Inpatient Mental Health Nurse - EDRP Eligible

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. The award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

• English Language Proficiency – As required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by either 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 may be appointed temporarily before completion.
• Upon state license achievement, temporary appointment can convert to permanent after successful completion of the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G6).
• Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing who possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will qualify for appointment as a nurse upon completion of the required degree program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher than an associate degree requires formal equivalency validation from a recognized evaluation accepted by VA (e.g., International Consultants of Delaware).
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception:
  Candidates meeting basic education requirements but lacking licensure may be appointed as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while pursuing licensure, extendable up to two years on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Grade and level assignment will be determined by Scope of Education, Dimension criteria, and practice requirements detailed in the online assessment.
• Preferred Experience: At least one year inpatient acute adult mental health experience.
• Physical Requirements – participants will undergo a pre‑employment examination or evaluation.

• Lead and provide evidence‑based psychiatric mental health nursing care, including independent patient‑centered and recovery‑oriented care.
• Facilitate shift reports, warm hand‑offs, and nurse‑led psycho educational groups.
• Use therapeutic communication and de‑escalation techniques, and apply recovery‑oriented language.
• Act as team lead for psychiatric emergencies and participate in MH interdisciplinary treatment team, MH Environment of Care rounds, and safety incident resolution.
• Document nursing assessments, plans of care, patient safety observations, and environmental safety rounds per facility policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the patients’ best interest.
• Oversee licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants as appropriate.
• Direct nursing education, orientation, competencies, and quality‑improvement initiatives.
• Provide constructive feedback to peers and foster a safe, supportive environment for professional development.
• Contribute nursing perspectives to interdisciplinary team discussions and share educational findings and ideas.
• Question clinical practices to promote evidence‑based care and sustain an evidence‑based mental health practice culture.

• Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards.
• Paid Time Off: 50 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federally observed holidays).
• Traditional federal pension with five‑year vesting; 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care insurance; many programs may be carried into retirement.
• Full and unrestricted state or territorial nursing license required.
• Work schedule options include rotating shifts (7:30‑8:00 pm, 7:30‑4:00 pm, 3:30 p‑midnight, 7:30 pm‑8:00 am, midnight‑8:00 am) and eligibility for 72/80 hour tours after unit orientation.

• Telework:
  Not available; position is not virtual.
• Relocation/Recruitment incentives:
  Not authorized. EDRP authorized:
  Former participants ineligible to apply.
• Contact: VHA.ELRSProgram
  
  Support for EDRP coordination questions.
• Permanent Change of Station:
  Not authorized.
• The VA Midwest Health Care Network promotes a Whole Health System of care, empowering Veterans to take charge of their health and well‑being.
• This approach aligns with the VHA Mission Statement to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being.