The mission of the Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVAHCS) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (UABSON) Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency (MHNPR) is to enhance the competencies of MHNP residents and to prepare highly qualified leaders in an interprofessional environment with expertise in Veteran-centric care while emphasizing competency-based learning, quality improvement, and scholarship.

The program supports excellence in interprofessional education by emphasizing an understanding of respective roles, responsibilities, and addressing barriers. There is a focus on honing interprofessional skills thereby advancing ethical, safe Veteran-centric care.

By applying evidence-based findings, residents are expected to define, analyze, and synthesize Veteran-centric approaches to whole, person-centered care. Residents evaluate evidence-based findings to reflect, appraise, and adopt Veteran-centric care practices.

Through immersive clinical and didactic experiences, the program enhances practice-based learning and improvement. Experiences are designed to guide residents in the application and evaluation of strategies aimed at supporting and advancing Veteran outcomes.

The program fosters professional leadership by delivering sustained, high-quality care for Veterans. Residents utilize leadership theories and collaborate with faculty to assess the responsiveness and effectiveness of the Veteran healthcare system.

The Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency (MHNPR) at the Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVAHCS) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (UABSON) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen
• Recent graduate (within 12 months of program start date) from an accredited advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program
• ANCC certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (obtained by start of residency)
• Eligible for an Alabama nurse practitioner license
• The residency must be your first position serving as an NP in the same specialty as the program’s focus
• Proficient in written and spoken English

Residency Benefits:

• Competitive stipend
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and health benefits
• Hiring preference for open positions at BVAHCS and other VA facilities upon completion of the residency

Application Timeline:

• Applications are accepted on a continual basis from October- February each year
• Interviews are conducted: March-April
• Selection notifications: May
• Residency start date: Late September

Application Requirements:

• Current curriculum vitae
• Personal statement (250 words or less) describing your aspirations for the residency program, your short-term and long-term career goals, and your interest in working with Veterans
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to submit three (3) letters of recommendations

For additional information and to apply, please contact: