A Registered Nurse in the Mental Health Clinic provides comprehensive, evidence-based nursing care for veterans with mental health needs, including assessment, care planning, intervention, education, and coordination of services. Works collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to promote recovery, optimize health outcomes, and support patient-centered, trauma-informed care in an outpatient setting.
Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), 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 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); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (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 to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). 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. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and 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. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Evidence of Belt/Systems Redesign training/experience/certification SNT/GNT/RNTTP completion <5 years Professional Governance participation Preceptor/charge nurse experience/training (combination of experience and training is acceptable) Evidence-Based Practice experience/training (combination of experience and training is acceptable) Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12783139. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds Light carrying, under 15 pounds Straight pulling, 1-2 hours Pushing, 1-hour Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Walking, 8-10 hours Standing, 8-10 hours Repeated bending, .5-hour Both legs required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other Both eyes required Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Mental & emotional stability required Simple grasping, 2-4 hours Sitting, 8-hours Fine manipulation, 4-8 hours Twisting, 2-hours
Discover Temple, Texas- a vibrant Central Texas gem nestled along I-35, minutes from lakes, trail-blessed hills, and cultural hotspots. Dive into history at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, unwind beside Lake Belton, enjoy top-notch arts at the Symphony and Civic Theatre, or savor downtown's boutiques, foodie spots, and local vineyards. With big-market amenities and small-town soul, Temple delivers surprising charm at every turn. Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center in Temple is a high-complexity, full-service VA teaching hospital- 189 beds, advanced rehab, hospice, trauma care, domiciliary, and memory care- backed by 32-county coverage. Rich in history (established 1942, renamed 1979) and research initiatives, it delivers expert, compassionate care across specialties from cardiology to mental health, with strong ties to Texas A&M and robust training programs. Nurse 1, Level 1 - Entry Level: Delivers fundamental nursing care under close supervision, focusing on learning clinic processes, VA policies, and mental health protocols. Performs basic assessments, documents findings, administers medications, and supports therapeutic activities. Collaborates with team members to implement established care plans, reinforces patient education, and assists in monitoring treatment response. Actively engages in orientation, training, and mentoring to build competency in mental health nursing and interdisciplinary teamwork. Nurse 1, Level 2: Functions with greater independence, performing comprehensive assessments and contributing to individualized care planning. Administers treatments and medications, provides patient education, and coordinates with the care team to ensure continuity. Demonstrates growing skill in crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, and recovery-oriented care. Participates in team conferences, quality improvement efforts, and evidence-based practice application. Continues to refine clinical judgment while seeking guidance for complex situations. Nurse 1, Level 3: Operates with minimal supervision, managing a panel of patients in the Mental Health Clinic. Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized care plans. Coordinates services across disciplines, delivers complex interventions, and engages in proactive health promotion. Provides leadership in clinic workflows, mentors junior staff, and contributes to program improvement initiatives. Demonstrates effective decision-making in mental health crises, ensures regulatory compliance, and promotes a recovery-focused environment. Nurse 2: Serves as an experienced, independent practitioner, leading care coordination for complex mental health cases. Conducts advanced assessments, initiates evidence-based interventions, and integrates specialty services. Acts as a resource for clinical decision-making, quality improvement, and staff education. Participates in policy development, champions trauma-informed care, and facilitates interdepartmental collaboration. Manages program initiatives, monitors outcomes, and ensures best practices are maintained across the clinic. Nurse 3: Functions as a clinical leader and subject matter expert in mental health nursing. Provides consultation to providers, staff, and leadership on complex patient care issues. Designs, implements, and evaluates innovative care models and quality improvement programs. Mentors and trains nursing staff at all levels, supports research and evidence-based practice projects, and influences policy at the service and facility level. Serves as a liaison for community partnerships and leads initiatives to optimize Veteran mental health outcome Bargaining Unit Status: This position is not part of the bargaining unit. 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: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized