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The Chief Nurse of Mental Health Service executes leadership that is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross service and/or discipline lines, influence organizational mission and health care. Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: May be offered to a highly qualified candidate 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. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse IV - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 4-5 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or related field and appropriate basic or advanced certification desired, and approximately 3-4 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: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. ["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 The Chief Nurse, Mental Health Services at the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) reports directly to the Associate Director for Patient Care Service/Nursing Services. The Chief Nurse is a member of the Mental Health Dyad and works closely with the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health to implement and promote the model of care for Mental Health. The Chief Nurse is highly motivated with experience in addressing highly complex system issues, and supporting efforts to enculturate problem solving amongst all levels of staff across the Mental Health Program in order to improve employee engagement, performance, staff retention and employee satisfaction. Possess a sense of team, collaborative framework in addressing issues. Experience with VHA policy and regulations, the Joint Commission (TJC), Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), VA review processes such as System of Ongoing Assessment and Review Strategy (SOARS), and Office of Inspector General Reviews (OIG) and other agencies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Colorado Board of Registered Nurses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The Chief Nurse is responsible for overall leadership for nursing care practice throughout ECHCS which includes Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) and locations: Colorado Springs, Union Blvd, Castle Rock, Space Center, Pueblo, Aurora, Denver, Golden, Valor Point Domiciliary, Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP), and Pueblo Community Living Center (PCLC). Mental Health nursing staff provide care to Veterans in a number of programs, including: Outpatient Mental Health, Inpatient Psychiatry Unit, Residential Rehabilitation Recovery Programs and the Domiciliary which includes a Substance Abuse and a Homeless Rehabilitation Program. The Chief Nurse has responsibility for ensuring safe high quality nursing care is delivered to patients of the ECHCS. The Chief Nurse ensures the nursing staff provides competent nursing care based on established nursing standards of practice. The Chief Nurse, Mental Health is a senior level nursing administrator and has clinical and administrative oversight and responsibility for the full range of mental health services including outpatient services and inpatient acute care programs in a highly complex facility which provides a wide scope of acute psychiatric inpatient care for VISN 19. Work Schedule: Generally Monday through Friday, though may vary due to the needs of the Service Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: May be offered to a highly qualified candidate Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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