Job Type: Full-Time (Federal Position)
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 07:30 AM – 04:00 PM
Location: United States (Veterans Affairs Facility)
Job Status: Open
Security Requirement: Background check required
License Required: Active RN license in any U.S. state or territory
A Registered Nurse (RN) Nurse Manager position is available within an acute inpatient mental health unit serving U.S. Veterans. This leadership role focuses on managing nursing operations, supervising clinical staff, and ensuring high-quality psychiatric care for patients experiencing severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
The Nurse Manager works closely with senior nursing leadership to maintain safe, efficient, and patient-centered care environments within inpatient psychiatric units.
This position is ideal for experienced registered nurses who have strong leadership abilities and a background in mental health or inpatient care.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
This role is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, which provides medical and mental health services to military veterans.
The facility focuses on:
- Acute psychiatric care
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Veteran rehabilitation programs
- Inpatient behavioral health services
The organization emphasizes patient safety, clinical excellence, and evidence-based psychiatric care.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise nursing care across inpatient mental health units
- Manage daily unit operations and staffing assignments
- Oversee staff training, onboarding, and performance evaluations
- Ensure compliance with federal healthcare regulations and VA policies
- Coordinate interdisciplinary care with doctors, therapists, and social workers
- Lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
- Support patients with severe mental illness and substance use disorders
- Maintain a safe and therapeutic inpatient environment
- Handle escalation of behavioral or crisis situations when needed
- Promote professional development among nursing staff
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the U.S.
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ADN, BSN, MSN, or higher)
- Experience in psychiatric, inpatient, or acute care settings preferred
- Leadership or supervisory nursing experience strongly preferred
- Strong communication and team coordination skills
- Ability to manage high-stress clinical environments
- Background check and medical clearance required
- U.S. citizenship required for federal employment
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Clinical leadership and team supervision
- Mental health nursing expertise
- Patient safety and risk management
- Crisis intervention skills
- Communication and coordination
- Staff training and development
- Quality improvement practices
- Documentation and compliance knowledge
SALARY & BENEFITS
Federal nursing positions typically include competitive compensation and strong benefits.
Salary Range
- Based on experience, education, and federal pay grade
- Includes regular step increases and performance-based adjustments
Benefits Package Includes
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid annual leave and sick leave
- Federal holidays (11 per year)
- Retirement pension plan
- 401(k) style federal savings program with matching contributions
- Long-term job stability and career growth
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a structured inpatient hospital setting focused on psychiatric care for veterans.
Work conditions include:
- Fast-paced clinical environment
- Team-based healthcare delivery
- High-acuity mental health patients
- Emphasis on safety and structured procedures
- Leadership-driven nursing operations
COMMON DUTIES
- Overseeing patient care plans
- Managing nursing shift operations
- Supporting staff during clinical emergencies
- Reviewing care documentation
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare standards
- Coordinating with mental health professionals
- Improving patient care workflows
APPLICATION TIPS
- Highlight psychiatric or inpatient nursing experience
- Emphasize leadership and management roles
- Include certifications and advanced degrees
- Prepare detailed examples of clinical decision-making
- Ensure all licenses and documents are up to date
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit an official federal job application through the U.S. government hiring system.
👉 Apply through the official VA careers portal or USAJobs listing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What does a Nurse Manager in mental health do?
They oversee nursing staff and manage inpatient psychiatric care operations.
2. Is this job open to new nurses?
No, leadership and clinical experience are required.
3. Do I need a BSN or MSN?
Higher education is preferred, but experience may also qualify.
4. Is this a federal government job?
Yes, it is part of the U.S. Veterans Affairs system.
5. Can non-U.S. citizens apply?
Generally, U.S. citizenship is required.
6. What patients are treated in this role?
Veterans with mental illness and substance use disorders.
FINAL SUMMARY
The RN Nurse Manager role in acute inpatient mental health is a senior nursing leadership position focused on providing high-quality psychiatric care for U.S. veterans. It offers strong federal benefits, career stability, and opportunities to lead clinical teams in a structured healthcare environment.
