Career Center

Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) Outpatient Mental Health Staff Nurse demonstrates professionalism, experience, creative approaches, and advocate for the management of Mental Health Veterans in an Outpatient setting at the Hot Springs, South Dakota campus of the VA Black Hills Health Care System. 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 the appropriate State-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). 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. Preferred Experience: Mental Health Experience 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 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's 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 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience. 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: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 4 hrs); Pushing (up to 4 hrs); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 7-8 hrs); Standing (7-8 hrs); Repeated bending (up to 7-8 hrs); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Specific visual requirement to be able to read typed characters; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades, of color; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional and mental stability required. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must possess excellent critical thinking skills and be capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) Outpatient Mental Health Staff Nurses duties will include: Assesses patients using appropriate mental health assessment tools. Provides crisis management including crisis telephone calls and psychiatric and medical emergencies. Completes clinical reminders and psychosocial assessments as needed. Provide Veterans and their family members with education regarding their illness, medications and treatment plan. Provider outreach to clients who are having problems with treatment adherence and who may be relapsing. Coordinate with other agencies and make referrals to provide patients with necessary community services. Refer to, consult with and coordinate care with other VA health care providers. Assess patients and provide additional support between visits with other mental health providers. Facilitate psycho-educational and support groups. Participates as a member of the Mental Health Interdisciplinary Treatment Team regarding treatment, discharge planning and outreach. Identifies and reacts to both medical and psychiatric emergencies. Facilitates patient and family education regarding mental illness. Cross train into RRTP Staff Nurse role for coverage on an infrequent basis. Facilitate psycho-educational and support groups using the Recovery Model. Follows policies and procedures to provide care to suicidal patients, Mental Health and Medical Emergencies, and non-emergent care issues. Utilize T-med and VVC effectively to support veteran care. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\nTelework: Ad Hoc available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]