The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System has two positions for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program that may be filled as either a Physician (Psychiatrist) or Nurse Practitioner. One position is located in Harlingen, TX, and the other position is in McAllen, TX.

Duties

This position is also announced as a Physician. Physicians should apply to announcement CAZM-12293271-24-JMS This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT & will remain open until March 08, 2024, or until all positions are filled. The first cut-off date is February 12, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants will remain active for 3 months after their initial application is received and/or updated. After that time, you must update your application through your USAJobs account if you would like to be made active again for possible consideration during the open period. DUTIES Performs an advanced comprehensive mental health history and mental status exam considering the psychosocial, emotion, ethnic and cultural aspects of health. Uses health assessment information and critical thinking to identify mental health concerns and risks, normal and abnormal states and formulate differential diagnoses. Uses scientific knowledge to deliver evidence-based care to the Veteran. Identifies and requests the mental health appropriate lab and imaging studies for Veterans and can interpret the requested tests using critical thinking. Communicates with Veterans and/or Veterans' designated surrogate, the diagnoses/options and likely response to care and common side effects of treatment. Documents mental health assessments, clinical data, diagnoses, management, and conclusions in a timely manner using the electronic medical record. Initiates timely referrals for subspecialty care as appropriate. Anticipates and recognizes changing urgent and emergent problems and intervenes appropriately. Actively provides counseling to promote mental health, reduce risk factors and prevent disease and disability. Recognizes environmental health problems affecting Veterans and provides health protection interventions. Selects, prescribes and analyzes correct dosages, routes and frequencies of medications to include psychotropic medications and utilizes non-pharmacologic evidence-based treatment modalities based on relevant individual needs, e.g., illness, age, gender, previous adverse drug reactions and medicines received from outside providers. Medicines are documented in the Medicine Reconciliation Note as per health system policy. Actively seeks out health promotion opportunities for Veterans. Works closely with the mental health team to provide coordinated care. Evaluates the Veteran's response to the mental health care provided and the effectiveness of the care. Actively participates in peer review activities using evidence-based data for evaluation through the service, NP peers and system based EPRP reviews. This includes self evaluations. Interprets his/her own professional strengths, role and scope of ability to peers, patients, and colleagues. Assumes accountability for practice. The Nurse Practitioner utilizes outcomes of care to revise care delivery strategies and improve quality of care. Performs as an active member of the health care team to help Veterans negotiate through the system. Builds relationships within the system which help support Veteran care. Creates a climate of mutual trust and establishes therapeutic relationships with Veterans. Collaborates with other health professionals and agencies as appropriate. Demonstrates respect for the inherent dignity of every human being, whatever their age, gender, religion, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Accesses culturally appropriate resources for Veterans. Refers issues to the Ethics Committee when necessary Demonstrates respect for patient and family wishes with regard to expression of spiritual beliefs. Complies with patient privacy rights and protects the electronic medical record from inappropriate access. Consults with medical staff members appropriately. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630 Telework: May be available Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP May be Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit Status: This position is part of the bargaining unit. 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

Requirements

Qualifications

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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. 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. Nurse Practitioners: A nurse practitioner must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State, possess a master's degree from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE, and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. The certification must be in the specialty to which the individual is being appointed or selected, in this case Mental Health. Preferred Experience: ANCC Board Certified PMH-NP Current experience treating Veterans with a breadth of DMS-5 disorders (i.e. general psychiatry experience) Experience providing care via telehealth. Job history reflecting employment lasting greater than 1 year per position unless newly ANCC Board Certified PMH-NP 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 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years 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 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. 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: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1.0 hrs); Standing (1.0 hrs); Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); Ability to perform privileges; Independently performs physical exam as appropriate to position; Cognitive stability.

Education

EDUCATION ACCREDITATION: The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), or Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) must be recognized by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by either of the following accrediting agencies at the time the program was completed by the applicant:

1. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) OR
2. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
3. ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE program or degree accreditation may also be found under the U.S. Department of Education

NOTES:

• Department of Education: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
• Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
• School Name: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
• No longer on accreditation site: If your school was accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet

IMPORTANT - Transcript: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Contacts

• Address VA TX Valley Coastal Bend HCS 2601 Veterans Drive Harlingen, TX 78550 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]