This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP 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 after complete review of the EDRP application. 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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6) OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Preferred Education: BSN Preferred Experience: RN at least 18 months of Medical-Surgical direct care patient experience within the last 2 years. Charge Nurse Experience Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, straight pulling (2 hours), pushing (1 hour), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (8 hours), standing (6 hours), kneeling (1/4 hour), repeated bending (2 hour), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, and working with infectious patients i.e. COVID-19, TB, etc. Environmental Factors: Excessive noise, intermittent, radiant energy, electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, unusual fatigue factors (working), working with hands in water, working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work, irregular hours of work and wearing aseptic mask. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures or home-settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements such as annual TB screening or COVID testing, Flu vaccine as a condition of employment. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards ***This is an open continuous announcement until September 29, 2023. Qualified Applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. All applicants may receive consideration for 3 months from the date of application. If you wish to be considered after that period, and the announcement is still open to receive applications, you must re-apply to indicate your continued interest.*** The Medical Surgical Registered Nurse (RN) is accountable for the provision of direct patient care and for the delivery of quality nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran population with complex needs. This RN is self-directed with ability to prioritize workload and demonstrate maximum flexibility. The incumbent uses the nursing process as a problem-solving model; is skilled in assessing the patient and possesses sound judgement and ability to communicate appropriate concerns regarding patient's conditions. Has a working knowledge of practices that include adherence to Infection Control standards, sterilization and the safe use and operation of equipment. The duties and responsibilities for the position include but not limited to: Orders emergent diagnostics such as radiologic x-rays, labs such as blood gases, CBC, electrolyte and electrocardiogram cardiogram 12 lead. Interprets cardiac arrhythmia and administer appropriate drugs per physician orders. Initiates IV's and approved IV medication administration. Identifies problematic rhythms, correct pacemaker rhythms, inform physicians of any malfunctions. Administration of ordered medication according to established parameters and unit medication policy. Observes and assesses patient's clinical condition: recognizes, identifies and interprets serious situations and immediately implements proper action. Documents observations, nursing interventions, responses to therapeutic measures and status of coordinated activities between nursing and other professional disciplines. Operates and monitors specialized equipment such as resuscitation units, respiratory therapy apparatus, monitoring devices (cardiac monitors, oxygen monitors etc.), IV pumps and regulators, temperature regulating devices, suction, blood glucose monitors, mist tents, etc. Administers therapeutic treatment measures such as medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, treatments and procedures and physician's orders in a timely and complete manner. Prepares patient, completes or assists as appropriate during procedure and evaluates results. Uses the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and Bar Coded Medication Administration (BCMA). Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Sunday - Saturday 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 a.m., and as patient care dictates. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Umika Cohen, Umika.Cohen@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
