Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health

Quick Facts

• Role: Registered Nurse (Outpatient Mental Health)

• Focus: Recovery-oriented, patient-centered mental health nursing care and care coordination

Description

Provide patient-centered, recovery-oriented nursing care for patients living with mental health conditions in an outpatient setting. Use therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and recovery-oriented language; educate Veterans and families on illness, medications, and the treatment plan. Coordinate with inpatient mental health units and interdisciplinary teams, document triage and risk assessments, and support safe, evidence-based care.

Responsibilities

• Assist in directing nursing education, orientation, competencies, and quality improvement/outcomes utilization consultation

• Deliver therapeutic communication and de-escalation; use recovery-oriented language

• Provide patient and family education on illness, medications, and treatment plan

• Liaise with inpatient mental health units to ensure continuity of care and participate in interdisciplinary huddles/meetings

• Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies as directed

• Document nursing triage assessments, risk screens, clinical reminders, and the patient plan of care per facility policy

• Maintain professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities

• Foster a safe, supportive environment for professional development

• Support colleagues through knowledge sharing and question clinical practices to provide evidence-based care

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens only when unable to recruit qualified citizens per VA policy)

• English language proficiency

• Graduate of an approved nursing school (ACEN or CCNE) OR active, full, unrestricted RN registration that meets VA education/licensure requirements (GNT exception may apply while pursuing licensure)

• Current, full, active, unrestricted RN license in a U.S. State/Territory/Commonwealth or District of Columbia

• Selective Service Registration for eligible males

• Background/security investigation; pass pre-employment physical evaluation

• Complete online onboarding and required pre-employment documentation

• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement

• Comply with urinalysis testing for testing-designated positions

• TB screening/testing as required

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards

• Paid Time Off: 50 days/year (annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays)

• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contributions

• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm (subject to facility needs)