Summary
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.
Duties
The Mental Health Substance Treatment Program Registered Nurse (MH STP RN) provides direct patient care including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and clinical support. The MH STP RN Is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on Mental Health (MH) and substance use specific components. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the MH continuum of care. The MH STP RN is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients. They will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation. Duties include but are not limited to: Gains awareness of the principles and goals of outpatient MH STP by understanding practices related to patient-centered care, recovery-oriented principles, and self-awareness related to caring for patients living with substance use conditions. Provides direct patient care including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and clinical support. Provides acute and routine psychiatric assessment and intervention for a variety of psychosocial, SUD, and medical concerns and assists the STP staff in developing a recovery-based plan of care for the patient. Works directly with the SUD professionals, psychiatric, and clinical staff to support clinical treatment. The MH STP RN will administer injectable medications and complete electrocardiograms (ECG) and other applicable psychosocial interventions. The MH STP RN uses the nursing process and evidence-based practice in assessing patients' medical and MH needs, developing initial care plans, monitoring patients' status, and providing transitional care, all from a perspective of recovery-oriented, personalized, proactive, patient-centered, holistic treatment approach. Functions as an advocate for patients, by serving as a team player with colleagues, and by working to foster their own professional growth as well as that of team members and colleagues. Supports colleagues through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care. Leads professional practice using the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to improve evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes for an identified patient population and/or specialized areas. Improves Veteran/patient driven care by optimizing the patient experience, satisfaction and/or safety. Communicates and collaborates as an effective leader of the interprofessional team, at the expert level, with improved evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes. Expands knowledge base and practice evaluation through mentoring, precepting, and/or teaching to improve outcomes. Leads the integration of evidence-based practice/research with clinical expertise to improve quality of care and resource utilization with improved outcomes. Preferred Experience: Mental health and substance use experience preferred 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: Week 1 Mon-Fri 0530-1400 and Sat 0530-1200, Week 2 Mon-Thurs 0500-1400. (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility) Telework: Ad-hoc (as determined by the agency policy) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN15edrp@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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. 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 evaluation. 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.
How you will be evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.