The Acute Surgical Inpatient Unit Case Manager reports to the unit nurse manager. They will assist eligible Servicemembers and Veterans, who have complex surgical care needs with system navigation, care coordination, and biopsychosocial rehabilitation.
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/12782822. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, both legs and repeated bending. Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours); Pushing (up to 4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours); Standing (up to 8 hours); Repeated bending (up to 8 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Specific visual requirement: Read typed Chapters; Correctable vision :20/40 in one eye; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted). The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders; Emotional and Mental Stability: 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 average age of the patient population is 60-90 years old; the average BMI is 25 or greater. The complexity of patient care is patient specific and directly related to high patient acuity. Other duties include but not limited to: Support and promote the rights, interests, and decisions of Servicemembers and Veterans with individuals, groups, and institutional systems to: protect and advance their dignity, autonomy, wishes, and whole health; remove barriers to care; lend voice to diversity and multicultural concerns and challenges; and seek out new services, resources, and opportunities for growth and well-being. To the maximum extent possible, support Veterans¿ autonomy and right to be involved in the shared decision making and determination of their own plan of care to include provision of and education on Living Wills and Advance Directives. Participate in ongoing training and professional development to build and maintain CM competencies, including evidence-based practices that promote positive health outcomes and cost-effective care, including, but not limited to motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and health coaching. Demonstrate shared accountability that is intrinsic to collaborative practice and follow through on commitments made to Veterans, their families, and caregivers, and interprofessional teams. Safeguard Veteran personal health information. Follow the professionally recognized and VHA-adopted framework for evidence-based case management (CM) practices, with a sequential set of steps and associated tasks that include identification, screening, assessment, care planning, implementation, monitoring, care transitions, and program and outcome evaluation. Facilitate the coordination of care by developing integrated, well sequenced care plans, assisting Veterans with system navigation, and linking them in a timely manner, to needed health, mental health, health education, self-management and social services, community-based resources, or benefits, as clinically indicated. Document all information in a Veteran's electronic health record (EHR) or any VHA-approved EHR within 48 hours. Establish rapport and build and maintain therapeutic relationships with Veterans to foster trust and engage them in care and empower and equip them in self-care and self-management with the goal of improving positive health and wellness outcomes. Carry out all duties expected, per their assigned service or program role and functional statement, with technical proficiency and integrity to instill Veteran confidence, trust, and credibility in both case management and VA. Professionalism aligns competency and practice with the mission of the organization. In VHA, professionalism specifically encompasses: Practice and behavior will be in accordance with their discipline's specific code of ethics and VHA ideals, codes, and standards. Act with beneficence, demonstrate truthfulness and non-malfeasance, and maintain appropriate boundaries with both Veterans and colleagues. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to manage holistic patient centered care as dictated by the patient's needs. Initiate and facilitate daily interdisciplinary team rounds. Demonstrates professional effective communication and conduct. Recognizes and supports Suicide Prevention initiatives. Maintains compliance with Isolation Precautions and Infection Control Guidelines Demonstrates skills in time management, critical thinking, priority setting, assessment, and urgent intervention. Participation in High Reliability Organization (HRO) & professional governance initiatives. 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 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized