Advance Your Career as a Mental Health Nurse Trainer with the VA

Are you a Registered Nurse passionate about education, mentorship, and mental health advocacy? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a skilled professional to join the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) as a Mental Health Nurse Trainer. This role is a unique intersection of clinical practice and educational leadership, providing you with the opportunity to shape the care provided to those who have defended our nation.

Role Responsibilities

As a Mental Health Nurse Trainer, you will serve as a subject matter expert, assessing the clinical needs of our nursing staff and designing educational interventions that close knowledge gaps. Key duties include:

Curriculum Development: Designing and delivering training programs that address clinical standards and patient population needs.
Policy Collaboration: Working with management to revise procedures and guidelines that improve care quality.
Leadership and Mentorship: Supporting peers through feedback, knowledge sharing, and fostering a culture of professional growth.
Evidence-Based Practice: Evaluating the effectiveness of clinical decisions and implementing changes that align with current healthcare trends.

Qualifications

You must meet specific educational and professional standards to qualify.

Qualification Area	Requirement Details
Licensure	Active, full, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any U.S. State or Territory.
Education	ADN, BSN, or MSN from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing program.
Experience	Professional nursing experience commensurate with the specific grade level (Nurse I-III).
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. citizen.

Salary and Benefits

The VA offers a total rewards package that reflects the expertise required for this high-level role. The salary range for this position is $78,714 to $181,738 per year, depending on your grade and qualifications. Beyond the salary, you will enjoy:

Work-Life Balance: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement Security: A federal pension plan plus a 401(k) with government matching contributions.
Health Coverage: Access to excellent federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs that can follow you into retirement.

How to Apply

To be considered, you must submit a complete application package through the official USAJOBS portal before the September 14, 2026, deadline. Your application must include a detailed resume that reflects your nursing expertise across the five core dimensions of VA nursing practice: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research. Do not omit details—if it is not in your resume, it cannot be considered.

This position is an exceptional opportunity for a nurse leader to make a lasting impact. If you are ready to combine your clinical skills with a drive for education, we invite you to apply and help the VA North Texas Health Care System continue its tradition of excellence in Veteran care.

Why This Registered Nurse - Mental Health Nurse Trainer Job Matters

Shape the future of mental health care and empower those who served by leading clinical education initiatives at the prestigious VA North Texas Health Care System.

Registered Nurse - Mental Health Nurse Trainer Job Overview

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to serve as a Mental Health Nurse Trainer. In this vital role, you will bridge the gap between clinical practice and staff proficiency. By assessing learning needs, designing comprehensive training curricula, and fostering a culture of continuous development, you will directly influence the quality of care provided to our nation's Veterans. This position is essential for maintaining clinical standards and implementing evidence-based practices across our mental health service lines in the Dallas area.

Requirements for Registered Nurse - Mental Health Nurse Trainer

U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
Active, full, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE-accredited professional nursing program.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Completion of a 2-year probationary period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Mental Health Nurse Trainer

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Direct or indirect nursing experience within a mental health or behavioral health clinical setting.
Previous experience in developing or delivering staff educational programs.
Active participation in performance improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives.
Current specialty certification in Mental Health/Behavioral Health or Nursing Education.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards.
✓Generous leave package (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits including a traditional pension and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Professional development and knowledge-sharing opportunities in a teaching-hospital environment.

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

Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Mental Health Nurse Trainer Job

Log in or create an account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a detailed long-form resume or CV that clearly highlights your nursing experience and education.
Review the online questionnaire to understand the required dimensions for your specific grade level.
Upload all necessary supporting documents (licensure, transcripts, SF-50, etc.).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume reflects the five core nursing dimensions: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research.
Be specific about your clinical experience; avoid general statements, as HR cannot make assumptions about your background.
Double-check that your transcripts and degree information clearly indicate accreditation by ACEN or CCNE.
If you are a Veteran, ensure your DD-214 is legible and clearly shows your character of service to claim preference points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position based in Dallas, Texas. Telework is not available for this role.

Can I apply if I have a foreign nursing degree?

Yes, but you must provide formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD), to receive credit.

What is the work schedule?

*A: The schedule is determined by your supervisor based on the specific needs of the clinical service.*

Is there relocation assistance?

*A: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA North Texas Health Care System is one of the busiest and most dynamic medical systems in the United States. Serving a vast veteran population across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, VANTHCS is a hub of excellence, research, and tertiary care. Headquartered in Dallas, the system provides a robust continuum of care, from outpatient clinics to highly specialized medical centers. By joining this team, you become part of a mission-driven organization committed to delivering compassionate, whole-health care to our heroes.