The Admission/Discharge Coordinator Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients and oversight of licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants, as appropriate to the setting. The nurse is an active member of an interdisciplinary team whose primary focus is on care transitions to and from an inpatient setting.
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/12757575. 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. Preferred Experiences: SCI, case management experience. minimum 3 years RN experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting and Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling, Pushing, Walking, Standing, Kneeling, Repeated bending, Keyboarding, Viewing computer screen (8 - 12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands and legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); and Emotional/Mental stability.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) registered nurse (RN) Admissions Coordinator plays a critical role in arranging admission/discharge to a spinal cord injury unit through the following responsibilities: Plans & coordinates access to care within the SCI/D Hub & Spoke areas and with referring military treatment facilities. Plans & coordinates SCI Outreach services between SCI sites in accordance with SCI&D Hub and Spoke system model of care. Facilitates appropriate & timely transfers of veterans with SCI&D to SCI Centers. Conducts thorough assessments of patients to determine the severity of the injury & the need for specialized care, prioritizing the urgency of admission. Coordinates, schedules, & assigns Physicians with weekly admission of patients for SCI inpatient care under the direction of the SCI Service Chief. Serves as the initial point of contact for SCI admission referrals. Works with referring facilities to determine & schedule patient admittance dates & to resolve issues. Serves as an advocate for patients, ensuring their needs are met during the admission process and that they receive appropriate resources & support. Knowledgeable & able to apply critical thinking, communicate current medical problems for evaluation & discuss appropriateness for SCI/D level of care. Responsible for identifying which SCI patient care services will be provided during inpatient stays & coordinates with other VASDHS Services to ensure appropriate tests, & consults are scheduled prior to patients' admittance. Primary point of contact for active-duty personnel requiring authorization for admission to VASDHS SCI Center under Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense Memorandum of Agreement Regarding Referral of Active-Duty Military Personnel who sustain spinal cord injury. Facilitates the authorization approval for admission of active-duty service members with SCI to VASDHS SCI Center with the Defense Health Agency - Great Lakes (DHA-GL) and the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) making the active-duty referrals. Responsible for procuring authorizations and providing Financial Resources Management Service (FRMS) Billings department with the authorization to bill (DHA-GL) and TRICARE Managed Care Support Contractors for Transportation, Prosthetics, Durable Medical Equipment, Orthotics, Dental Services, Home Care, Personal Care Attendants, and Extended Care/Nursing Home Care services provided to SCI active-duty service member. Knowledge of VHA 1176.01, Joint Commission, CARF standards, program to meet accreditation standards and the mission and goals of VASDHS. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, therapists, & social workers, to ensure comprehensive pre-admission evaluations and planning, aligning care strategies with patient needs. Initiates discussions about long-term care needs & discharge plans early in the admission process, facilitating a smooth transition from the hospital to rehabilitation or home. Establishes & monitors respite program calendar. Tracks patients' usage & determines patients' eligibility to use the program. Addresses any emergencies or complications that arise during the admission process, ensuring patient safety and appropriate interventions. Assists in providing case management services for SCI CARF inpatient rehabilitation patients. Assists with the SCI CARF case management for SCI inpatient rehabilitation outcomes database. Communicates with the travel coordinator to arrange appropriate travel. Serves on SCI Leadership Committee, & other interdisciplinary and Nursing Service councils, & committees as appropriate. Participates in the interdisciplinary SCI Admission and Discharge Committee & Hub & Spokes Quarterly. Provide education to patients and families about spinal cord injuries, the admission process, & what to expect in the unit, facilitating emotional preparedness & understanding of their care plan. Maintains accurate and detailed medical records, including assessment findings, treatment plans, & communication with other healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care. Completes CPRS documentation & closes encounters per facility policy. Perform any other duties 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: Full Time; 730-1600 Compressed/Flexible: N/A Telework: N/A Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: N/A