Career Center

The Incumbent is a RN with responsibilities under the Community Residential Care (CRC) Program and Mental Health Clinic (MHC) in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) under Mental Health Service. The RN's time will be divided evenly between both positions working 50% in CRC and 50% in MH CBOCs. 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. [NOTE: See exception in subparagraph (b) below for candidates who are enrolled in a MSN Bridge Program.] The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), previously known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) OR The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 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. In these programs, students are given a certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX and should submit this certification to VA prior to appointment. Students do not earn a BSN, but receive a MSN degree upon completion of course work. A copy of the MSN transcript must be provided to VA. Bridge programs that confer a master's degree also fully meet the education requirement, even though a Bachelor's Degree is not awarded. OR 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. Registration: A registered nurse (RN) will have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the U.S. or in the District of Columbia. The appointing official may waive this registration if the RN is to serve in a country other than the U.S. and the RN has registration in that country (e.g., Philippines). The RN must maintain a current, full, active and unrestricted registration to continue employment with VA. 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 in nursing or related field 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: The Dayton VA Medical center is a major interdisciplinary teaching facility, serving medical, surgical, inpatients and outpatients. There is a large outpatient psychiatric population, with admissions for medical co-morbidities. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Up to 35% travel is required to visit with Veterans in the CRC Group Homes or to assist with Veteran transport. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in and transport patients in GSA or GOV-vehicles. A valid driver's license and completion of all prerequisite training to drive a GSA and transport patients is required. This position requires potentially long periods of continues walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. 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. Per VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. ["The RN responsibilities include assigning and providing safe nursing care to patients enrolled in the CRC program residing in the community and within Mental Health Service as needed. The RN will assist in group home sponsor trainings and inspections to ensure compliance. The position requires assisting group home sponsors with medication reconciliation and monthly medication administration records. The RN performs education and screening for health care needs and initiates effective actions in emergencies while documenting observations, assessments and changes in patient's condition. This position requires teaching and promoting health maintenance and rehabilitation of patients. The RN provides nursing case management services within the context of the Community Residential Care model of service by promoting Recovery Model Principles in assisting patients to assume maximum functioning in the community and improve satisfaction in their lives. This nurse collaborates with health team members to facilitate positive patient outcomes and provides a full range of nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and or behavioral problems. A strong knowledge of psychiatric medications to assess the drug-drug and drug-disease interactions is required. The RN will follow Safety Goals of The Joint Commission and policies governing Mental Health and Primary care at the Dayton VAMC. The RN is accountable for meeting and maintaining the qualification standards and functional statements of assigned nursing grade level. Assist group home sponsors with education and assistance as needed to ensure veterans receive appropriate medical and medication intervention. The RN will also assist the MH CBOCs with completing treatment plans, completing Mental Health Treatment Coordinator (MHTC) duties, discharges and triaging secured messaging as assigned by supervisor. In addition to the above-mentioned duties, the RN will also provide mental health nursing care to veterans in other areas within Mental Service as needed. Tasks include but not limited to: Delivers fundamental nursing care according to the principles of the Veteran Centered Care Model. Documents nursing observation/assessments, changes in patient's condition and education Provides input and completes MH Treatment Plans for patients. Consistently models professional conduct in routine and stressful situations. Performs basic, physical, psychological and social assessments. Demonstrates a beginning ability to identify and prioritize care needs. Provides population-based care for young adult through elderly veterans. Assesses population based care requirements. Implements the plan of care, meeting the needs of veterans in a safe, therapeutic manner. Demonstrates accountability for management of Veteran assignment. Recognizes critical veteran care situations and seeks appropriate assistance. Maintains current BLS and initiates and performs when necessary. Demonstrates knowledge and/or required safety skills in area of assignment and, when appropriate, in the following: emergency preparedness plan, hazardous materials, fire plan, equipment failure emergency plan, and utility outage response procedures for their area. Systematically documents/reports veteran care using nursing process, according to policies and procedures. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or as determined by agency needs\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]