Registered Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.The Inpatient Mental Health (MH) Registered Nurse (RN) delivers fundamental knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical skills. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on age-specific components. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse promotes personal growth and development of psychiatric MH nursing practice. Attends and observes nurse-led psychoeducational groups, uses therapeutic communication techniques, practices de-escalation techniques, and utilizes recovery-oriented language. The nurse also participates in shift report and warm hand-off, MH interdisciplinary treatment team, MH Environment of Care rounds, and responds to psychiatric emergencies as directed.The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse identifies safety concerns and hazardous items to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment of care, and documents nursing assessments, nursing plan of care, patient safety observations, and environmental safety rounds in accordance with facility policy. The nurse maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient. Seeks guidance on how to improve MH care provided to patients and families.The MH RN establishes a therapeutic relationship, allowing the patient to attain, maintain or regain optimal function through assessment and treatment.Engages patients, families, and other caregivers to incorporate knowledge, values, and beliefs into care planning without judgement or discrimination.Knowledgeable of ethical issues related to professional nursing practice and follows established policies of the practice setting, VA, and ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.Additional duties as assigned.Preferred Experience:At least 1 year of inpatient acute mental health and substance abuse experience.Experience in leading group therapy/ activities.BLS for CPR, ANCC certification in PMH is a plus.BSN is a plusMedical experience is a plus.VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total RewardsPay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awardsPaid 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 VAInsurance: 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 territoryWork Schedule: Six 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift per pay period, with rotating weekends and holidays. Schedules may vary.Telework: Not available.Virtual: This is not a virtual position.Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhavisn04hredrp@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn morePermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.