Summary PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. The Lake City VA Healthcare System Mental Health Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Nurse Practitioner (NP). Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. Responsibilities 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. Program 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. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. As a Licensed Independent Provider, the Nurse Practitioner practices autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. The incumbent provides a wide range of health care services, including the diagnosis and management of acute, chronic, and complex health problems; health promotion; disease prevention; health education; and counseling to individuals, families, groups and communities. Must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Providing high-quality care, increasing access & improving outcomes for Veterans. Making arrangements for further care if appropriate (e.g., by entering consults) and serving as a consultant to other providers. Working collaboratively with all levels of staff including trainees (e.g., medical students, NP/RN students, PA students, interns, residents, etc.) and a multidisciplinary staff in a fast-paced educational, and collegial environment. Planning, coordinating and directing comprehensive, interdisciplinary team of psychologist, psychiatrist, nurse, social worker, admin support staff, ensuring a smooth continuum of care for Veterans in primary care clinic. Developing and Implementing Mental Health Programs, operations and performance improvement activities within the clinic. Coordinating activities with the various NF/SGVHS Mental Health service line functional area. Developing and implementing evidence based nursing protocols and organizing educational activities targeted toward staff training and development. Assessing, diagnosing, monitoring, promoting health and protection from disease, and managing the full range of various actual or potential psychiatric-mental health conditions, illnesses, disorders, including substance use disorders, and injuries of patients presenting to the Psychiatry Service. Other related duties as assigned. 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 - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs). Telework: Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply for EDRP. Contact the VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at VISN8CCOE@va.gov for questions/assistance. Learn more. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications. United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen. English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from a school of professional nursing. (Transcripts Required) The education must be accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)- NOTE: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013 -or- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Applicants with equivalent Nurse Practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment. License: Active, current, full and unrestricted APN license to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. (Copy of NP License Required) Nurse Practitioner Board Certification: Must possess and maintain full and current board certification as a NP in Family Psychiatry & Mental Health or Adult Psychiatry & Mental Health. The certification must be in one of the following certifying bodies: (1) The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); or (2) The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB); or (3) Other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared. (Copy of NP Certification Required) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (NP) assignment that are also 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: In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of a NP is based on a combination of education and experience. Nurse Practitioner II: Scope. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Education and Experience Requirement. None beyond the basic requirements. Dimension Requirement. NPs at this grade are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program. Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care. Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care. Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice. Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes. Nurse Practitioner III: Scope. Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care. Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for a NP-II -and- possess one year of specialized NP experience equivalent to the NP-II grade level. Dimension Requirement. NPs at this grade are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence-based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program. Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations. Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population or program. Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility. Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician - Nurse Practitioner on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(B). Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is Nurse III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Nurse II to Nurse III. Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health. This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, hands and legs, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking & standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing and able to hear whisper. The incumbent must be physically, emotionally and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others. Education Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.