Lead Psychiatric Nursing Care at VA Loma Linda: Assistant Nurse Manager Opportunity

Are you a seasoned and dedicated Registered Nurse with a passion for mental health and leadership? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites you to apply for the Assistant Nurse Manager position within the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System in Loma Linda, California. This pivotal role offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the unparalleled opportunity to provide essential psychiatric and medical nursing care to the Veterans who have bravely served our nation. If you are driven by a mission to serve and possess strong clinical and leadership skills, this position is an exceptional pathway to advance your career while making a profound difference.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and their families. The VA's mission is to provide Veterans with comprehensive, high-quality healthcare, benefits, and support services. At the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, this mission translates into compassionate, patient-driven care delivered by dedicated professionals who understand and honor the unique needs of our Veterans. Joining the VA means becoming part of a team committed to excellence, innovation, and the holistic well-being of those who have sacrificed for our country.

Job Responsibilities: Leading the Acute Psychiatric Unit

As an Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) on the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU), you will play a crucial role in the daily operations and clinical oversight of a vital service line. You will work closely with the Nurse Manager, providing first-line supervisory authority and accountability for the 24/7 functioning of the unit. Your responsibilities will encompass ensuring the delivery of timely, high-quality nursing care that adheres to established standards of practice and clinical excellence.

Key duties include:

Assisting in Operational Oversight: Support the Nurse Manager in assessing, planning, and evaluating nursing services within the APU, ensuring efficient and effective patient care delivery.
Clinical Leadership: Demonstrate leadership, experience, and creativity in delivering and enhancing holistic care through collaborative strategies with the healthcare team.
Staff Development and Education: Collaborate with the Education Department to develop, coordinate, and deliver ongoing education for nursing personnel, fostering knowledge enhancement and ensuring clinical competence.
Unit Coverage: Potentially assume duties in the absence of the Nurse Manager and represent the Nurse Executive during non-administrative hours.
Patient Care: Provide professional psychiatric and/or medical nursing care to acute and chronically ill Veterans, ensuring adherence to established policies and standards of care.
Supervision and Administration: Assist the Nurse Manager in supervising and administering nursing care delivery, managing nursing personnel, and coordinating related activities.
Program Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of programs designed to improve patient care delivery.
Clinical Proficiency: Maintain and update clinical proficiency in the area of oversight.
Treatment Regimen Evaluation: Evaluate procedural, pharmacological, and other therapeutic treatment regimens, monitoring for compliance with medical center policies.
New Hire Transition: Successfully transition new hires by clearly communicating performance elements and standards, providing ongoing feedback and coaching, and utilizing the probationary period effectively.

Requirements for Aspiring Leaders

To be considered for this critical role, candidates must meet the following fundamental requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited, following VA policy.
English Proficiency: Must demonstrate proficiency in basic written and spoken English, as required for direct patient care positions.
Education: Graduation from a professional nursing school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time of program completion. Alternatively, individuals in bridge programs or with foreign degrees validated for equivalency may qualify.
Licensure: Possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
Drug Screening: Tentatively selected applicants for VA employment in testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Background Investigation: All selected candidates will undergo a background and security investigation.
Onboarding and Identification: Candidates must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements. Note: Driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards not compliant with REAL ID standards may not be accepted after May 7, 2025.
Physical Evaluation: Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Influenza Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory requirement for all VA Health Care Personnel.
Probationary Period: May be required to serve a probationary period.

Experience and Grade Determination

Your eligibility for this position will be determined based on a combination of education, scope, and length of nursing practice. The VA evaluates experience across five key dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research. The specific grade and salary will be assigned based on how well your qualifications align with the criteria for Nurse I, Nurse II, or Nurse III levels, as detailed in the VA's qualification standards.

Understanding the Nurse Levels

Nurse Level	Description	Education & Experience Requirements (Examples)
Nurse I	Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care; develops technical competencies.	Level I: ADN/Diploma. Level II: ADN/Diploma + 1 yr specialized exp OR BSN. Level III: ADN/Diploma + 2 yrs exp (1 yr @ Lvl II) OR BSN + 1 yr exp OR MSN.
Nurse II	Demonstrates leadership; improves holistic care through collaboration.	BSN + 2 yrs exp equiv. to Nurse I, Level 3; OR MSN + 1 yr specialized exp equiv. to Nurse I, Level 3; OR Doctoral degree in Nursing.
Nurse III	Executes responsibilities with leadership, experience, and creative approaches for complex client care management.	MSN + 2 yrs specialized exp (1 yr @ Nurse II level); OR Master's degree in related field with BSN + 2 yrs specialized exp (1 yr @ Nurse II level); OR Doctoral degree in Nursing + 1 yr specialized exp equiv. to Nurse II.

Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Preferred Qualifications: Elevating Your Application

While not strictly required, possessing the following qualifications will significantly strengthen your application:

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred; advanced nursing or leadership education is highly desirable.
A minimum of 2 to 3 years of recent nursing experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric or mental health setting.
Previous experience as a charge nurse, team lead, supervisor, or in a similar nursing leadership role.
Experience caring for patients with acute psychiatric conditions, behavioral emergencies, suicide/self-harm risk, aggression, and complex behavioral needs.
Demonstrated expertise in de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and managing restraint/seclusion, with a focus on safety.
Proficiency in concepts of levels of observation, environmental and ligature-risk safety, contraband management, and inpatient psychiatric safety practices.
Experience with staff supervision, scheduling, performance management, coaching, education, and competency development.
Experience supporting quality improvement, regulatory compliance, patient safety, and survey readiness.
A strong ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary team members, including psychiatry, social work, psychology, nursing, and VA Police.
Excellent communication, conflict-resolution, clinical judgment, and leadership skills suitable for a high-acuity environment.

Salary Overview

This Assistant Nurse Manager position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $135,711 to $196,732, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The VA provides regular salary increases and the potential for performance awards, ensuring your compensation reflects your contributions and expertise.

Benefits: A Total Rewards Package

The VA offers a comprehensive and attractive benefits package designed to support its employees' well-being and financial security:

Paid Time Off: Enjoy 50 days of paid time off annually, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting, supplemented by a federal 401K plan with up to a 5% contribution match from the VA.
Insurance: Access to a range of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance. Many of these federal insurance programs can be maintained even after retirement.
Licensure: The VA requires one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory for nursing positions.
Work-Life Balance: While this specific role requires working weekends and holidays, the overall benefits package supports a healthy work-life balance.

Application Process: Steps to Apply

Applying for this exciting opportunity is straightforward. Ensure you complete all steps by the closing date of September 8, 2026:

Online Application: Visit USAJOBS.gov and create or log in to your account.
Resume and Documents: Upload your USAJOBS resume and any other required supporting documents, such as transcripts (if qualifying based on education) and proof of licensure.
Occupational Questionnaire: Complete the detailed occupational questionnaire accurately and thoroughly. Your responses are crucial for evaluating your qualifications.
Review and Submit: Carefully review your entire application package for completeness and accuracy before submitting.

To preview the questionnaire, you can use this link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13051902

Application Tips for Success

To maximize your chances of success:

Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize experience and skills directly related to psychiatric nursing, leadership, patient safety, and staff management. Use keywords found in the job announcement.
Address All Requirements: Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the stated requirements and preferred qualifications.
Detailed Responses: Provide specific examples and details in your questionnaire responses. Avoid generic statements.
Required Documents: Double-check that all necessary documents are uploaded correctly and are legible.
Timeliness: Submit your application well before the closing deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the salary range for this position?

A1: The annual salary is between $135,711 and $196,732, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Q2: What is the work schedule?

A2: The primary schedule is the Night Shift (6:30 PM - 3:00 AM). You will be required to work weekends and no holidays. The tour is subject to change based on facility needs.

Q3: Are there any incentives for relocation or recruitment?

A3: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position at this time.

Q4: What nursing education is required?

A4: A graduate degree from an accredited nursing school (ACEN or CCNE) is required. The experience requirement varies based on whether you have an ADN, BSN, MSN, or Doctoral degree.

Q5: Is this job open to the general public?

A5: Yes, this announcement is open to the public, meaning anyone meeting the qualifications can apply.

Q6: How does the VA determine the grade (Nurse I, II, III)?

A6: The VA assesses your education, scope, and years of professional nursing practice against specific criteria for each grade level, focusing on dimensions like Practice, Leadership, and Evidence-Based Practice.

This Assistant Nurse Manager position at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System represents a significant opportunity for experienced psychiatric nurses to step into a leadership role. By serving Veterans, you contribute to a noble mission while enjoying robust benefits and career growth within a respected healthcare system. If you are ready to lead, inspire, and provide exceptional care, we encourage you to apply and become an integral part of the VA's commitment to our nation's heroes.

