The RN- Telehealth will serve as a quality improvement consultant, playing a key role in enhancing quality of-care outcomes specifically within the Telehealth services. This role involves using comprehensive nursing processes to conduct data analysis, including facility VSignal data, and reporting findings to identify and implement necessary changes, thereby minimizing risks and improving clinical quality.
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/12761749. 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: 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.
Duties include but are not limited to: 1. Program Development and Improvement: Participate in developing and implementing Telehealth protocols, guidelines, and workflows. Evaluate patient feedback and clinical outcomes to recommend improvements to Telehealth services. Stay up-to-date with trends and advancements in Telehealth technology and best practices. 2. Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure Telehealth practices comply with HIPAA and other relevant privacy and confidentiality regulations. Participate in quality assurance activities to enhance patient care and service delivery of all Telehealth modalities. Perform routine outine audits of facility and departmental staff to ensure compliance with Telehealth protocols and standards. Analyze audit results to identify areas for improvement, and present findings in reports to key stakeholders. Engage in project work related to quality assurance to develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement. Adhere to healthcare institution and Telehealth program policies and procedures. 3. Data Analysis and Reporting: Conduct analysis of facility VSignal data to identify trends, issues, and areas for improvement in Telehealth services. Prepare and present detailed reports on data findings to key stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams for informed decision-making and policy changes. 4. Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Assist patients and healthcare providers with technical issues related to Telehealth platforms and equipment. Educate patients on the use of Telehealth applications and troubleshooting common problems. Collaborate with IT support teams to resolve technical issues promptly. 5. Role Modeling and Mentoring: Serve as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in using complex technology. Guide and direct the continuing practice of other nursing staff in these areas. 6. Consult Management: Perform consult review, consult routing, and completion of consults. 7. Leadership and Improvement Initiatives: Apply the nursing process at the unit/team/work group level to improve care outcomes. Demonstrate leadership by involving others in initiatives to improve care. 8. Continuous Education and Skill Acquisition: Acquire and maintain expertise in practice areas through continuous education. Participate in workshops and training programs for career advancement. 9. Resource and Safety Management: Identify and assess resource utilization and safety issues, and take appropriate actions to address them. 10. Integration of Telehealth into Practice: Work with facility professionals to help them integrate Telehealth into practice and follow best practice standards. Champion and serve as an expert in Telehealth and Connected Care modalities, assisting VA staff with implementing these into practice. 11. Outreach and Communication: Perform outreach to veterans and their families to gather feedback, identify issues, and understand their needs related to Telehealth. Use feedback to improve workflows and processes in healthcare delivery via Telehealth. These responsibilities contribute to the overall improvement and effective delivery of Telehealth services, ensuring quality patient care and compliance with regulatory standards. 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; 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized