Duties
- Promotes personal growth and development of psychiatric-mental health nursing practice.
- Gains awareness of the principles and goals of outpatient MH treatment by understanding practices related to patient-centered care, recovery-oriented principles, telemental health, community-based care, and self-awareness related to caring for patients living with MH conditions.
- Attends and participates in MH interdisciplinary team huddles and meetings, uses therapeutic communication techniques, practices de-escalation techniques, utilizes recovery-oriented language, and provides Veterans, their family members, and/or significant others with education regarding their illness, medications, and treatment plan.
- Participates in warm hand-off, care coordination, liaising with Inpatient MH Units to facilitate continuity of care, and responds to psychiatric and medical emergencies as directed.
- Documents nursing triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, and patient plan of care in accordance with facility policy. Maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient.
PRACTICE: Knowledge of professional nursing practice and the ability to apply the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation) with close supervision.
Expectations:
1. Completes orientation according to expected standards.
2. Works with close supervision, is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and seeks direction from others as needed.
3. Manages workload as assigned, organizes, and completes own assignments in an efficient and appropriate manner.
4. Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary care.
VETERAN/PATIENT DRIVEN CARE: Knowledge of Veteran/patient driven care, patient experience, satisfaction, and safety.
Expectations:
1. Establishes a therapeutic relationship, allowing the patient to attain, maintain or regain optimal function through assessment and treatment.
2. Engages patients, families, and other caregivers to incorporate knowledge, values, and beliefs into care planning without judgement or discrimination.
3. 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.
4. Aware of high reliability principles to deliver consistent care and improve patient outcomes.
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE/RESEARCH: Awareness of evidence-based practice/research to improve quality of care and resource utilization.
Expectations:
1. Applies evidence-based practice/research to patient care.
2. Participates in unit-based activities to improve and deliver cost effective patient care.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of specific unit level performance improvement activities.
4. Incorporates patient preferences into shared care delivery decisions.
Customer Services Requirements:
The incumbent meets the needs of the Veteran and as appropriate the Veteran's family, caregiver and/or significant other, the Veteran's representative, visitors to VA facilities, all VA staff and other customers while supporting VA missions. The incumbent consistently communicates and treats the Veteran and as appropriate the Veteran's family, caregiver and/or significant other, the Veteran representatives, visitors to VA facilities, all VA staff, and other customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. The incumbent provides the Veteran's family, caregiver and/or significant other, the Veteran's representative, visitors to VA facilities, all VA staff, and other customers with consistent information according to establish policies and procedures. The incumbent handles conflict and problems in dealing with any consumer group appropriately and in a constructive manner.
Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of Patients Requirement:
The primary age of Veterans treated is in their middle years (ages 40 to 50) or at the geriatric level (ages 60 or older). There are occasionally younger patients between the ages of 25 to 40 years of age that require care. The position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of these types of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package:
VA Nurse Total Rewards
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/22/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12813263.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.