The PMHNP manages the administrative and clinical aspects of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in the Mental Health Clinic at the Tucson Main Campus, and at the Seven Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. The incumbent practices in Mental Health services as a certified Psychiatric Mental Health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality and timeliness. The PMHNP provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management.

Duties

Mental Health The SAVAHCS Mental Health Service values cultural diversity across our staff and training programs. Mental Health Service leaders are deeply committed to fostering an environment that is highly sensitive to and appreciative of all aspects of diversity. Our staff represent a variety of cultural backgrounds, competencies, interests, and theoretical orientations." The Psychiatric Mental Health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) practices to the full extent of their education, training, and certification. Core functions are outlined in the clinical privileges that correspond with this position. The PMHNP has prescriptive authority as indicated by their position. Based on the needs of the service, the incumbent may be asked to assist with coverage of BHIP or other Mental Health Service psychiatric providers to include nurse practitioners and physicians, as well as clinical pharmacy providers, as their privileges permit. The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and functioning of BHIP, as well as long term program outcome evaluation and efficiency. This includes directly supervising the multi-disciplinary BHIP Team Supervisors who each oversee up to two BHIP teams, subspecialty program coordinators, and Gap Psychiatric Providers. The incumbent will develop and facilitate a weekly BHIP Supervisors' Meeting, a monthly BHIP Program Meeting, participate in weekly BHIP team meetings as clinically or administratively indicated, participate in monthly or bimonthly Mental Health Service Management Meetings, and participate in monthly or bimonthly discipline- specific meetings to include psychiatry, nursing, social work, and psychology as needed. The incumbent will attend BHIP VISN and national level meetings to ensure the SAVAHCS is in compliance with BHIP national guidelines. The incumbent is delegated the full scope of authority and responsibility for the coordination of BHIP, to include performance standards and evaluations, workload evaluation, competencies, proficiencies and all other personnel related responsibilities. The incumbent assumes professional, technical, and administrative responsibilities for psychiatry programs extended to these areas. The incumbent collaborates with supervisory clinical leads outside of psychiatry (i.e., social work, psychology) in evaluating their employees' clinical skills. The incumbent coordinates with the BHIP Nurse Manager to ensure that BHIP registered nurse and licensed practical nurse/nursing assistant competencies, proficiencies, direct management, and other personnel related needs are being met. Major duties not limited Uses advanced clinical judgment to independently provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with acute or chronic mental illness including use of psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, and other modalities. Provides patient and family education on medical/mental health conditions, preventive measures, and prescribed treatments. Demonstrates leadership and engages in collaboration with other mental health and specialty care professionals while involving Veterans and their families (as appropriate), in treatment plan development. Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes Counsels and treats patients with substance use disorders. Orders and interprets diagnostic studies Initiates referrals/consults to specialty services Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race color, religion, sex, and affirmative action for the area under his/her supervision in the following: The incumbent performs a wide range of services and provides technical assistance to state, local, and private agencies, and universities. Technical assistance provided is based on monitoring activities and program reviews, and the development and analysis of information. In addition, the incumbent uses sound judgment in the interpretation of trends and patterns; the application of guidelines; and the recommendation of program enhancements. The incumbent performs program analysis, development, review, research, design, and public contact work. The incumbent is responsible for key project activities related to the planning, development, and implementation of the project component. As a key leader within the Mental Health Service, the incumbent may represent the service on Medical Center task forces or committees, as deemed appropriate. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0800-1630 Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

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: Citizen of the United States 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 A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (NOTE: the post-master's certificate is formal education awarded from an acceptable school of professional nursing and is not considered board certification as described under 2.c.(2) of this appendix). Education Accreditation Requirement: Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant: Licensure and Certification. All APNs (NPs) must possess and maintain an 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 Basic Certification: must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); or The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the NP is academically prepared. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in this occupational series and APN (NP) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: APN (NP) who is retained under this provision and subsequently leaves the occupation or assignment loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. APN (NP) initially grandfathered into this occupation or assignment, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification and meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (APN (NPs) who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Residency and Quality of Experience: Residency or quality of training and experience as a Nurse/APN should be carefully reviewed when determining the appropriate grade. Experience. To be creditable, experience must demonstrate possession of the following dimensions of practice requirements identified for each grade level: Research. At any grade, an APN (NP) may conduct, collaborate or assist with approved research or scholarly projects that enhance their knowledge and skills in the profession and advance the missions of VA. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of an APN (NP) is based on a combination of education and experience. Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination for appointment, advancement and promotion will be based on the following specific requirement for an APN (NP). The level of practice at which an APN (NP) may perform is based upon a combination of many factors. Beyond the minimum educational requirements, grade determination, upon appointment and advancement, is dependent upon aspects such as continued professional development (formal and/or informal education), clinical performance, judgment, outcomes (at the service level and beyond), leadership and interpersonal skills that influence, inspire and motivate others within their program/service or beyond. As the APN (NP) acquires the knowledge, skills and judgment that accrues with experience, the privilege of increased authority for patient care and service in administrative roles is expanded as applicable. APN (Nurse Practitioner) II: Scope. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required. Dimension Requirement. APNs (NPs) at level II 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. APN (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 an APN (NP) AND One year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level. Dimension Requirement. APNs (Nurse Practitioners) at grade III 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. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6a Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted.

Education

• Education Accreditation Requirement: Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant:

1. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. The ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate, masters/post-master's certificate, baccalaureate, associate and diploma nursing education programs. (NOTE: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013 ACEN's website may be utilized to verify accredited programs using automated inquiry processes; however, for verification of any nursing program's accreditation prior to 1998, an automated inquiry cannot be used and ACEN must be contacted directly via their email contact information on the ACEN website to verify.); or
   The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 7, Washington, DC 20001. The CCNE is an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and accredits nursing education programs at the bachelor and master's level
2. Foreign Education. 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) US Department of Veterans Affairs-RN Credentials Evaluation | International Consultants of Delaware (icdeval.com). After ICD received the candidates with equivalent Nurse Practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active and unrestricted registration and certification (see paragraph 2c) will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.

*The required basic certification as a Nurse Practitioner must be identified in support of any position being established or filled as an APN (NP). An approved list of NP/APN certifications may be found on the Office of Nursing site at the Office of Nursing Services.

APNs (NPs) are credentialed and privileged to provide care based upon scope of practice, formal graduate nursing educational preparation, certification and patient population. It is the focus of care based on patient care needs, not the care setting, that defines the provider's scope of practice and basic certification required. The scope of practice is determined by the provider's formal academic education and basic Nurse Practitioner certification. The assignment will either require a specific basic certification as a nurse practitioner.

Contacts

• Address Tucson VA Medical Center 3601 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 US
• Name: Elena Gonzalez
• Phone: 858-623-1850
• Email: [email protected]