Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health - Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR)

01Basic 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.

02Grade 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/13093745.

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.

03Preferred Experience

At least 2 years of experience providing direct nursing care to patients with serious mental illness or complex behavioral health conditions. At least 1 year of experience providing community-based mental health services, case management, or home-based patient care. Experience conducting and documenting mental health assessments, suicide risk screenings, crisis interventions, and medication management.

Experience coordinating patient care with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. Experience serving in a nursing leadership role, such as charge nurse, nurse supervisor, team lead, or preceptor, including mentoring staff or participating in quality improvement projects. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

04Physical Requirements

The position requires lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 35 pounds, as well as standing, walking, stooping, bending, and kneeling intermittently for 4-6 hours and pushing intermittently for 4-5 hours. The incumbent must possess the manual dexterity needed to perform tasks such as starting IVs and palpating pulses. The position also requires near and far visual acuity, color discrimination, adequate hearing, and rapid mental and muscular coordination.

Additionally, the incumbent must be able to use computers and medical equipment for extended periods. Physical requirements are further outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provides patient-centered, recovery-oriented mental health nursing care to Veterans with pervasive mental illness (PMI), severe functional impairments, and complex mental health needs. Provides community-based case management services, including home visits, community outreach, medication management, and ongoing assessment of Veterans' mental health needs.

• Coordinates care with inpatient mental health units, outpatient clinics, community providers, and other VA services to ensure continuity of care and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.
• Conducts nursing assessments, risk screenings, medication reviews, and ongoing evaluations to identify changes in Veterans' mental health conditions and treatment needs.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized treatment plans in collaboration with Veterans, caregivers, and interdisciplinary treatment teams.

Provides education to Veterans, families, and caregivers regarding mental health conditions, medications, treatment plans, symptom management, and recovery goals. Responds to psychiatric and medical emergencies, utilizes therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques, and directs team responses to ensure patient and staff safety. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, daily huddles, and care coordination activities to address patient needs, safety concerns, and barriers to treatment.

Provides leadership and guidance to nursing staff and interdisciplinary team members in managing complex mental health cases and improving patient outcomes. Collaborates with program leadership to identify safety concerns, improve clinical processes, and implement strategies that support quality patient care and program effectiveness.

Performs Mental Health Treatment Coordinator (MHTC 2.0) functions, including panel management, targeted outreach, needs assessments, and coordination of care across BHIP and specialty mental health clinics. Coordinates post-discharge and post-consult follow-up activities, supports the FLOW initiative, and assists Veterans with accessing appropriate mental health services and resources.

Incorporates measurement-based care tools, including PHQ-9 and C-SSRS, to monitor symptoms, assess risk, and support treatment planning and clinical decision-making. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of nursing assessments, risk screenings, clinical reminders, treatment plans, and care coordination activities using approved VA systems and standardized templates.

Supports professional development through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and constructive feedback while promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment focused on improving Veteran care.

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 [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized