The Durham VA Health System, has 1 vacancy for a full-time Registered Nurse for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) . The RN will be fully qualified and certified to function in a clinical role and in accordance with the guidelines and policies of the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12730365. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Preferred Qualifications Minimum of five years successful Mental Health Nursing practice Prior Case Management Experience Prior VA work experience Demonstrated ability to work effectively with patients, families and other members of the interdisciplinary team in an outpatient setting Demonstrated skills in decision-making, sound clinical judgment and critical-thinking abilities Demonstrated ability to use computer systems in support of patient care delivery Preferred Level of Education BSN Preferred Certification(s) ANCC for Mental Health Certification Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements/Demands: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing; clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, lifting and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who" are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete- annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicle
The Registered Nurse for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in the Raleigh/Durham Outpatient Mental Health Clinics will work with the Mental Health Team and collaborate with licensed independent providers (LIPs) to assure high quality care to the Veteran with psychiatric diagnoses/mental health needs. The BHIP Nurse works closely within an interdisciplinary team framework to help foster independent living through appropriate management of the clients' mental illness by providing assessments, planning, interventions, and evaluation of treatment. Mental health treatment provided is documented within prescribed guidelines in CPRS. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist Veterans in the following ways: Provide Veterans and their family members with education regarding their illness, medications, and treatment plan. Provide outreach to clients who are having problems with treatment adherence and who may be relapsing. Coordinate with other agencies and make referrals to provide patients with necessary community services. Refer to, consult with and coordinate care with other VA health care providers. Assess patients and provide additional support between visits with LIPs. Facilitate psycho-educational and support groups. Act as liaison to Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to facilitate continuity of care. Provide coverage as needed for other staff in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic. BHIP Program responsibilities: Serves as the primary contact for Veterans. Assists in scheduling, re-scheduling appointments, and appointment cancellations. Works closely with Program Support Assistant with appointments and scheduling. Performs assessment/triage of Veterans for appointments, phone-calls, and/or walk-ins. Performs suicide risk assessments and/or mental status exams. Provides crisis assessment/intervention. Provides follow-up care, medication evaluation assessment, and administration of medications as needed. Enters order for medication refills, laboratory, and consults per Policy. Provides case management for high-risk Veterans. Engages in end-of-life care for Veterans with serious mental illnesses. Ensures BHIP team and PCMM are assigned correctly. Assists in treatment planning, care coordination, and daily team meetings. Reviews and completes Clinical Reminders per Policy. Monitors Performance Measures, wait times, incomplete encounters, and outcome measures for BHIP team. Follow-up phone calls, secure messaging. Facilitates appointments with Primary Care Provider for medical evaluation. Takes vital signs and completes medication reconciliation. Documents care and treatment planning in CPRS. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Mon. - Fri. Hours of 7:30 am-6:00am Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No