VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is a Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching healthcare system with two divisions and multiple community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC). It is considered the most complex VA healthcare system nationwide. VAPSHCS has Emergency services and a full complement of specialty medical, surgical, psychiatric, critical care, and rehabilitation service-lines.
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/12747092. 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: Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; Moderate Carrying 15-44 pounds, use of fingers; walking (6 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (6 hours); Operation of crane, truck tractor, or motor vehicle; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); other Motor Vehicle Only Environmental Factors: Working outside and inside; working closely with others; Working alone
Duties include but are not limited to: Assess Veterans needs for personal care services, particularly Activities of Daily Living, supervision, protection or instruction, working closely with the CSP Coordinator(s) and designee(s), to complete Veteran functional assessments and re-assessments. Assist other program staff in providing clinical services, completing notes and gathering/monitoring data related to the day-to-day functioning and evaluation of the program. Conduct initial home assessments as part of the application or reassessment process for the PCAFC. Purpose of home visits is to assess for functional and mobility needs and safety as well as to assess need for personal care services using standardized assessments. Assists in the day-to-day operations of the CSP specific to area of assignment and ensures compliance and collaboration with local facility and VA Central Office CSP initiatives. Participates in face-to-face or virtual contact with caregiver and Veteran to assess function and need for personal care services and as needed, the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions. Utilizes and assists in maintaining a data monitoring system to measure the efficacy of the program and helps in collecting and analyzing local data for reports for: local management, VISN CSP Leads, CEATs, the National CSP, Care Management and Social Work and Office of Patient Care Services. Evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program, processes and use of a standardized assessment instrument. Functions in support of caregivers, Veterans and family members throughout the facility and community. Complies with and supports any ongoing monitoring efforts of the standardized assessment instrument by VA. Complies with requirements of extensive Talent Management System training, bi-annual re-training and any ongoing inter-rater reliability and/or peer reviews as determined by policy or national program office guidance. Knows and understands services and benefits available for caregivers from both federal, state and private sector resources and statutes, regulations and policies that govern the program. Stays abreast of current legislation directed at assisting caregivers to continue to provide caregiving in an environment that is safe for both themselves and the Veteran. Complies with Service Line documentation requirements, including standards for timely completion of notes, use of required documentation templates and risk assessment protocols. Adheres to all VAPSHCS and Service Line policies and practices for delivering clinical care, including but not limited to risk assessment and reduction practices for potentially dangerous behavior (suicide and violence), timeliness of care and access and professional conduct requirements. Maintains level of productivity and quality consistent with the complexity of assignment and Social Work, The Joint Commission and VA standards. Establishes and maintains ongoing education programs for caregivers, community agencies and staff to facilitate understanding of the CSP and the CSP interests. Serves on committees, work groups and task forces at facility, VISN and national level or in community which support caregiver issues and needs. Assists with coordination of events and programs for annual National Family Caregivers Month every November, CSP Summit and other CSP supported activities. Collaborates with and contributes knowledge to a community of practice with the CSP and profession. Maintains a knowledge base of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals, attending conferences, clinic seminars and teleconferences and through materials distributed via VA and private sector sources. Actively participates in CSP conference calls and other relevant conference calls and/or meetings as assigned. 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: Mon-Fri, 8:00am to 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized