The Registered Nurse functions under the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model and is responsible for the overall direction of the team members to achieve desirable patient outcomes.
Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), 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 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); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (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 to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). 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. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12729009. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Preferred Experience Outpatient clinic, ER, Medsurg Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: 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 inpatient 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, 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 testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.
The Registered Nurse (PACT) adheres to established policies, standards of care and standards of nursing practice. Demonstrates leadership and serves as a role model. Responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates care based on age-specific components. The incumbent collaborates with the Teamlet (patient, Primary Care Provider, and Licensed Practical Nurse) and larger Team (family/caregiver, internal and community-based services involved in providing care to the patient). Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient transition through the continuum of care, patient and family education, patient self-management after discharge, and supporting factors that impact customer satisfaction. Performs the following duties and responsibilities: Participates/leads daily and PRN huddles with assigned Teamlet to facilitate communication of team to ensure patient care needs are met. Completes patient discharge follow-up calls within two days of discharge. Reviews view alerts throughout the day and resolves promptly. Completes appointment encounters correctly by close of business daily. Completes clinical reminders with each patient visit. Demonstrates proficiency in utilizing Primary Care Data Sets in VSSC to identify high risk patients and review other specific patient populations. Utilizes nursing protocols with attention to the individuality of patients, patient safety and evidence-based practice. Facilitates care coordination and access to Specialty Care through communication and utilization of various consult types. Initiates and participates in various quality and process improvement activities that result in improved patient outcomes. Enhances clinic access and team performance by pre-planning/ pre-appointment chart review daily huddles and weekly meetings with PACT teamlet and other members of the extended PACT. Utilizes facility approved Nursing Protocols and Guidelines to enhance patient care as appropriate. Collaborates with PACT and Expanded PACT to participate/provide shared medical appointments/ group clinics for patients with specific chronic disease diagnoses. Demonstrates leadership by serving as an advocate for patients and a team leader with colleagues as he/she continues to enhance his/her own professional growth, continuing education and development. - Completes any other nursing responsibilities as assigned by leadership. Demonstrates competency using the nursing process in providing care for patients. Directs others who provide care. - The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimal care (ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses). - Plans and delivers technically competent care to patients. Correctly performs procedures or seeks help when needed. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care. Reports equipment in need of repair. - Recognizes subtle abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately. Makes assignments and directs activities of other unit staff, (RNs, LPNs, students, PSAs, other team members) Formulates a plan of care based on nursing assessments based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice and seeks assistance as needed. Completes initial assessment of patient condition and response to treatment and initiates followup as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned. Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions. Acts a patient advocate. - The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems (ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses). - The nurse promotes, advocates for and strives to protect the health, safety and rights of the patient (ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses). - Listens to and honors patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner (Patient and Family Centered Care). - Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and employees. Behavior is transparent and above reproach. - Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own nursing judgments and actions. - Recognizes ethical issues related to practice and reports concerns to charge nurse and/or nurse manager.??????? Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday -Friday (Alternate tour of duty may be required based on needs of Agency) Financial Disclosure Report: Not required