Advance Your Career: Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse at Sheridan VA
Are you a compassionate Registered Nurse looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Sheridan VA Health Care System is currently hiring for an Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse. This role combines clinical excellence with dedicated service, offering a unique opportunity to grow professionally in a supportive, patient-centered environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an Inpatient Mental Health Nurse, you will be a vital member of the interdisciplinary team. Your responsibilities include:
- Direct Patient Care: Administering medications and performing clinical procedures following VA guidelines.
- Care Coordination: Leading psychoeducational groups and facilitating effective shift hand-offs.
- Mental Health Support: Utilizing de-escalation techniques and recovery-oriented language to maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu.
- Quality Improvement: Participating in unit-level initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and safety.
- Mentorship: Providing guidance to licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants while fostering a collaborative environment.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, full, and unrestricted RN license.
- Education: A degree from an accredited nursing school (ADN, Diploma, BSN, or MSN).
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Health Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and comply with seasonal influenza vaccination mandates.
Salary and Grade Overview
Salaries for this position are highly competitive and determined by your education, experience, and nursing dimension proficiency. The salary range for this role is $77,471 to $146,587 per year.
| Experience Level | Typical Educational Requirement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN / Diploma | Developing technical competence |
| Nurse I, Level II | BSN or ADN + 1 yr experience | Biopsychosocial integration |
| Nurse I, Level III | BSN + 1 yr or MSN | Complex client situation management |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 yrs or MSN + 1 yr | Collaborative leadership |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 yrs | Complex care management |
Benefits
Working at the VA means more than just a paycheck. Our total rewards package includes:
- EDRP: Eligibility for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- Paid Time Off: 50 days of combined leave and holidays per year.
- Financial Security: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Premium Pay: Shift differentials for night and weekend work, plus holiday pay.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is detailed. We cannot make assumptions about your experience. Clearly describe how your previous work matches the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice. For more guidance, review the USAJobs Help Center resources.
The Sheridan VA Health Care System offers a rewarding career path for nurses committed to high-quality mental health care. If you are ready to serve those who served us, apply today to start your journey at a premier facility in the heart of Wyoming.
Why This Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes. Join the Sheridan VA Health Care System and advance your nursing career while providing compassionate mental health care in the beautiful foothills of Wyoming.
Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse Job Overview
The Sheridan VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Inpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse to join our interdisciplinary team. In this role, you will provide expert nursing care to Veterans, focusing on recovery-oriented treatment and evidence-based mental health practices. You will work in a supportive, mission-driven environment where patient-centered care and professional growth are top priorities. This position offers a generous federal benefits package, competitive salary, and eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Requirements for Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered if no qualified U.S. citizens are available).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse
- Three years of direct patient care experience.
- Prior experience in psychiatric or mental health nursing settings.
- Demonstrated ability to function within an interdisciplinary medical team.
- Clinical leadership or unit-based quality improvement experience.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying loans).
- ✓50 days of paid time off annually (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions.
- ✓Shift differentials for night (10%) and weekend (25%) work.
- ✓Holiday pay at double-time rates.
💡 How to Apply Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV highlighting your specific nursing experience, education, and dates of service.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including your nursing license and transcripts.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Do not leave room for assumptions. Clearly detail your experience within the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Review your resume: Ensure dates of graduation, degrees earned, and full employment history are included.
- Check your status: Monitor your USAJOBS account regularly for updates following the close of the announcement.
- Follow formatting requirements: Ensure all attached documents are legible and uploaded in the correct format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?
The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program for eligible VA employees that can provide up to $200,000 in loan repayment over 1 to 5 years. You must apply within four months of your appointment to be considered.
Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work schedule like?
This is a full-time position requiring 24/7 coverage. Expect rotations between days, nights, weekends, and holidays based on facility needs.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring America's Veterans by providing world-class health care. The Sheridan VA Health Care System, located on 296 acres of historic Fort Mackenzie, provides an integrated approach to care. Our facility offers a perfect blend of professional stimulation and a high quality of life, situated in a region known for its incredible access to outdoor recreation, including proximity to Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore.