Quality Management (QM) Consultant Registered Nurse (RN) has position responsibilities that demonstrate creative approaches to improvement in quality-of-care outcomes. The QM Consultant demonstrates performance that improves the care for a group of patients.
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/12755107. 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: Work will require long periods of regular and recurring standing and walking (8-12 hours) with regular and recurring heavy lifting (35 lbs. and over) and positioning of patients while maintaining balance. Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, move body and extremities quickly, push and pull equipment, carry equipment and supplies (heavy 35 lbs. and over) without personal limitations or physical restrictions. Protracted periods of sitting with an assigned patient may be required. Physical endurance and physical tolerance are required for an 8-hour shift as assigned. These are essential functions of the position.
Responsible for participation in the documented outcomes at the program level. Program level outcomes must be demonstrated at any organizational level within a department and/or facility. The program is defined as a substantial coordinated group of activities impacting patients and/or employees. Assigned responsibility for their assigned quality management program area activities for the Medical Center and all off-site locations. Collects data, monitors staff compliance with relevant policies, directives, and standards, provides reports detailing trends, and provides direct staff support to all services in planning, designing, integrating, implementing, modifying, and administering, a comprehensive quality management program area. Participates in Root Cause Analyses, Administrative Investigations and other internal and external reviews including Inspector General investigations/audits and focused reviews. Provides assistance to the services regarding accreditation standards and coordinates efforts for the survey process, such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program (CHIP). Participates in the electronic TJC application, Intra-Cycle monitoring, and corrective actions. Serves as a service resource for performance improvement initiatives. Provides appropriate resource materials, training, systematic data assessment and analysis, training, reporting and facilitation. Coordinates activities of process improvement teams and serves as a team member. Provides services and facilitation for the planning and implementation of indicators, processes, and critical pathways that promote interdisciplinary efforts in the establishment of effective monitoring and evaluation of patient centered outcomes and organizational performance. Establishes effective tracking systems and conducts statistical analysis of the data to identify patterns/trends, and variances. Selects and utilizes appropriate evaluation measures. Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis and summarizes significant results and recommendations to improve services, and promote a culture of safety and quality care. Provides guidance that findings are used to modify and improve processes and systems to facilitate accomplishment of the Medical Center's mission, vision, values, and performance measures. Conducts tracers as part of continued readiness, sharing the results with services and the QM Chief. Coordinates the preparation of the Annual Service Performance Improvement (PI) Plan activities including goals, PI Data Tool, and effectiveness (in accordance with current regulations and guidelines). Identifies findings from performance improvement activities that require educational intervention or training. Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure that appropriate actions are accomplished. Serves as a resource for process improvement teams. Provides training for designated teams and reviews process for compliance with all regulations and reporting requirements. Encourages electronic submission of projects. provides additional QM Service back up and shared duties with other QM staff to assure uninterrupted continuity of services and promote equitable distribution of workload and responsibilities. Performs necessary tasks associated with the QM activities as assigned. Incumbent may serve as a guide during surveys and reviews. Incumbent may serve as Acting Chief, Quality Management as assigned. Participates in councils, committees, and workgroups. 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: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM -4:00 PM Telework: Ad-Hoc Available Virtual: Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Preferred Experience: 5+ years nursing experience, including in nursing leadership positions. BSN or MSN preferred. National certification a plus. Either experience or interest in learning performance improvement/quality management activities required. Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.