Advanced Practice Nursing: Join the VA as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tuskegee

The Central Alabama VA Medical Center is actively seeking a compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to help serve our nation's heroes. As a key member of the Mental Health Service, you will have the opportunity to provide high-level clinical care to veterans in an environment that values professional development, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This position is a gateway to a stable federal career with significant incentives, including comprehensive benefits and the potential for student loan repayment.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you are an independent practitioner empowered to make a real difference. Your primary duties will include:

Clinical Care: Delivering evidence-based mental health services including medication management and psychotherapy.
Treatment Planning: Collaborating with veterans and their families to develop and adjust personalized plans of care.
Patient Education: Providing critical information to patients regarding their mental health conditions and preventive health measures.
Leadership: Mentoring staff and participating in interdisciplinary team initiatives to improve clinic outcomes.

Comparison of Qualifications

Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
Nurse II	Master's/Doctorate (NP)	Entry Level / None
Nurse III	Master's/Doctorate (NP)	1 Year Specialized APN Experience

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must hold a valid, unrestricted license as a Nurse Practitioner and maintain board certification as a PMHNP through a recognized body like the ANCC or AANPCB. You must also be proficient in English and meet all federal physical and background investigation standards.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $99,732 to $156,514 per year. The final salary determination depends on your education, scope of practice, and professional experience.

Benefits

Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance packages.
Retirement: Federal pension plans and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
EDRP: Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction for qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Ensure your application package is complete. Use the standardized clinical resume template provided by the VA. Verify that all licenses and certifications are clearly noted, and ensure your supporting documentation (transcripts, DD-214) is up to date and legible.

If you are a PMHNP looking to build a career where your clinical judgment and leadership skills are valued, this position at the Tuskegee VA is an ideal match. By applying your expertise here, you contribute directly to the well-being of those who have sacrificed for our nation. Take the next step in your career by submitting your application today.

Why This Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by providing high-quality, holistic mental health care at the Tuskegee VA Medical Center.

Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to join our team at the Central Alabama VA Medical Center in Tuskegee. This Advanced Practice Nurse role offers the unique opportunity to provide evidence-based, patient-centered mental health treatment to our nation's veterans while advancing your own clinical practice within a collaborative interdisciplinary environment. Eligible candidates may also take advantage of the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.

Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

United States Citizenship.
Valid, unrestricted state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner.
Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited school of professional nursing.
Board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Passing a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

One year of specialized psychiatric nurse practitioner experience (equivalent to Nurse II grade) for Grade III eligibility.
Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams.
Proven experience in managing complex patient panels or populations.
Advanced clinical expertise in psychotropic medication management and psychotherapy.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular performance-based increases.
✓Up to 50 days of total leave (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
✓Federal retirement system including a 401(k)-style plan with government matching.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance options (health, vision, dental, life, long-term care).
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Malpractice protection under federal law.

💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Job

Log in or create a profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Review the specific questionnaire provided for this position.
Prepare your resume using the required standard VA clinical template.
Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts, licenses, and relevant certifications.
Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
Monitor your account for status updates and follow-up communications.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on the careers page to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Clearly articulate your nursing experience, including both paid and volunteer roles, to help in salary and grade determination.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and include relevant information like dates and certifications.
Apply well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues with the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which may provide student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000, subject to eligibility criteria and application timelines.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though it may be subject to change based on agency operational needs.

Can I apply if I don't have my license yet?

The VA may consider Graduate Nurse Technicians for a temporary appointment if they meet all other requirements but are pending licensure, allowing them time to obtain it.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Tuskegee, Alabama.

What is the significance of the VA ICARE values?

ICARE stands for Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the core values that guide every VA employee’s service to our veterans.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By working at the Tuskegee VA, you join a mission-driven organization focused on providing "whole health" care. The VA prides itself on being a leader in health care quality, offering a supportive environment for practitioners to work to the full extent of their training and certification.