Registered Nurse - Chief Nurse (Mental Health) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Approved

Chief Nurse Mental Health

The Chief Nurse provides leadership characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for nursing personnel throughout Mental Health Services. The Chief Nurse's Mental Health leadership crosses services and/or discipline lines as appropriate.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency: Proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an approved school of professional nursing accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
• Alternatively, individuals in master's level bridge programs with equivalent coursework to a bachelor's degree in nursing may be appointed temporarily and converted to permanent upon successful completion and licensure.
• For graduates of foreign schools, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted RN registration meets the graduation requirement. Higher degrees require formal equivalency validation.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates without a license may be appointed temporarily at the entry step of the applicable grade while actively pursuing licensure.

Scope, Education, and Dimension Criteria for Nurse IV:

• Scope: Executes leadership with substantial responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs crossing service/discipline lines, influencing organizational mission and healthcare.
• Education: Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) and 4 years of professional nursing experience (1 year specialized equivalent to Nurse III) OR Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and 4 years of professional nursing experience (1 year specialized equivalent to Nurse III) OR Doctoral degree in nursing and 3 years of professional nursing experience (1 year specialized equivalent to Nurse III) OR Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and 3 years of professional nursing experience (1 year specialized equivalent to Nurse III).
• Dimensions:
• Leadership: Leads healthcare delivery using evidence-based practices, research, and innovative care models. Drives vision and change for improved performance and outcomes.
• Business Acumen: Transforms healthcare by implementing new processes, technology, informatics, and data analytics using business models and resource management.
• Inspiring an Industry-Leading Lifestyle: Employs shared decision-making, cultivates a workforce serving diverse Veterans, families, and caregivers, builds trust, and catalyzes dynamic teams.
• Communication and Relationship Management: Directs effective relationship management for positive customer service experiences aligned with organizational values.
• Professional and Social Responsibility: Operationalizes holistic care, health advocacy, and health equity. Applies ethical principles and advances nursing knowledge through research and dissemination.

Preferred Experience:

• 5+ years RN experience
• Experience in Mental Health/Psychiatric services/Behavioral Health service
• Previous Chief Nurse experience (Acting, Interim, or Permanent)
• Current/past leadership or management experience with personnel management.
• Master's degree in nursing or a related field.

Physical Requirements:

Moderate Lifting (15-44 lbs), Light lifting (under 15 lbs), Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs), Light Carrying (under 15 lbs), Pulling hand over hand (8-12 hrs), Pushing (8-12 hrs), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (8-12 hrs), Standing (8-12 hrs), Kneeling (8-12 hrs), Repeated bending (8-12 hrs), Climbing (requires both legs and arms), Near vision (13-16 inches), Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted).

Duties

The focus of the Chief Nurse's Mental Health performance is assuring the provision of nursing excellence throughout Mental Health, encompassing clinical, educational, and administrative responsibilities for inpatient units (2D-200, 2D-300), and support staff for MH Quality and Education, as well as the Clinical Nurse Liaison. The Chief Nurse, Mental Health also provides nursing practice guidance and consultation to outpatient mental health nursing personnel.

The Chief Nurse for Mental Health provides leadership characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for nursing personnel throughout VANTCHS Mental Health and Psych Services for Dallas, Bonham, Ft. Worth, and Tyler, Texas. The CN-MH functions as an administrator, educator, and consultant, utilizing management theory in collaboration with Patient Care Services (PCS) and other services. The CN-MH assumes responsibility for administrative and clinical issues, such as staffing, leave, and patient/staff concerns. The CN-MH leadership crosses services and/or discipline lines and works closely with the Patient Aligned Care Team and Specialty Service Managers. The CN-MH is responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices that support high-quality healthcare delivery, ensuring adherence by RNs, LVNs, NAs, and/or HCTs within Primary Care and Special Programs. The incumbent consults and collaborates with VHA Program Offices, VISN staff, facility leadership, nurse executives, professional organizations, consumer groups, and stakeholders to address complex healthcare delivery and nursing practice issues for the VA North Texas Health Care System.

VA Offers a Comprehensive Total Rewards Package:

• Pay: Competitive salary, regular increases, potential performance awards.
• Paid Time Off: 50 days per year (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 Federal holidays).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care (many federal programs are portable into retirement).
• Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 0730-1600

Telework:

Not Available

Virtual:

This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives Authorized:

Yes

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):

Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report:

Not required

Bargaining Unit:

This position is not part of the Bargaining unit.

Key Skills/Competency

• Chief Nurse
• Mental Health Services
• Nursing Leadership
• Healthcare Administration
• Patient Care Services
• Staff Development
• Quality Improvement
• Policy Development
• Team Management
• Evidence-Based Practice