordinate care among primary care, mental health, and community resources.
• Support same-day access to mental health services and timely follow-up care.
• Formulate plans of care based on nursing assessments and Veterans’ goals of care.
• Use measurement-based care tools, including the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and other standardized screening instruments.
• Promote Whole Health principles, self-management strategies, and Veteran engagement in treatment.
• Assess suicide risk and coordinate appropriate interventions in accordance with VA policies and established protocols.
• Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation and participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000.
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree