Delivers fundamental knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical skills. Assesses, plans, implements, evaluates care based on age-specific components. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.
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/12742753. 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: Registered Nurse (RN) Operating Room (OR) Schedulers are vital in ensuring that surgical operations are scheduled effectively and efficiently. They need a combination of clinical knowledge, organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with medical staff and patients. The incumbent will possess 3-5 years of current operation room experience. The preferred candidate will have a BSN, National Certification, BLS and ACLS. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing. 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. In the performance of duties, the incumbent may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.
The Perioperative Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse (RN), is accountable for patient outcomes resulting from the nursing care for the patient undergoing a surgical/ invasive procedure. The perioperative OR RN Scheduler plans, directs and coordinates the procedure time of every patient undergoing operative and other invasive procedures in the OR suite by collaborating with the multidisciplinary perioperative team. The OR RN Scheduler at this level is expected to have a beginning knowledge of the scheduling process, and will collaborate with more experience OR RNs and RN Schedulers to garner knowledge needed to become proficient at effective scheduling. The RN demonstrates novice knowledge of procedural requirements such as equipment needs, general length of procedure, and expected room turnover times. The OR RN Scheduler at this level demonstrates the ability to collaborate with perioperative team members to ensure all needs are being considered at time of scheduling. The OR RN Scheduler will start gaining knowledge of performance metrics and report any identified deficiencies to the OR leadership timely to ensure appropriate patient care and quality metric sustainment. The OR Scheduler must be able to problem solve and be creative in scheduling cases to the maximum capacity based on room availability and team availability. This OR RN Scheduler is expected to function within the scope of a Nurse I Level 1 in either the circulator and / or scrub role within the OR, based on current training, on a regular basis to keep up knowledge of procedures and tactical skills. While in the OR the Scheduler is to adhere to all established surgical, infection control and safety standards. OR RN Scheduler maintains knowledge of current Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) Standards, VHA Directives, and service level standard operating procedures used in a safe and efficient manner. Responsible for participating within unit based and/or organizational level Shared Governance councils, utilizing clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and knowledge to assist with finding solutions to problems or issues to improve the quality care provided to our veterans. Duties include but are not limited to: (additional) Comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures and preoperative/postoperative care. Familiarity with medical terminology, especially related to surgical services. Precision in recording and managing patient information and surgical schedules. Coordinate and schedule surgeries based on surgeons availability, operating room availability, and patient needs. Ensure that all necessary preoperative assessments and clearances are obtained and documented. Communicate with patients and their families regarding surgery dates, times and required preparations. Maintain up-to-date records of all scheduled surgeries, cancellations, and rescheduled procedures. Document patient information accurately in the CPRS and other systems as needed. Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the OR team to ensure all required equipment, supplies, and personnel are available for each procedure. Facilitate communication between surgical, nursing, and administrative staff to optimize OR efficiency and patient care. Identify and implement improvements in the scheduling process to enhance efficiency and patient care. Monitor and analyze scheduling patterns to identify potential issues or areas for improvement. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards 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: 7:00am - 3:30pm (No Weekends) Compressed/Flexible: This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized to highly qualified candidate. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized