Psychiatrist Job at Veterans Health Administration in Abilene, TX

Embark on a Mission of Healing: Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner/Mental Health) at West Texas VA HCS

Location: Abilene, TX – Where the Open Skies Meet Limitless Opportunities

Imagine standing at the heart of West Texas, under vast skies that stretch to the horizon, as you champion the mental health and well-being of our nation's heroes. At the West Texas VA Health Care System, we're not just filling a role—we're inviting you to be a beacon of hope and resilience for Veterans facing life's toughest battles. As an Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner/Mental Health), you'll blend clinical expertise with compassionate advocacy, delivering transformative care in a community that values grit, innovation, and unbreakable spirit. If you're a dedicated NP ready to make a profound difference, this is your call to action.

Your Epic Journey: What You'll Do In this dynamic role, you'll independently steer the mental health journey for a panel of Veterans grappling with acute and chronic conditions. Picture yourself as a navigator, using evidence-based practices to emphasize health promotion, disease prevention, and holistic wellness. You'll craft personalized care plans that empower individuals to reclaim their strength, while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to foster a symphony of support. 

As the plan unfolds, you'll adapt and refine it with precision, ensuring optimal outcomes that honor each Veteran's unique story. And at every step, you'll embody the ICARE values: demonstrating Integrity in your ethical decisions, Commitment to lifelong excellence, Advocacy for those who've served, Respect for diverse experiences, and Excellence in every interaction. Whether it's leading team huddles or mentoring colleagues, you'll infuse your work with creativity and leadership, turning challenges into triumphs in the mental health arena.

Why This Role Matters In Abilene, TX, you'll be part of a close-knit VA community that's as vast as the Texas plains and as warm as its sunsets. Your efforts will directly impact Veterans' lives, helping them transition from survival to thriving. This isn't just a job—it's a calling where your skills in mental health care can spark real change, fostering resilience and recovery in those who've given so much.

Your Rewards: A Comprehensive Package of Support Joining the VA means stepping into a world of stability and growth. We offer a total rewards package designed to honor your dedication:

• Pay: Enjoy a competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards—your hard work doesn't go unnoticed.
• Paid Time Off: Recharge with 50 days off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Retirement: Build a secure future with a traditional federal pension (vested in 5 years) and a federal 401K with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care—many benefits carry into retirement.
• Licensure: Just one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory is required.

Work Details:

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—a predictable rhythm that supports work-life balance.
• Telework/Virtual: Not available—your presence in Abilene allows for meaningful, in-person connections with Veterans.
• Incentives: Relocation/Recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) are not authorized. EDRP is authorized, but former participants are ineligible.

What It Takes to Join Our Team We're looking for passionate professionals who meet the following requirements and qualifications. If you're ready to elevate your career, here's what you need:

Conditions of Employment:

• U.S. Citizenship is required (non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening, physical examination, and background/security investigation.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency for direct patient care.
• Register with Selective Service if you're a male born after 12/31/1959.
• Complete a probationary period and online onboarding process.
• Provide acceptable identification (REAL ID compliant by May 7, 2025).
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner):

• Education: Hold a post-master's certificate, master's, or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). (Pending graduates may be referred but not hired until requirements are met.) Foreign education must be validated through an agency like International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
• License and Certification: Maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license as an NP in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Plus, hold full board certification in a clinical specialty (e.g., mental health) from bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
• Experience Levels:
• Nurse Practitioner II (Entry Level): No prior NP experience required beyond meeting basic education, licensure, and certification. You'll demonstrate leadership in holistic care, deliver evidence-based practice, contribute to quality improvements, collaborate effectively, pursue professional development, and promote teamwork.
• Nurse Practitioner III (Advanced Level): Bring one year of specialized NP experience equivalent to Nurse II. You'll lead complex care initiatives, influence evidence-based practices, drive interdisciplinary teams for better outcomes, disseminate knowledge, and exemplify professional collegiality.

Grandfathering applies for current VA employees in the 0610 series as of 1/29/2024, meeting the described duties.

Ready to Make Your Mark? If you're a visionary NP with a passion for mental health and a heart for service, the West Texas VA HCS in Abilene awaits. Here, you'll not only advance your career but also become part of a legacy that honors our Veterans. Apply today and let's build a healthier tomorrow—together.

To learn more about VA's total rewards, visit VA Nurse Total Rewards.

West Texas VA HCS is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates who embody our ICARE values.