The Wound Care Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimal care.
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/12769865. 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 Experience: Bachelors of Science in Nursing At least 2 years Acute Care/Critical Care Experience WCON Certification is highly preferred 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 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. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements 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.
The Wound Ostomy Continence RN assess, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on skin and wound assessment findings. They demonstrate proficiency in performing the full scope of wound assessment and management along with the application of wound care treatments and therapies. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Plans and delivers technically competent care to patients in alignment with the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice. Responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients with oversight of licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants as appropriate to the setting: Assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization. Practice includes directing other providers. Responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients with oversight of licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants as appropriate to the setting. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on skin and wound assessment findings. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient/resident planning, coordinating, providing, and evaluating care across clinical practice settings with a focus on organizational improvement in skin and wound assessment and management (and may include ostomy and continence care). Assesses and identifies education needs of all levels of clinical staff. The nurse will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization. Develops and implements an educational plan to meet the needs for patients/residents, family, and staff at the clinical and program level. Partners with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team to promote effective and safe transitions across the health care continuum. Assist providers as needed during exams and procedures , obtain specimens as ordered by the provider. Provide advanced level professional specialized nursing care in the treatment and care of wound/ostomy patients (i.e., wound care supplies and treatments). Identifying, planning, implementing, and evaluating acute/chronic wounds and pressure injuries. Consult with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive strategies for patient care and methodology for treatment of wounds. Provide consultation to providers and staff regarding plans of care with wounds and preventive services for wound/ostomy patients. Stage patient wounds to rank wound severity. Recommend current healing modalities and medications used in wound care management. Responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks ensuring assigned delegated tasks are completed by team members. Establishes a therapeutic relationship, allowing the patient to achieve optimal function through assessment and treatment of their health enhancing the patient experience, satisfaction, and/or safety. Treats all patients, families and other caregivers with dignity and respect incorporating knowledge, values, and beliefs into nursing care delivery without judgement or discrimination. Recognizes ethical issues related to professional nursing practice and behaves in an appropriate manner through observance of established policies and ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. Applies high reliability principles and I CARE values to improve patient outcomes. All other duties as assigned, pertaining to this occupation, to meet the needs of the Agency, Department, Facility, and/or Service. 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, Monday thru Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.