Advance Your Nursing Career in Mental Health at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center
Are you a compassionate nurse looking to make a meaningful difference? The Robley Rex Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is currently hiring a Registered Nurse for our Outpatient Mental Health department. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to serving those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an Outpatient Mental Health RN, your primary goal is to provide patient-centered, recovery-oriented care. Key duties include:
- Care Coordination: Act as a bridge between inpatient and outpatient mental health teams to ensure continuity of care.
- Patient Advocacy: Facilitate nurse-led psychoeducational groups and provide education on medications and treatment plans.
- Clinical Excellence: Perform nursing triage, execute risk screens, and utilize measurement-based care tools.
- Emergency Response: Serve as a clinical leader during medical and psychiatric emergencies.
- Collaboration: Work within interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and safety.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Education: A graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Language: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- Physical Standards: Ability to perform physical requirements including lifting 50 lbs and sustained movement.
Salary and Qualifications Comparison
| Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN / Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level II | ADN / Diploma + 1 yr OR BSN | 1 yr specialized |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 yrs OR MSN | 2 yrs specialized |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 yrs | 2 yrs specialized |
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a comprehensive total rewards package, including:
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Paid Time Off: 50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
- Insurance: Access to federal health, dental, and vision plans.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development within a world-class academic healthcare system.
Application Tips
- Detail Your Resume: Include specific dates of employment and clear descriptions of your duties to ensure the HR team can accurately assess your grade level.
- Highlight Mental Health Experience: If you have experience in substance abuse, inpatient psych, or outpatient counseling, make sure it is prominently featured.
- Use Official Documents: Ensure your transcripts and licenses are easily accessible for the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this a remote position? A: No, this is an onsite position located in Louisville, Kentucky.
Q: Can I apply if I am currently a student? A: You must possess a degree and an active license to be fully appointed, though specific programs exist for Graduate Nurse Technicians.
If you are an RN with a passion for mental health and a heart for serving Veterans, we invite you to apply. Join a team where your expertise is valued and your work impacts the lives of heroes every single day.
Why This Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by providing compassionate, recovery-oriented mental health nursing care at the prestigious Robley Rex VA Medical Center.
Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health Job Overview
The Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join our Outpatient Mental Health team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in our mission to deliver high-quality, whole-person care to Veterans. You will facilitate treatment plans, coordinate care between outpatient and inpatient settings, and lead patient education initiatives. This position is ideal for a nurse passionate about mental health, recovery models, and evidence-based practice in an academic, tertiary-care medical environment.
Requirements for Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruiting criteria are met)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation
- Participation in annual seasonal influenza vaccination or authorized exemption
- Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and perform physical tasks like standing, bending, and walking for extended periods
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health
- Two years of experience in outpatient or inpatient mental health
- Experience in substance abuse rehabilitation
- Previous professional experience within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
- Possession of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal pension and 401(k) retirement plans with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Competitive salary with regular performance-based increases
- ✓Generous leave: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs
- ✓Academic integration with the University of Louisville
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse-Outpatient Mental Health Job
- Prepare a detailed resume including all employer dates, school graduation dates, and license details
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire
- Upload required documents, such as your CV, licensure proof, and DD-214 if claiming Veterans' Preference
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your clinical experience.
- Ensure your license state and number are clearly documented.
- Include dates of employment in Month/Year format for all previous roles.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.
- Claim Veterans' Preference in the questionnaire if you are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have a foreign nursing degree?
Yes, but you must provide a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted source like the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD) and hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted U.S. license.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once the announcement closes, your application will be reviewed for eligibility. If you are referred to the hiring manager, you may be contacted for an interview. You can track your status via your USAJOBS account.
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 the military and their families. The Robley Rex VAMC is a high-level tertiary care facility that integrates cutting-edge research, teaching, and advanced clinical care. As an academic affiliate of the University of Louisville, we pride ourselves on fostering professional growth and innovation.