The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive, patient-centered care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric and behavioral health issues in a secure inpatient setting. This role involves assessing mental health needs, developing and implementing individualized care plans, administering medications, monitoring for behavioral and physical changes, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to promote patient stabilization and recovery.
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/12777016. 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 Experience: A minimum of 1 to 2 years of recent experience working in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health setting. Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for individuals with acute mental health conditions. Experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and therapeutic communication. Experience working with interdisciplinary teams. Knowledge of psychotropic medications, their side effects, and administration protocols. Strong clinical judgment, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Good communication and active listening skills Empathy and compassion for people in distress Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of standing and sitting.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN) plays a vital role in delivering safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health conditions. The RN conducts comprehensive physical and mental health assessments upon admission and continues to monitor patients throughout their stay, observing for changes in mental status, behavior, and physical condition. All assessments, interventions, and patient responses are documented accurately and in a timely manner. The nurse administers psychiatric and other prescribed medications, monitors for side effects and therapeutic effectiveness, and educates patients about their medications to ensure adherence to the treatment plan. In crisis situations, the RN utilizes approved de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies in response to aggressive or self-harming behavior. When necessary, they implement PMDB or other facility-approved behavioral management protocols to maintain a safe environment. The nurse actively participates in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, contributes feedback, and helps develop individualized treatment plans based on patient goals, diagnoses, and progress. Effective communication with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and other care team members is essential to coordinate care. Using active listening, empathy, and therapeutic communication skills, the RN supports each patient's emotional and psychological needs while promoting autonomy and dignity. The nurse may also facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups as required. Maintaining a secure and therapeutic environment is a priority; this includes conducting safety rounds and room checks to prevent harm or contraband, and responding promptly to behavioral codes or emergencies within the unit. The RN provides patient education on mental health diagnoses, medications, coping skills, and available community resources. They collaborate with the treatment team to support safe transitions of care upon discharge. Adherence to hospital policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements is expected at all times. The RN maintains accurate, complete, and confidential nursing records in the electronic health record (EHR) system and participates in ongoing education, mandatory training, and performance improvement initiatives. Maintaining current licensure and required certifications is essential. The nurse also assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and provides support for any additional care needs, especially in the veteran population. 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: Day Shift, 7:30am -8:00pm (6) 12 hour, (1) 8 hour Shift, Rotating Holiday & Weekends Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized