Registered Nurse (Mental Health, Inpatient)

Veterans Health Administration • Bedford, MA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

This permanent, full-time Registered Nurse position is in the Nursing, Mental Health service at the Bedford VA Healthcare System in Bedford, Massachusetts. The nurse provides patient-centered, recovery-oriented care to patients with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The position is 40 hours per week and is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and application review. EDRP may reimburse up to $200,000; the award amount and eligibility period of one to five years are determined by the program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

The role requires a current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing registration in a U.S. state or territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Applicants must meet the applicable education and grade-determination requirements for the nursing level and demonstrate English proficiency. A Graduate Nurse Technician exception may apply to eligible candidates who are pursuing licensure.

The position is not virtual and telework is unavailable. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station benefits are not authorized. Applicants must meet federal employment conditions, including citizenship requirements, background/security screening, pre-employment physical evaluation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements. The position may require a probationary period and annual Employee Health requirements.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing, or qualifying education under the stated bridge-program or foreign-education provisions.
• Current, full, active, and 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 to candidates actively pursuing licensure.
• Meet the education, experience, and scope requirements applicable to the assigned nurse grade and level.
• Meet federal employment conditions, including applicable U.S. citizenship requirements, background/security investigation, pre-employment drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position, pre-employment physical evaluation, and seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening or testing.
• Ability to meet the position's physical requirements, including visual acuity, hearing, clear speech, manual dexterity, and periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and possible object transfer.
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations and shift priorities based on patient needs.

Nice To Haves

• One year of mental health or detox experience.

Responsibilities

• Attend and observe nurse-led psychoeducational groups.
• Use therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques.
• Use recovery-oriented language when working with patients.
• Identify safety concerns and hazardous items to maintain a safe, therapeutic care environment.
• Oversee the patient safe medication management program.
• Identify and report psychiatric and medical care needs and emergencies as directed.
• Document nursing assessments, risk screens, nursing plans of care, patient safety rounds, and environmental-of-care rounds in accordance with facility policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and act in the best interests of patients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program reimbursement of up to $200,000, 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree