Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is seeking a Registered Nurse- Inpatient Mental Health. The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for the coordination and clinical care of Veterans admitted to the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP). The RN is responsible for providing a wide range of patient care, treatments and charting activities throughout the RRTP and must possess knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out complex assignments.
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. Preferred Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of successful Registered Nurse (RN) Nursing Experience/Clinical Practice required. A minimum of one (1) year of successful Mental Health RN Nursing Experience. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. Demonstrates sound judgment, nursing process and critical thinking skills. Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Knowledge of computer systems and standard software programs. Demonstrates skills in managing complex systems, with advanced organizational skills. Knowledge and understanding of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) regulations/policies/procedures, current Joint Commission (JC) Standards, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and other current internal and external accrediting body standards. Demonstrates a pleasant and respectful disposition.Demonstrates the ability to respond in a positive manner with Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) Employees and Stakeholders. 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/12777261. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Straight pulling 1/2 hour, pushing 1/2 hour, Reaching above shoulder, walking 2-4 hours, standing 2-6 hours, crawling, kneeling 1/2 hour, repeated bending 12 hours, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1-4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in other, both eyes required, depth perception.
The RN performs duties in such a way as to encourage Veteran efforts towards goals for recovery and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while promoting a sense of worth and dignity for the patient. Quality of Care is measured by Evidence-Based Clinical Reminders, and local Performance Measures. The RN assesses Veterans and prioritizes urgency of needs based on condition and information obtained from the patient. The RN independently initiates emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and/or respiratory arrest, disruptive behaviors, etc. and alerts others. Duties to include but are not limited to: Responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care based on age-specific components. Assists with admission of new Veterans to the unit (i.e. assist with new patient orientation, vital signs, height/weight, belongings inventory, breathalyzer, Urine Drug Screens (UDS), etc.). Responsible for providing direct care and care coordination for Veterans, especially those receiving medication assisted treatments. Responsible for accurately receiving and verifying physician orders. Completes plans of care (Mental Health Suite) for Veterans and updates plans of care based on assessments. Responsible for completing admissions, transfers and discharges of Veterans in accordance with established unit protocols. The incumbent completes initial assessments and reassessments of assigned Veterans as established per unit protocols. Responsible for assessing, monitoring and reporting Vital Signs, Accu-Checks, symptoms; especially declines in physical, mental and emotional status to an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and/or Physician. Provides Veteran care within scope of practice by administering medications, treatments and procedures; attending to Veterans' concerns; and documenting each medication and/or care provided. Assists the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Interdisciplinary Treatment Team in monitoring Veterans' adherence to treatment, symptoms/ clinical status, medication side effects, treatment preferences, and barriers to treatment. Conducts and documents Health and Safety Checks as well as Environmental Rounds for safety, documenting patient observations according to program guidelines. The incumbent, when necessary performs or assists with basic Nursing Care and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for Veterans with various Psychiatric or Mental Health and/or Substance Diagnoses. Responsible for facilitating Evidence-Based groups or activities and engaging in appropriate individual or group conversations with Veterans. Participates or assists with groups or activities conducted by colleagues. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries. Assists with Environment of Care (EOC) Rounds, contraband searches, room checks; etc.; promoting a safe and therapeutic environment. Performs other duties as assigned. 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: Various Work Shifts (7:30am to 4:00pm, 3:30pm to 12:00am, and 11:30pm to 8:00am) with rotating holidays and shifts based on the need of the service Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized