The Registered Nurse for Primary Care Mental Health Integration Coordinator provides and leads the provision of competent, evidence-based care, the independently provides patient-centered and recovery-oriented care, milieu management, and maintains self-awareness while caring for patients living with MH conditions.

Duties

The Registered Nurse for Primary Care Mental Health Integration Coordinator is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives as well as customer service programs. They facilitate shift reports, warm hand-offs, and nurse-led psychoeducational groups; use therapeutic communication techniques, practice de-escalation techniques, and utilize recovery-oriented language. The nurse actively participates in MH interdisciplinary treatment team, MH Environment of Care rounds, assumes team lead for psychiatric emergencies, reports and assists in resolving safety concerns, and documents nursing assessments, nursing plan of care, patient safety observations, and environmental safety rounds according to facility policy. The nurse maintains professional boundaries to protect patient vulnerabilities and act in the best interest of the patient. EXPECTATIONS OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: 1. Monitor, assess, provide interventions, and follow physician orders for Veterans in need of psychiatric nursing care. 2. Completes and documents nursing assessments, within identified parameters. 3. Develops the initial plan of care and provide updates throughout the Veteran's treatment, seeking assistance as needed. 4. Works in partnership with interdisciplinary team members, Veteran, and Veteran's family/ support system to coordinate the inpatient care and discharge plans. 5. Provides age-specific components when planning and providing Veteran care. 6. Considers all characteristics of the Veteran, including age and life stages, state of health, race and culture, values, and previous experiences to best align what care needs are. 7. Promotes the least restrictive environment that maximizes Veteran's functional status. 8. Uses sound judgment in problem solving and decision making, contacts Supervisor when further guidance is needed. 9. Follows Medical Center policies and procedures, maintaining safety as a priority. 10. Administers medications, monitors for side effects, and documents follow up as outlined by policies and procedures. 11. Follows established safety and infection control standards, policies, and procedures will minimal assistance. 12. Prioritizes care for Veterans with the ability to shift priorities based on patient and/or unit needs. 13. Works closely in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team to positively affect patient outcomes. 14. Knowledgeable individual that is an active participant in unit/program level quality improvement processes, initiatives, and customer service programs. 15. Able to effectively communicate with patients, families, peers, and others adapting style to best meet varied educational levels and diverse ethnic backgrounds. 16. Adaptable and able to work in high stress situations individually or within a team. 17. Delivers care to Veterans and families with VA values. 18. Recognize signs of intoxication and withdrawal, assess suicidal ideation, provide crisis interventions, and connect individuals with appropriate referrals in collaboration with the treatment team. 19. Must be organized and responsive to Veteran needs, prioritizing appropriately. 20. Assists with performance of Charge Nurse duties. 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: 7:00am - 3:30pm. Tour may vary depending upon Veteran and Medical Center/ Facility needs. Telework: Available. Telework may be authorized 3 or more days per pay period. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Travel: This position's primary duty station may be located at any of the Northern Indiana Healthcare System's duty stations. Travel to primary care or mental health clinics among Northern Indiana Healthcare System's locations may be necessary to meet Veteran and Facility needs.

Requirements

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/12581818. 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 additional 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. Preferred Experience: Prefer 5 years of mental health nursing experience. Prefer 2 years of primary care nursing experience. Prefer certification in mental health/psychiatric nursing and prefer experience in evidence of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, kneeling, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or during patient procedures and care. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Use of fingers, both hands, and near and far vision is required. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.

Contacts

• Address Northern Indiana HCS 1700 East 38th Street Marion, IN 46953 US
• Name: Diana Tursi
• Phone: 260-249-7488
• Email: [email protected]