Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Float

MePA; Poplar Bluff, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

MePA seeks a Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Float Registered Nurse to deliver evidence-based care across multiple mental health clinics in rural Missouri and adjacent areas. The role includes supervision of licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants, education for Veterans and families, and active participation in care coordination and quality improvement initiatives.

Ideal candidates hold an RN license in the United States, with a solid nursing background and

Qualifications

• English proficiency required by VA policy.
• Graduate of a nursing program approved by ACEN/CCNE.
• State RN license in US or equivalent.
• May convert from temporary to permanent after licensure.
• Travel to multiple clinics may be required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based nursing care in BHIP Float assignment.
• Supervise LVNs and nursing assistants as appropriate.
• Coordinate and contribute to patient care across mental health clinics.
• Provide education to Veterans and families regarding diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in care coordination and huddles.

Skills

English proficiency

Nursing knowledge

Education

Graduate nursing program (ADN/ Diploma/ BSN)

Active RN license in US

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) - 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 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)
• OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program
• Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
• (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 to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
• 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
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements - but do not possess the required licensure - may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification
• Grade Determinations: The following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade
• The Dimension requirements (Practice - Veteran/Patient Driven Care - Leadership - Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13072300
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I Delivers fundamental - knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
• An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing - with no additional professional nursing required
• Nurse I - Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
• Nurse I - Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
• A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no professional nursing experience
• Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
• MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: This position requires physical activities commonly associated with nursing duties - including direct patient care and extended periods of walking - standing - sitting - moderate lifting - and repeated bending or kneeling
• Examples include supporting patients while standing for prolonged periods and adhering to safe patient handling and mobility protocols.

Duties

• The Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Registered Nurse Float delivers evidence-based nursing care and provides oversight for licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants - as appropriate to each clinical setting
• The role supports nursing education - orientation - competency development - and quality improvement initiatives
• The nurse demonstrates leadership in coordinating and enhancing holistic care across all Mental Health Float assignment areas
• This position provides direct and indirect patient care at multiple mental health clinics in West Plains - MO
• Sikeston - MO
• Farmington - MO
• Paragould - AR
• Pocahontas - AR
• and the Cape HCC - applying age-appropriate and condition-specific nursing skills
• The nurse contributes a professional nursing perspective to interdisciplinary discussions - collaborates to drive practice improvements - and supports the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based care
• Care needs identified across assigned areas are communicated through Shared Governance and appropriate leadership channels
• The BHIP Float RN delivers patient-centered - recovery-oriented care and maintains professional self-awareness when working with individuals with mental health conditions
• Responsibilities include facilitating warm hand-offs - supporting telemental health - leading psychoeducational groups - using therapeutic communication - applying de-escalation techniques - and promoting recovery-oriented language
• The nurse provides education to Veterans - families - and significant others regarding diagnoses - medications - and treatment plans
• The BHIP Mental Health RN also supports care coordination - continuity of care - interdisciplinary team huddles and meetings - and responds to psychiatric and medical emergencies as needed
• The nurse reports and addresses safety concerns and documents triage assessments - risk screenings - clinical reminders - and plans of care in accordance with facility policy
• Preferred Experience: A minimum of two years of experience as a registered nurse - including at least one year of mental health nursing experience
• Prior outpatient clinic experience is highly desirable
• Travel may be required for this position
• A government vehicle is available for CBOC-related travel
• 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: Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday - 7:00am - 5:30pm 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 [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized