Registered Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

<p>*This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)* Join the Black Hills Health Care System as an Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse and help Veterans achieve recovery and improved well-being. Provide recovery-oriented psychiatric nursing care, support crisis intervention and patient safety, utilize therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to promote positive patient outcomes.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse serves as an essential member of a collaborative care team dedicated to delivering high-quality, recovery-oriented care to Veterans experiencing mental health challenges. Through therapeutic communication, patient education, crisis intervention, and evidence-based nursing practice, you will help create a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing, resilience, and personal growth. This position offers the opportunity to strengthen psychiatric nursing expertise, work alongside experienced interdisciplinary professionals, and directly contribute to improving the health and well-being of those who have served our nation. Duties include, but are not limited to: Provide comprehensive nursing care for Veterans with psychiatric and co-occurring medical conditions using evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices. Assess, plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate individualized treatment plans that support patient safety, education, and self-management goals. Utilize therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral health crises and support positive patient outcomes. Respond to psychiatric, medical, and behavioral emergencies while initiating appropriate interventions and escalating care when needed. Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams, participate in treatment planning, and contribute to coordinated, Veteran-centered care. Lead and support psychoeducational and recovery-focused groups that promote wellness, coping skills, and engagement in treatment. Monitor patient observation levels, unit privileges, and safety needs while ensuring compliance with provider orders and clinical requirements. Conduct environmental safety assessments, identify and secure hazardous items, and maintain a safe therapeutic setting for patients, staff, and visitors. 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: Works 6 twelve-hour shifts and 1 eight-hour shift per pay period 12-Hour Shifts: 6:00 AM-6:30 PM and 6:00 PM-6:30 AM 8-Hour Shifts: 6:00 AM-2:30 PM, 2:00 PM-10:30 PM, and 10:00 PM-6:30 AM Works weekends and holidays on a rotating basis Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Beth.Spitzer@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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.</p><h3>Requirements</h3>U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.