kandidatu USA

Registered Nurse – Inpatient Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration · Department of Veterans Affairs

This job in plain English

This Registered Nurse job is on an inpatient mental health unit at the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System in Topeka, Kansas, part of the Veterans Health Administration. It has 2 vacancies, a day shift, and no telework or remote option. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, which can help repay student loans.

2 vacancies

Can you apply?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.

  • Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.
  • Agency employees onlyOnly current employees of the hiring agency.

Other groups listed above may get extra consideration, for example veterans' preference.

This job is open to the public and to current federal employees of the VA. You must be a U.S. citizen or national, or owe allegiance to the U.S. Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens cannot be recruited.

What you would do

  • Give direct, recovery-focused psychiatric nursing care to patients with mental health conditions.
  • Lead care for psychiatric emergencies and help resolve safety concerns.
  • Administer medications and procedures under established policies and guidelines.
  • Coordinate care with the mental health interdisciplinary treatment team.
  • Document nursing assessments, care plans, and patient safety observations.

Do you qualify for VN?

With experience: Your experience must match the level you apply for. For example, for Nurse I, Level II with an associate degree or diploma, you need 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level I. For Nurse I, Level III with an associate degree or diploma, you need 2 years of professional nursing experience, one year of which equals Nurse I, Level II.

With education: A graduate of an accredited nursing school can qualify at the entry level, with an associate degree or diploma. A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) can qualify you for Nurse I, Level II with no added nursing experience. A master's degree in nursing (MSN) can qualify you for Nurse I, Level III with no added nursing experience. Schools must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a nurse in a U.S. state, territory, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Long-form resume or curriculum vitae (CV); the 2-page resume limit does not apply
  • Transcripts if you qualify through education
  • DD-214 and SF-15 if you claim veterans' preference
  • Professional certification or license if you rely on it to qualify
  • Cover letter, if you choose to include one

How you will be rated: You are rated on how well you meet the qualifications through the online questionnaire. Your nursing experience is reviewed on five areas: practice, veteran and patient driven care, leadership, professional development, and evidence-based practice and research. Missing required information may lead to an ineligible rating or a lower score.

Tips for this job:

  • Describe your nursing experience clearly and specifically, including dates, hours, and patient populations, because the agency will not assume anything.
  • If you want EDRP loan repayment, plan to submit the EDRP application within four months of appointment.
  • If you claim veterans' preference, upload your DD-214 and, for 10-point preference, the SF-15 with proof.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time day shift, 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Not a virtual position.

Incentives and relocation: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan repayment, up to $200,000 over one to five years if approved. You must apply within four months of appointment, and former EDRP participants cannot apply. Relocation and recruitment incentives and PCS moves are not authorized.

Conditions of employment:

  • U.S. citizenship, with limited exceptions
  • Drug test (urinalysis) before appointment
  • Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Background and security investigation
  • Online onboarding with acceptable ID; non-REAL ID licenses are not accepted after May 7, 2025
  • Pre-employment physical evaluation
  • Required seasonal influenza vaccination or approved exemption
  • Possible probationary period
  • English language proficiency required for direct patient care

We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.

Job details

Salary
$74,590 – $137,636 per year
Pay scale and grade
VN · VA nursing
Location
Topeka, Kansas
Appointment
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Openings
2
Security clearance
Not Required
Travel
Not required
Drug test
Not required
Supervisory
No
Occupation
Nurse (0610)
Announcement
CBSS-13106230-27-ABL

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