Job Description
The Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System in Aurora, Colorado, is hiring a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to deliver advanced mental health care to veterans.
This full-time, permanent role involves providing evidence-based treatment for acute and chronic mental illness, including psychotropic medication management, psychotherapy, and patient education.
The PMHNP will practice to the full extent of their education, training, and certification, with prescriptive authority, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.
This position is ideal for board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners who want to serve the veteran community within a leading VA health care system.
Qualification
To qualify, you must hold a post-master's certificate or a master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited program (ACEN or CCNE). You must possess an active, unrestricted APN license and board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
- Education: Post-master's certificate or master's/doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from a program accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
- Foreign education: Degree equivalency must be validated by an agency like International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
- License: Active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
- Board Certification: Full and current certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from ANCC, AANPCB, or equivalent.
- Also requires certification as FNP, ANP, AGPCNP, or GNP from ANCC, AANPCB, or equivalent.
- Grandfathering provision: Current VHA employees in the 0610 series performing NP duties as of 1/29/2024 meet requirements.
- Nurse II (entry level): No experience required beyond basic education.
- Nurse III: One year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to Nurse II.
- English Language Proficiency required for direct patient care positions.
- U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management for mental health patients.
- Prescribe psychotropic medications and manage medication regimens.
- Conduct psychotherapy and other evidence-based treatment modalities.
- Assess and adjust treatment plans to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
- Provide patient and family education on mental health concerns, preventive measures, and treatments.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary mental health and specialty care teams.
- Counsel and treat patients with substance abuse disorders.
- Demonstrate leadership in delivering and improving complete care.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice.
Conditions & Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Subject to urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment.
- English Language Proficiency required.
- Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Background/security investigation required.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program required.
- May be required to serve a probationary period.
- REAL ID compliant identification required for employment (effective May 7, 2025).
Benefits
- Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Eligibility for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – up to $200,000 student loan reimbursement.
- EDRP application must be submitted within four months of appointment; eligibility determined by VHA.
- Access to VA for Vets career services for veterans and transitioning service members.
- Telework eligible (as per agency policy).
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Your application, resume, and supporting documents will be reviewed for qualifications.
- Education, scope, and length of nursing practice will determine grade and salary.
- Volunteer experience is credited as qualifying experience.
- Pre-employment reference checks may be conducted.
- Veterans' preference applies for Title 38 positions.
- Referred applicants may be contacted for an interview.
- Final notification sent after selection decision.
Required Documents
- Resume (include degree level, school, month/year of graduation, license/certification info).
- Cover Letter (optional).
- DD-214 or Statement of Service (for veterans' preference).
- Disability Letter (VA) (if applicable).
- License (APN license).
- Professional Certification (PMHNP certification).
- Transcript (if using education to qualify).
- SF-50 (current/former federal employees).
- SF-15 (for 10-point veterans' preference).
- Separation Notice (RIF) (if applicable).
How to Apply
- To apply, go to the official application portal and open the announcement. with your the official application portal/Login.gov account. Complete the online application questionnaire. Attach your federal resume and all required documents (see Required Documents section). Review your application and click Submit My Answers. Your complete package must be received by 11:59 PM ET on 08/04/2026. After submission, you will.
Additional Information
- This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Former EDRP participants are ineligible.
- The 2-page resume requirement does not apply to this position.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
- HCP include all VA employees, contractors, volunteers, and trainees who may have contact with patients.
- Veterans' preference: Preference eligibles and other Veterans will be given preference when qualifications are approximately equal.
- Agency contact: VISN 19 HR Contact Center, Phone: 719-227-4600, Email: [email protected].
- Address: VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, 1700 N Wheeling St, Aurora, CO 80045.
About Company
The Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing complete health services to veterans in the Rocky Mountain region. The system includes the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Aurora, with multiple community-based outpatient clinics.
This PMHNP role supports the mental health mission by delivering advanced psychiatric care to veterans. Working here means joining a dedicated team focused on veteran-centered care, with opportunities for professional growth and federal benefits.
FAQs
Q: What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) and how do I apply? A: EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program for VHA employees. You must submit an application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are not eligible. Q: Can I apply if I am still completing my nurse practitioner degree? A: Yes, applicants pending completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but cannot be hired until the education requirements are met. Q: What board certifications are required for this PMHNP position? A: You must maintain full and current basic board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from ANCC, AANPCB, or equivalent. Additionally, you need certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), or Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (GNP) from the same bodies. Q: Is this position telework eligible? A: Yes, telework is eligible as per agency policy. However, the role involves direct patient care, so on-site presence will be required. Q: How will my experience be evaluated for grade and salary? A: Your education, scope of practice, and length of nursing experience will be considered. Volunteer experience is credited. The recommended salary may be any point within the listed range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.