SummaryThis 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 office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
DutiesHelp
The Advanced Practice Nurse Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) practices in Mental Health (MH) to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of Veteran Affairs (VA) mission. This position involves psychiatric consultation services in the Emergency Department, Acute Medical-Surgical Units, and Community Living Center, as well as outpatient BHIP clinic care, and supervision of trainees.
Major duties and responsibilities of the position:- Uses advanced clinical judgement to independently provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with acute or chronic mental illness including use of psychotropic medications, psychotherapy and other modalities.
- Provides patient and family education on medical/mental health conditions, preventative measures, and prescribed treatments.
- Demonstrates leadership and engages in collaboration with other Mental Health and specialty care professionals while involving Veterans and their families (as appropriate), in treatment plan development.
- Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
- Counsels and treats patients with substance use disorders.
- Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies.
- Initiates referrals and consults to specialty services.
- Exemplifies the ICARE core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
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: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm
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 [redacted] the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
QualificationsAdvanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) Basic Requirements- Citizenship. Citizen of the United States in accordance with section 7402(c) of title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 77407(a).
- Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (NOTE: the post-master's certificate is formal education awarded from an acceptable school of professional nursing and is not considered board certification). (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Must be a 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).
- NOTE: Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Candidates with equivalent nurse practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.
- License and Certification:
- License. All APN (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- Basic Certification. All APN (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), or other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.
- Exception to Basic Certification. In rare and unusual circumstances, the VHA Central Office Chief Nursing Officer may approve requests for a reasonable exception to the APN (NP) basic certification requirements for an individual whose basic certification is not aligned with the patient population, but whose composite record of experience, accomplishments, performance, and, or qualifications warrant such action based on demonstrated competence to meet the requirements of the assignment.
- English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. a7 7403(f).
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (NP) assignment that are also 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 REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of an APN (NP) is based on a combination of education and experience. Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination for appointment, advancement and promotion will be based on the following specific requirement for an APN (NP).
APN (Nurse Practitioner) II-- Scope - Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.
- Education and Experience Requirement - Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required.
- Dimension Requirement - APNs (NPs) at level II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
- Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
- Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.
- Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care.
- Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice.
- Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.
APN (Nurse Practitioner) III-- Scope: Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care.
- Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP). AND one year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.
- Dimension Requirement: APNs (Nurse Practitioners) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
- Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence-based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
- Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations.
- Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population or program.
- Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility
- Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.
Preferred Experience:- Previous clinical experience in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry
- Previous clinical experience in Emergency Psychiatry
- Previous clinical experience in Geriatric Psychiatry
- Previous experience in teaching/education
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service
Additional informationReference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
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.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
BenefitsHelp
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
