Nurse Practitioner - Mental Health

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 PMHNP is a licensed independent practitioner with advanced education and national certification who provides evidence-based care for a population of patients. Duties will vary based on grade. At the full performance level, functions of assigned duties will include: Major duties and responsibilities of the position: Uses advanced clinical judgment 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/MH conditions, preventive measures,and prescribed treatments. Demonstrates leadership and engages in collaboration with other MH and specialty careprofessionals while involving Veterans and their families (as appropriate), in treatmentplan 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. 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. Expectations: Independently practices as a PMHNP, utilizing evidenced-based practice guidelines in the delivery of high-quality care. Collaborates with patients, families, and the health care team to develop and implement treatment plans and evaluate health outcomes. Demonstrates critical thinking in assessing and managing complex clinical situations. Leads the delivery of care to assure continuity of care and peer accountability for practice, improving outcomes of panel/program. 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. Expectations: Demonstrates positive effective communication skills and professionalism that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers. Works effectively as a leader in planning and facilitating systematic change to improve outcomes. Collaborates with stakeholders to improve patient care, staff development, and performance measures. Participates as a member or leader in formal/informal workgroups or interdisciplinary teams. Leads within a High Reliability Organization (HRO) framework. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility. Expectations: Acquires and disseminates knowledge that impacts patient outcomes. Educates and/or mentors' colleagues and/or students. Assumes responsibility and accountability for evaluating progress toward professionalcareer goals. PROFESSIONALISM/COLLEGIALITY: Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population, or program. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Expectations: Utilizes cultural sensitivity, listening and communication skills in leading team(s). Role models high standards of professional and ethical conduct. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams. 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: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc 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 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) Basic Requirements Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (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 - 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 Board Certification - All APN (NPs) must maintain full and current basic board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) 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. 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. The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) II: Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician - Nurse Practitioner on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(B). Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for APN (NP). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is requ