Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse at Veterans Health Administration – Sheridan, Wyoming

About the opportunity

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Inpatient Mental Health-Registered Nurse to assume responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care on the Mental Health Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. The position involves delivering and supervising direct patient care, administering medications and procedures, participating in quality improvement initiatives, and providing recovery-oriented, evidence-based care. Nurses maintain professional boundaries, oversee licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants, and collaborate closely with interdisciplinary mental health treatment teams.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $77,471 to $146,587 per year
• Regular salary increases and potential for performance awards
• 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays)
• Traditional federal pension with 5 years vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contributions
• Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
• Night shift differential: extra 10% of the basic hourly rate for shifts with 4 or more hours between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Weekend differential: extra 25% of the basic hourly rate for hours worked between Midnight Friday and Midnight Sunday
• Holiday pay: basic pay rate plus additional holiday pay equal to basic pay for each hour worked on a legal or scheduled holiday
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility with student loan payment reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying applicants

Who can apply?

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens are not available)
• English language proficiency in basic written and spoken English per 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Graduate of an approved school of professional nursing accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or possess an equivalent degree/entry-level education with formal foreign education equivalency validation
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
• Meet specific grade and experience qualifications ranging from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma for Nurse I to advanced degrees and specialized experience for higher levels

Required documents

• Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) including level of degree, college or university attended, and month and year of graduation
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license
• Cover letter (if applicable)
• DD-214 or Statement of Service and SF-15 (if claiming veterans' preference)
• SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting permanent, excepted, or competitive status for current or former federal employees
• Transcripts, performance appraisals, professional certifications, and disability letters (if applicable)

When to apply

• Applications open on September 8, 2026.
• The application deadline is September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET).

How to apply

• Create or log in to an existing account on USAJOBS.
• Complete the full occupational questionnaire online via the USAStaffing link provided in the announcement.
• Upload your resume, nursing license, and all required supporting documentation.
• Submit your complete application package before the closing deadline.

Additional information

• This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
• Selected candidates are subject to pre-employment background/security investigations, physical evaluations, and urinalysis drug screening.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.