Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatry (EDRP) Opportunity with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Quincy, Illinois

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare to the nation's heroes. We are currently seeking a compassionate and skilled Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) specializing in Psychiatry to join our team at the Iowa City VA Health Care System in Quincy, Illinois. This vital role offers a chance to significantly impact the lives of veterans, providing comprehensive mental health care within a supportive and dynamic environment. As part of the VA's commitment to its workforce, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering substantial student loan repayment assistance. If you are a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner looking for a rewarding career and the opportunity to serve those who served, we encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, serving over nine million veterans annually. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and their families. The VA's healthcare system is renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and patient-centered care. We foster a culture of respect, compassion, and excellence, continually striving to improve the health and well-being of America's veterans. The Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS), serving Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northern Missouri, is a comprehensive tertiary care system that includes multiple clinics and outreach centers, all affiliated with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. ICVAHCS is also home to the Center for Access & Delivery Research and Education (CADRE), a leading research department within the VA.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatry within the VA Midwest Health Care Network, you will play a crucial role in delivering holistic care through a Whole Health System approach. This model empowers veterans to take charge of their health and well-being, creating personalized health plans within healing relationships and environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Independent Patient Management: Manage a panel of patients with both acute and chronic health conditions, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention, utilizing evidence-based practice.
• Comprehensive Evaluations: Conduct thorough medical evaluations for patients across various settings, including outpatient psychiatry, inpatient psychiatry, urgent care, and inpatient medical units, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Diagnostic Interpretation: Obtain detailed health histories and perform physical examinations. Interpret clinical findings, order appropriate laboratory tests, radiographic studies, and consultations to formulate comprehensive differential diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Treatment Planning: Prescribe effective pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions tailored to individual patient needs.
• Patient Education: Provide essential education to patients and their families regarding their conditions and treatment plans.
• Documentation: Maintain meticulous and timely documentation of all clinical services rendered in the electronic medical record, including the completion of clinical reminders and alerts.
• Collaboration: Participate effectively in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.
• Professional Development: Continuously acquire knowledge and skills to enhance expertise in psychiatric nursing practice.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following essential qualifications:

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required. Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
• Drug Screening: Must pass a pre-employment urinalysis for illegal drugs.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
• Background Investigation: Subject to a background and security investigation.
• Onboarding: Must complete an online onboarding process.
• Identification: Provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements (e.g., for I-9 verification). Note: Non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards will not be accepted after May 7, 2025.
• Physical Examination: Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• Application Completion: Submit all required documents and complete the full application by the closing date.
• Probationary Period: A 2-year probationary period is required for new federal employees.

Basic Requirements for Education and Licensure:

• Education: A post-master's certificate, master's degree, or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited professional nursing program. The program must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time of completion. Equivalency evaluations are available for foreign-educated applicants.
• License: Must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Board Certification: Must maintain full and current basic board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from a recognized certifying body (e.g., ANCC, AANPCB). Alternatively, certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), or Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (GNP) from a recognized body is acceptable.

Additional Qualifications:

• Nurse II (Entry Level): Meets basic education and licensure requirements. No specialized experience is required.
• Nurse III (Experienced Level): Meets basic education and licensure requirements plus one year of specialized APN experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level. Demonstrated dimensions include advanced clinical practice, leadership in influencing care delivery, leading change initiatives, and disseminating knowledge.

Salary Overview

The annual salary range for this position is $111,364 to $161,437, dependent upon the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the final grade level determined (Nurse II or Nurse III).

Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. These benefits include:

Benefit Category	Details
Paid Time Off	50-55 days of paid time off annually (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
Retirement	Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contributions.
Insurance	Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance. Many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
Student Loan Repayment	Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligible, offering up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
Professional Growth	Opportunities for continuing education, skill development, and career advancement within the VA system.
Work Environment	A collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on providing high-quality care to veterans.

Application Tips

To ensure a successful application, please follow these recommendations:

1. Detailed Resume: Craft a comprehensive resume that highlights your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments relevant to psychiatric nursing and advanced practice. Use the provided Clinical Resume Document template for a structured format.
2. Occupational Questionnaire: Answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire with honesty and accuracy. Provide specific examples to support your responses, as these are crucial for qualification assessment.
3. Required Documents: Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts (if applicable), SF-50s (for former/current federal employees), DD-214 (for veterans), and any other required certifications or licenses. Ensure documents are clear and legible.
4. Timeliness: Submit your complete application package well before the closing date of September 29, 2026, to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
5. Veteran Preference: If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, provide the required supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-15) to ensure you receive the appropriate credit.
6. Contact the Agency: If you encounter any issues with the online application process or require an alternative method for submission, reach out to the agency contact provided in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)? A1: The EDRP is a VA program designed to assist healthcare professionals by repaying qualifying student loans. Eligible participants can receive up to $200,000 in repayment assistance, subject to program approval and specific eligibility criteria.

• Q2: What are the minimum education and licensure requirements? A2: Applicants need a qualifying nursing degree (Master's, Doctoral, or Post-Master's Certificate) from an accredited institution and a current, unrestricted APN license as a Nurse Practitioner. Board certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or a related NP specialty is also mandatory.

• Q3: How is the salary determined? A3: The salary is determined based on the candidate's qualifications, years of specialized experience, and the determined grade level (Nurse II or Nurse III). The salary will fall within the announced range of $111,364 to $161,437 per year.

• Q4: Can I apply if I am currently completing my degree or certification? A4: Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but they cannot be hired until all requirements are officially met.

• Q5: What is the work schedule? A5: The standard work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

This Advanced Practice Nurse - Psychiatry position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Quincy, Illinois, presents an exceptional opportunity to build a fulfilling career while serving those who have bravely served our country. With competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and the potential for significant student loan relief through the EDRP, this role offers a unique chance for professional growth and personal satisfaction. Join a dedicated team committed to veteran health and well-being, and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's heroes. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and become part of the esteemed Veterans Health Administration.