The Veteran Health Education Coordinator functions as the designated focal point, coordinator, advocate, and liaison for all Veterans and family health education initiatives, programs, and activities. The incumbent works with facility management to assure that the Veterans Health Education Program contributes to the facility's mission, goals, and objectives. Current New Mexico VA Health Care System Internal Facility employees only!
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/12730476. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted.
The VHEC also serves as the principal point of contact for all Veterans health education communications and reporting within the facility, among the facilities in the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), with the Office of Veterans Health Education and Information (VHEI), and other program offices. The VHEC demonstrates leadership, experience, and creative approaches to the development and management of the Veterans Health Education Program. The incumbent provides consultation and training to interdisciplinary staff members regarding evidence-based health education interventions and skills, and health education program development to assure that Veterans health education programs, activities, and services meet quality standards. The VHEC develops, manages, and evaluates facility Veteran-centered health education programs and services that are designed and developed in accordance with: Facility-specific health education policies and practices, VA-DoD clinical practice guidelines, VHA Clinical Preventive Services Guidance Statements, VHA Pharmacy Benefits Management Clinical Recommendations for Use and Therapeutic Interchange Guidance, and Patient and Providers Letters, TJC accreditation standards for patient education, Veteran-centered health education principles, and Health literacy guidelines and Veterans' learning preferences and delivery modalities. The VHEC will also provide leadership by identifying and addressing ethical issues that impact client and staff, including initiating and participating in ethics consultations. Participates in the establishment and review of pertinent policies and procedures. Chairs the Veterans Health Education Committee to assure interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of health education programs, activities, and services for Veterans and family members. Leads the facility's Veterans health education needs assessment and strategic planning processes, assuring the necessary interdisciplinary input to plan, implement and evaluate Veterans health education services across the facility's continuum of care. Works collaboratively across service lines to ensure that facility health education programs and materials adhere to VHA program requirements and accreditation standards, and that materials are culturally competent and accommodate the health literacy needs of Veterans and if appropriate, their family members. Securing Veteran and family member/caregiver input into the facility VHEI Program, and into programs and products for specific patient populations or diseases/conditions. Prepares, secures and manages the needed budget and other resources to support Veterans health education programs, products and services, and promotes cost-effective use of resources for Veterans health education. Provides regular reports to facility management on the status of Veterans health education programs, services and products. Abides by the VA's ethical standards of conduct and assures compliance with the ethical standards of VHA, the facility, and the profession. Increases staff awareness of ethical issues in health education and includes appropriate discussion of ethical guidelines in educational activities. Preserves the rights of others while serving as a patient advocate and promoting mutual respect among colleagues. Assures protection of Veteran and family rights; provides for and maintains confidentiality of patient information. Incumbent also supports other duties as assigned including but not limited to identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation, managing initiatives for the integration of Veteran Health Education into clinical education and assesses the educational needs of the facility clinical staff regarding evidence-based health education practice, health education skills, and relevant health education topics; develops and facilitates staff education programs based on the needs of the clinical staff. The incumbent chairs the facility's interdisciplinary Veterans Health Education Committee and represents the Veterans Health Education Program on related committees and workgroups. The VHEC develops professional relationships with colleagues in the VA nationwide, external stakeholders and agencies, academic and professional institutions, and collaborates with clinical and administrative staff to help the facility meet accreditation standards related to patient and staff education. The incumbent collaborates with key stakeholders to develop the Veterans health education strategic plan in alignment with the facility's mission, goals, and objectives and seeks to recognize committee members and other clinicians for their involvement in and support for Veterans health education. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required