Career Center

The Outpatient Mental Health Nurse is a Registered Nurse responsible for coordination of care for veterans who are seen within the Mental Health Clinic. The RN provides care coordination to an assigned population, in collaboration with and as a member of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team as well as provide coverage to the other mental health areas as needed. This position is located within the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) in San Antonio, TX. 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. Education: 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. License: 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: BSN Leadership/Charge nurse experience Substance use experience and pain management 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: This position requires visual acuity, 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. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or during patient 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, and be able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["Announcement is extended until 05/24/22 due to 05/22/22 scheduled maintenance on system. This Registered Nurse will serve as a mental health treatment coordinator for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services on an outpatient basis within a behavioral health interdisciplinary program (BHIP) to the Veteran population enrolled at South Texas Veteran Health Care System. The goals and objectives of this program are to focus on implementing a comprehensive plan to deliver a stepped care model of medication treatment for Opioid Use disorder in the BHIP teams to provide treatment services around the Veteran at his/her preferred point of care. The intent is to improve Veteran access to medication treatment outside the confines of specialty addiction care. The Nurse will be trained in the Stepped Care for Opioid Use Disorder, Train the Trainer (SCOUTT) Initiative to facilitate access to Medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD)-including methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone in VHA non-SUD care settings. Duties may include but not limited to: Performs structured clinical assessments and complex, systematic psychiatric assessments, which includes the total health status of the Veteran. This requires knowledge of medical terminology, diagnostic categories, and ability to perform chart reviews. Participates in the wholistic treatment of patients, facilitating communication with all team members. Documents all patient interactions via medical record and demonstrates extensive oral and written communication skills. Recognizing individual differences in behavior related to specific pain diagnosis and providing patient care accordingly. Participates in the development of patient treatment plans and safety plans and demonstrates ability to communicate these plans effectively to the BHIP team Follow-up on medications for SUD and pain to include buprenorphine naloxone, buprenorphine formulations including injectable, naltrexone oral and injectable, gabapentin, acamprosate, topiramate, and others Educates the patient and their family on addiction-based issues, including information about mental illness, medication, benefits and consequences of behaviors, coping strategies, evaluations and assessments and legal treatment modalities. Assists with collecting Measurement-Based Care data and interpretation Participates in discharge planning Conducts Educational Groups such as: Addiction Education Relapse Prevention Relationships in Recovery Dual diagnosis (substance abuse/addiction and co-morbid psychiatric diagnosis) Coping skills/journal Big Bok/12-step program Medical Management in Addictions (HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis, and medication management) Stress management/relaxation therapy Spirituality VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Normally Monday - Friday, 0730-1600 or 0800-1630, may be required to work rotating shifts, rotate locations, and work weekends.\nTelework: Not 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"]