Why This Assistant Nurse Manager-Inpatient Psychiatry Unit Job Matters

Advance your nursing career and make a profound impact on the lives of our nation's heroes. The Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a dedicated Assistant Nurse Manager for its Inpatient Psychiatry Unit in Loma Linda, California.

Assistant Nurse Manager-Inpatient Psychiatry Unit Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a qualified and compassionate Registered Nurse to serve as an Assistant Nurse Manager for the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. This critical role involves assisting the Nurse Manager in overseeing the 24/7 operations of the APU, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered psychiatric and medical nursing care to Veterans. The Assistant Nurse Manager plays a pivotal role in staff development, policy implementation, and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for patients facing acute mental health challenges. If you are a leader passionate about mental health and dedicated to serving those who served, this is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a vital mission.

Requirements for Assistant Nurse Manager-Inpatient Psychiatry Unit

Must be a U.S. citizen; non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited, per VA policy.
Proficient in basic written and spoken English.
Must possess a graduate degree from an approved professional nursing program accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of completion. Alternatively, individuals in bridge programs or with foreign degrees validated for equivalency may qualify.
Hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
Registered Nurses are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Selected candidates will undergo a background and security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements (Note: REAL ID compliant identification may be required after May 7, 2025).
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
May be required to serve a probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Nurse Manager-Inpatient Psychiatry Unit

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred, with advanced nursing or leadership education being highly advantageous.
A minimum of 2-3 years of recent nursing experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric/mental health setting is desirable.
Prior experience as a charge nurse, team lead, supervisor, or in a nursing leadership role is preferred.
Experience managing patients with acute psychiatric conditions, behavioral emergencies, suicide/self-harm risks, aggression, and complex behavioral needs.
Demonstrated expertise in de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, managing restraint/seclusion, and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.
Knowledge of patient observation levels, environmental and ligature-risk safety protocols, contraband management, and inpatient psychiatric safety practices.
Experience in staff supervision, scheduling, performance management, coaching, education, and competency development.
Experience supporting quality improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance, patient safety, and survey readiness.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatry, social work, psychology, nursing, and VA Police.
Strong leadership, clinical judgment, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, particularly in a high-acuity setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular increases and potential for performance awards.
✓Generous paid time off: 50 days annually (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
✓Comprehensive retirement benefits: Federal pension with 5-year vesting and a federal 401K with up to 5% VA contribution.
✓Extensive insurance options: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance, many of which are portable into retirement.
✓Licensure support: Requires one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
✓The VA is committed to fair employment practices under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, prohibiting criminal history inquiries before a tentative job offer.

💡 How to Apply Assistant Nurse Manager-Inpatient Psychiatry Unit Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Nurse Manager-Inpatient Psychiatry Unit Job

Complete the online application through USAJOBS.
Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire carefully and honestly.
Upload all required documents as specified in the 'Required Documents' section.
Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Thoroughly review the 'Qualification Summary,' 'Requirements,' and 'Preferred Qualifications' sections to ensure your application aligns with the job expectations.
Craft your resume to clearly demonstrate experience and skills related to the Major Duties and Preferred Experience listed. Be specific and use keywords from the announcement.
Ensure all required documents, including transcripts (if applicable) and proof of licensure, are uploaded by the closing date.
Take your time completing the occupational questionnaire. Your responses are critical for determining your qualifications and potential referral.
Consider opting in to make your resume available to other hiring managers for similar positions, although this does not affect your application for this specific announcement.
Double-check all information for accuracy and completeness before final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the salary details for this position?

The annual salary range for this Assistant Nurse Manager position is $135,711 to $196,732.

What is the work schedule for this role?

The primary work schedule is the Night Shift, from 6:30 PM to 3:00 AM. This tour is subject to change based on facility needs, and the role requires working weekends and no holidays.

Are relocation or recruitment incentives available?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are currently authorized for this position.

What type of nursing degree is required?

A graduate degree from a professional nursing program accredited by ACEN or CCNE is required. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing requires specific years of experience, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) requires less experience, and a Master's or Doctoral degree requires the least or none, depending on the level.

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this position is open to the public.

What is the difference between Nurse I, Nurse II, and Nurse III levels?

The Nurse I levels (I, II, III) reflect increasing levels of experience and integration of skills, from fundamental care to managing complex situations. Nurse II demonstrates leadership in care delivery and improvement, while Nurse III executes responsibilities with advanced leadership, experience, and creative approaches in managing complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.