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The function of the Registered Nurse is to provide, direct, and supervise the delivery of quality nursing care to a culturally diverse veteran population of varying complexity in the Outpatient Mental Health Setting, specifically within the BHIP (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) and MHICM (Mental Health Intensive Case Management) teams. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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. 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. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Communicate and interact appropriately and courteously with internal and external customers, including assisting in referrals and follow-up care of new and engaged Veterans in Outpatient Mental Health. The function of the MHICM Registered Nurse is to provide professional psychiatric nursing care to chronically ill Veterans. The RN demonstrates skill and knowledge in a variety of psychiatric/behavioral health theories, and modalities. Serve as a member of a Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) teams, conducting intakes and coordinating and accepting referrals as necessary. Provide cross coverage as needed in other areas of Outpatient MH, including Immediate Mental Health Access Clinic. Provide training to other designated nurses in Outpatient MH so that cross coverage is available. Collaborate closely with providers on the BHIP team and will follow up with Veterans for education and care coordination as needed. Maintain expertise and knowledge of a wide variety of mental health disorders, including but not limited to: depressive disorder, anxiety, substance use disorders and PTSD. Possess knowledge of validated symptom measures to assist in initial assessment and outcome evaluation, including but not limited to the PHQ-9 and AUDIT-C. Implement the plan of care, which best meets the needs of patients including carryout of standing policies. Maintain confidentiality of patient /employee information electronically, verbally, and written. Work and function within a safe manner including infection control and operation of equipment. Milwaukee VA Medical Center Mental Health Division Facilitate or Co-facilitate patient education classes on pertinent subjects such as: substance abuse. Integrate and apply pertinent aspects of the Medical Center performance improvement program into his/her professional practice. Utilize nursing research, evidence based practice and literature in daily practice, including utilizing evidence based modalities of care when providing education to Veterans. Provide care appropriate to the biopsychosocial needs of the population served. This knowledge includes an understanding of the changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric population. He/ she must be able to assess and interpret data relating to the patient's current health status, which will facilitate the delivery of care appropriate to the age specific needs of the adult and geriatric patient. Provide culturally competent care to a diverse patient population. Practice requirements include BLS and/or ACLS where appropriate. 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: 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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