The Performance Improvement Specialist is responsible for the documented outcomes at the program or service level. Program or service level outcomes must be broad and complex and can be demonstrated at any organizational level within a facility, Veterans Integrated Systems Network (VISN), or Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO). Program is defined as a substantial coordinated group of activities impacting patients and/or employees.
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/12721568. 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: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (4 hours); Pulling hand over hand (4 hours); Pushing (4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (8 hour); Standing (8 hours); Repeated bending (4 hours); Both legs required *one leg or foot may be Compensated by prosthesis; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Hearing without aid; Emotional stability under stress; Ability to read with one eye and ability to read typewritten material, glasses permitted.
Duties include, but are not limited to: The Performance Improvement Specialist is responsible for trending and analyzing data, interpreting accrediting body standards, interpreting VHA handbooks and directives regarding quality management/performance improvement/safety issues; collaborating with the facility Patient Safety Officer; collaborating and assisting in system redesign processes and monitoring progress of reviews and follow-action items to ensure completion in a timely manner. Assists in development of Quality Improvement approaches for standardizing system related procedures to minimize variation. Support facility activities in the coordination and development of data collection and analysis techniques, primarily in the areas of specific Performance Measures and Performance Improvement indicators, including being the Falls Coordinator of the service. Conducts various resident care studies based on areas assigned, including review of resident incident reports, Clinical Pertinence Reviews and reviews of medical chart reviews for evidence of required documentation as well as the quality and level of care provided. Responsible for and spends a preponderance of the duty time auditing the functions relating to the work of individuals and follows up with managers to relay their findings. The Performance Improvement Specialist is needed to lead initiatives and oversee multiple projects, reviews, audits to help track and trend areas for process improvement and to ensure follow through from beginning to end. This individual takes the data gathered one step further to create PDSA's, QUITT projects, oversee trials of processes on individualized units and spreading those processes throughout the CLC, presents projects to the GEC/QAPI meetings and speaks to surveyors on PI projects for the service. Assists with ensuring huddles, deep dives and workgroups are conducted regularly and efficiently to make processes sustainable. Ensures processes are Evidenced Based Driven and incorporates Shared Governance for front line input. Assist with trends or outliers for DBR's and JPSR's to help the service identify areas of improvement. Overall, this individual identifies, leads, assists, executes and follows up on multiple system processes that span across the whole CLC service. Performs other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Quality and Patient Safety Service, Veterans, and the organization. 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, Day Shift Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Approved This position is responsible for coordinating and maintaining a comprehensive, organized, continuous readiness program to review and identify opportunities for improvement to achieve excellence in the delivery of healthcare. Assist in developing Quality Improvement processes to assure that all required information is procured and acted upon to meet the expectations of the facility. Assist the Service Line and ensure performance improvement processes are in place, follow-up is conducted, and outcome reported. When required, he/she conducts reviews to evaluate compliance with program regulations, policies and procedures and assists with the development of facility policies and procedures as appropriate.