The Clinical Contact Center (CCC) RN is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients. The individual will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation. He/She will provide direct care and counseling for patients through a virtual care system for the promotion and maintenance of health and prevention of illness based on application of the nursing process.
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. Preferred Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of recent direct clinical nursing experience in critical care, emergency, urgent care, or telephone triage settings. Prior experience in telehealth or virtual care environments, with demonstrated use of clinical decision supports tools. Proficiency with using multiple software platforms simultaneously (e.g., CRRS, CRM, CISCO, Jabber) and independently resolve technical issues during patient interactions. BSN. 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/12719373. 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. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Leads the provision of nursing care to patients with complex care needs utilizing the nursing process in alignment with the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice. Applies clinical knowledge/judgement to lead staff involvement in planning, decision-making, and evaluating outcomes within the immediate practice setting. Effectively functions as a leader, with demonstrated outcomes, for the immediate practice setting. Responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice. Assumes a unit/team/workgroup leadership role, determining the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with an obligation to provide optimal care (ANA code of Ethics for Nurses). Accurately identifies, collects and interprets data relevant to the provision of quality nursing care; taking a leadership role at the unit/team/workgroup level to improve care. Anticipates and recognizes medical/surgical and mental health symptoms. Initiates or leads others to implement appropriate and timely actions according to the level of urgency or emergency. Demonstrates principles of care coordination, shares information, and refers patient to other disciplines as appropriate. Improves Veteran/patient driven care by resolving experience issues such as coordination of care, timeliness or process issues, common themes of dissatisfaction, or environment of care concerns for the immediate practice setting. Applies patient, family, and caregiver knowledge, values, and beliefs into care delivery without judgement or discrimination. Serves as an advocate for patients, families, and caregivers, improving outcomes for the immediate practice setting. Leads the implementation of high reliability principles and I CARE values to increase consistency of care delivered and improve patient outcomes. Demonstrates leadership responsibilities such as team leader/charge nurse. Leads teams, contributes to team conferences, and actively collaborates in all phases of patient care planning. Successfully integrates objectives, opportunities, and resources. Considers alternative courses of action. Respects the opinions, abilities, and contributions of others. Encourages individual growth and development. Effectively sets group goals and keeps self and team informed of the latest trends and developments. Inspires the cooperation and confidence of others. Demonstrates a high level of expertise. Expands knowledge base and practice evaluation through mentoring, precepting, and/or teaching to improve outcomes in the immediate practice setting. Leads education initiatives to expand knowledge with improved outcomes in the immediate practice setting. Demonstrates knowledge of performance criteria and provides self-evaluation feedback based on practice standards, laws and regulations to supervisors for annual review. Applies evidence-based practice/research resulting in improved outcomes in the immediate practice setting. Assesses the immediate practice setting to identify efficient, cost-effective care delivery. Leads patient care improvement through monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating care outcomes in the immediate practice setting. Takes responsibility for personal and professional career goals. Supports the professional growth of others. Participates in the advancement of the profession through mentoring, precepting, and/or teaching. Presents performance improvement information including monitors, metrics, results, and projects during unit staff meeting or unit-based training. 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: Varying Shifts, Monday - Sunday, 24/7 Operations Compressed/Flexible: Compressed schedule maybe authorized at management's discretion Telework: Virtual. Employee must report on-site at a VA location within 50 miles and within 60-days of acceptance of final offer. Virtual: This is a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required