PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER (PMHNP) (BHIP) Program Coordinator

Description:

The PMHNP manages the administrative and clinical aspects of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in the Mental Health Clinic at the Tucson Main Campus, and at the Seven Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. The incumbent practices in Mental Health services as a certified Psychiatric Mental Health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality and timeliness. The PMHNP provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management.

Requirements:

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.



Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (NOTE: the post-master's certificate is formal education awarded from an acceptable school of professional nursing and is not considered board certification as described under 2.c.(2) of this appendix). Education Accreditation Requirement: Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant: Licensure and Certification. All APNs (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted APN license to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia Basic Certification: must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); or The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the NP is academically prepared.
Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in this occupational series and APN (NP) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

APN (NP) who is retained under this provision and subsequently leaves the occupation or assignment loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
APN (NP) initially grandfathered into this occupation or assignment, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification and meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(APN (NPs) who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.


GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
Residency and Quality of Experience: Residency or quality of training and experience as a Nurse/APN should be carefully reviewed when determining the appropriate grade.
Experience. To be creditable, experience must demonstrate possession of the following dimensions of practice requirements identified for each grade level:
Research. At any grade, an APN (NP) may conduct, collaborate or assist with approved research or scholarly projects that enhance their knowledge and skills in the profession and advance the missions of VA.
Grade Determination: In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of an APN (NP) is based on a combination of education and experience. Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination for appointment, advancement and promotion will be based on the following specific requirement for an APN (NP). The level of practice at which an APN (NP) may perform is based upon a combination of many factors. Beyond the minimum educational requirements, grade determination, upon appointment and advancement, is dependent upon aspects such as continued professional development (formal and/or informal education), clinical performance, judgment, outcomes (at the service level and beyond), leadership and interpersonal skills that influence, inspire and motivate others within their program/service or beyond. As the APN (NP) acquires the knowledge, skills and judgment that accrues with experience, the privilege of increased authority for patient care and service in administrative roles is expanded as applicable.
APN (Nurse Practitioner) II:
Scope. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.
Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required.
Dimension Requirement. APNs (NPs) at level II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.
Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care
Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice.
Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.

APN (Nurse Practitioner) III.
Scope. Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care.
Education and Experience Requirement.
Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP) AND One year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.
Dimension Requirement. APNs (Nurse Practitioners) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations.
Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population or program.
Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility.
Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6a Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted.