Registered Nurse- Inpatient Mental Health (Intermittent)

Veterans Health Administration • West Haven, CT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse position is in 8 East Nursing, Mental Health service at VA Connecticut Healthcare Systems in West Haven, Connecticut. It is intermittent, with variable days and hours based on departmental needs, including days, evenings, and nights. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

The nurse promotes personal growth and development of psychiatric mental health nursing practice, building awareness of inpatient mental health treatment principles and goals, patient-centered care, recovery-oriented principles, and self-awareness in caring for patients living with mental health conditions. The nurse delivers fundamental nursing care while developing technical skills and applying limited critical-thinking skills. The role involves coordinating care, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, using therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques, and helping maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

The position requires an accredited nursing education and current, full, active, unrestricted RN registration in a U.S. state or territory, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated graduate nurse technician exception. Applicants must meet applicable grade-level education and experience criteria. Preferred qualifications include prior mental health experience, a BSN, strong communication skills, and the ability to work on an interdisciplinary team. The position requires a pre-employment physical and medical examination and may involve a probationary period. The work includes lifting, carrying, reaching, finger use, walking and standing for up to eight hours, repeated bending, working alone, protracted or irregular hours, and occasional emotional strain.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an approved professional nursing school accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or another listed qualifying education pathway.
• Current, full, active, unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a Graduate Nurse Technician exception may apply as described in the posting.
• Meet the education and experience criteria for the assigned nurse grade and level; these vary by grade and include ADN, BSN, MSN, or doctoral education and, for some levels, specified professional or specialized nursing experience.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of VA employment.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• Meet the physical requirements, including lifting, carrying, reaching above shoulder, finger use, walking and standing for eight hours, repeated bending, working alone, protracted or irregular hours, and occasional emotional strain.

Nice To Haves

• Previous mental health experience.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical skills.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care using age-specific components.
• Coordinate care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care.
• Administer medications and perform procedures according to established policies and guidelines.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to influence care outcomes.
• Attend and observe nurse-led psychoeducational groups; use therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and recovery-oriented language.
• Participate in shift reports and warm hand-offs, mental health interdisciplinary treatment team activities, and mental health Environment of Care rounds; respond to psychiatric emergencies as directed.
• Identify safety concerns and hazardous items to maintain a safe and therapeutic care environment.
• Document nursing assessments, plans of care, patient safety observations, and environmental safety rounds in accordance with facility policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and act in the patient's best interest.
• Seek guidance to improve mental health care provided to patients and families.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Regular salary increases.
• Potential for performance awards.
• VA comprehensive total rewards package; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type and other factors, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree