Overview
Join to apply for the Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health) role at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Duties
* Services as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of the VA mission.
* The PMHNP provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management. The PMHNP practices to the full extent of their education, training, and certification. Core functions are outlined in the clinical privileges that correspond with this position. The PMHNP has prescriptive authority, if required, as indicated by their 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/mental health conditions, preventive measures, and prescribed treatments. Demonstrates leadership and engages in collaboration with other mental health and specialty care professionals while involving Veterans and their families (as appropriate), in treatment plan 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 diagnostic studies; initiates referrals/consults to specialty services.
* Exemplifies the ICARE core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
Program Eligibility and Benefits
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. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.
* Program approval, 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 EDRP application.
Work Schedule and Benefits
* Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
* Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
* Telework: Not Authorized
* Virtual: Not a virtual position
* Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized
* EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for incentive.
* Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
* Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
* Paid Time Off: 50 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 Federal holidays)
* Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contributions
* Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care
Conditions of Employment
* U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may 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.
* English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
* You may be required to serve a probationary period.
* Subject to background/security investigation.
* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required for pre-employment requirements. Effective May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification is required where applicable.
* Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) Basic Requirements
* Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited school (ACEN or CCNE). Foreign education may require an evaluation by an approved agency for degree equivalence.
* License: Active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a U.S. state/territory or DC.
* Board Certification: PMHNP certification from ANCC, AANPCB, or other recognized certifying body in the area of practice.
Note: Grandfathering provision applies for certain employees under the VA qualification standards as of 1/29/2024.
Experience and Dimension
The following are the scope, education/experience, and dimension criteria for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) II and III levels.
* Education/Experience: Nurse II is entry level; no experience required for NP II. For NP III, one year of specialized APN experience may be required depending on the grade.
* Clinical Practice: Delivers evidence-based care and manages a patient panel, population, or program.
* Outcome Focus: Uses research and evidence-based practice to evaluate and improve care delivery.
* Leadership: Leads interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.
* Professional Development: Ongoing learning and skill development.
* Professionalism/Collegiality: Effective communication and professional behavior; participates in interdisciplinary processes.
Preferred Experience
PTSD, Substance Use Disorder, Residential Care.
Physical Requirements
All applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the position. A pre-placement physical examination shall be completed prior to appointment.
Education Note
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency. Accreditation must be ACEN or CCNE for nursing programs.
Reference and Additional Information
For more information on qualification standards, please visit the VA OHRM Qualification Standards page. During the application process you may opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the VA prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history before offering a tentative job. For more information, visit HRA/OSP and the Fair Chance Act.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and employment status. Open the VA benefits page for more information.
Job function and Industry
* Job function: Health Care Provider
* Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
Seniority and Employment Type
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Full-time
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