Advance Your Nursing Career with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a role that offers both clinical challenge and the profound reward of serving those who have served our country? The VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) is currently seeking a motivated Registered Nurse to join our Outpatient Mental Health team in Tacoma, Washington.

Job Responsibilities

As an RN in our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team, you will provide essential assessment and intervention services. Key duties include:

Conducting comprehensive mental health assessments for patients with a wide range of DSM-V disorders.
Managing walk-in and phone triage needs.
Collaborating with clinicians to monitor medication side effects and coordinate refills.
Acting as a clinical consultant and educator for Veterans and their families.
Participating in interdisciplinary care planning and documentation.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following baseline criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program
Licensure	Full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory
Screening	Must pass physical, drug, and background investigations

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $87,285 to $161,201 per year. Grade and step placement are determined based on your unique education, length of professional practice, and clinical dimensions of nursing, such as leadership and evidence-based research application.

Benefits

Working with the VA means more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed for your long-term success:

EDRP: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program, offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
Time Off: A generous 50 days of paid time off per year (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays).
Retirement: Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
Insurance: Extensive options for health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, please use the standard clinical resume document provided by the VA rather than a generic resume. Clearly detail your professional experience against the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.

If you are ready to make a significant impact while advancing your clinical career in a top-tier healthcare system, we encourage you to apply. Join the VA Puget Sound team today and help us provide the world-class care that our Veterans deserve.

Why This Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health Job Matters

Advance your nursing career while making a direct impact on the lives of those who served our country at the prestigious VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health Job Overview

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for our Outpatient Mental Health program in Tacoma, Washington. This role is pivotal in providing compassionate, whole-health care to Veterans navigating a variety of mental health challenges. As part of a Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching system—widely recognized as one of the most complex in the nation—you will engage in high-level clinical practice, collaborative treatment planning, and patient advocacy. This is an open continuous announcement, meaning we are actively reviewing applications on a rolling basis to build our world-class care team.

Requirements for Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license from any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
English language proficiency (written and spoken) is required.
Must pass a pre-employment physical exam and mandatory drug screening.
Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Commitment to participating in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
2 to 3 years of specialized experience in psychiatric or mental health nursing.
Proven ability to manage complex clinical cases within an outpatient or interdisciplinary setting.
Experience in patient triage, medication management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying student loans).
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays annually.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance packages.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with vesting after five years.
✓Federal 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions up to 5%.
✓Regular salary increases and potential for performance-based awards.

💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Outpatient Mental Health Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a clinical resume; the VA provides a specific template for this purpose.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your nursing license, transcripts, and any applicable veteran preference documents (e.g., DD-214).
Submit your final application package before the announcement deadline.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA clinical resume template provided in the job announcement to ensure all critical details are captured.
Be specific in your resume about your nursing practice dimensions (Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research).
Monitor your email regularly for status notifications after submission.
Ensure your license information is current and clearly reflected in your uploaded documents.
Reach out to the listed agency contact if you require any special assistance or accommodation during the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide reimbursement for qualifying student loans up to $200,000 based on specific eligibility criteria.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this announcement is open to the public as well as internal federal candidates.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The role follows a traditional, consistent schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Is this a virtual position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the American Lake Division in Tacoma, WA.

Can I apply if I am in a bridge nursing program?

Yes, in some cases, bridge program students may be eligible for temporary appointments. Please review the full qualification standards linked in the official announcement.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is a premier medical institution, functioning as a Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching hospital. With two primary divisions and a network of community clinics, we manage some of the most complex healthcare cases in the nation. Our mission is clear: to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. By joining our team, you become a critical part of a supportive, high-achieving clinical community.