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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more 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. 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. Possess a master's degree from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE and maintain full and current certification as a mental health nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF CURRENT CERTIFICATION AS A MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER. Preferred Experience: Mental Health experience preferred 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: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting. ["VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. The Outpatient Mental Health Specialty APRN provides care to Veterans at the Rockford Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). A collaborative, coordinated, interdisciplinary approach is used in meeting patients' health and mental health care needs. We accept eligible veterans from adults to the frail elderly (18-90+). The patient population includes all types of psychopathologies, both acute and chronic, such as depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar affective disorder, dementia, personality disorders and PTSD. The patient population also includes patients with addictive disorders and detoxification services are provided. Many patients express suicidal or homicidal ideation and most have significant medical co-morbidity which complicates their diagnosis and treatment. Patients receive services in an outpatient setting that produce favorable population based outcomes that are valued by VHA. Such outcomes are at a minimum those specified within VISN scorecards. They include timely access to appointments for treatment of common subacute or chronic problems, reduction in missed opportunities, completion of clinical reminders, access to urgent care, access to brief observational care ( In coordination with the veteran, and in accord with MHSL protocols and guidelines, Mental Health APN conducts an initial assessment of the veteran's overall life situation and develops a comprehensive and individualized treatment/rehabilitation plan. Makes diagnoses of the veteran's mental health condition on Axes I, II, IV, and V of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0800-1630\nTelework: Intermittent telework available after one year.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Eva.Gennara@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]