The Community Living Center (CLC) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned residents and oversight of licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants, as appropriate to the setting. The nurse will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation for Geriatrics and Extended 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/12771307. 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. Salary for this position ranges dependent upon applicant qualifications Grade 1, Levels 1-3: $152,363-$211,773 annually Grade 2: $175,217-$225,700 annually Grade 3: $192,738-$225,700 annually 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. The position requires potentially, long periods of combined walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable or working effectively in stressful situation, able to shift priorities based on needs of the organization. The incumbent may be required to travel occasionally. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. Telework is position dependent and appropriate approvals are required; telework is not guaranteed and incumbent must comply with all regulations relevant to telework agreements, policies, and processes. If a position requires driving, incumbent is required to maintain compliance with all relevant policies and processes.
**This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact susan.bringel@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Duties and responsibilities include: Coordinates and provides resident care in a culturally and ethnically sensitive manner. Performs nursing assessment using the nursing process and evaluates effectiveness of medications and/or treatment regimens. Demonstrates knowledge of and utilizes MDS process including Care Plan, updates and maintains 802, timely documentation and various MDS documentation system reports. Demonstrates knowledge of residents and computer skills to effectively navigate residents' computerized record daily and during unannounced surveys. Utilizes Truth Point data to improve resident outcome on the neighborhood by reviewing resident satisfaction results in the unit base council (UBC). Promotes resident self-determination utilizing the least restrictive methods possible to deliver resident-center, ed care. Supports and values the autonomy, dignity, and rights of residents. Accurately documents change in condition and monthly summaries. Conducts assessments per nursing service protocol such as: Braden Scale, Weekly Skin Assessment, Pain Assessment and Reassessment, Admission/Annual Assessment, and Morse Scale to name a few. Initiates resident care plan on admission, and updates care plans with each change in condition. Monitors completeness and accuracy of medical record entries. Manages worktime effectively, efficiently, safely and productively. Educates residents and families how to achieve/maintain wellness, meet continuing care needs and manage end stage of illness. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data in a systematic, ongoing manner, utilizing the MDS assessment and Interdisciplinary team input. Utilizes available resources (prosthetics and other services) to improve resident care and enhance quality of life. Demonstrates strong team leadership and critical thinking skills to promote quality resident care standards. Serves on and participates in Extended Care Committees and hospital wide Nursing Committees such as: (Medication Safety, Nursing Board, Fall Champion, Skin Champion, Safety Coordinator, Restorative Care, etc.). Implements facility fall prevention guidelines. Utilizes preventive measures to maintain resident's skin integrity. Supports and participates in Quality Improvement activities such as: Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI), Falls, Minimum Data Set (MDS) - Quality Indicators, Consistent Assignment, Pain Management, Hand Washing, Catheter Acquired Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), and Artifacts of Culture Change related to home environment. Uses a body of research to validate and/or uses the results of quality improvement activities to initiate changes in nursing practice and in the health care delivery system. Presents evidence-based articles and participates in neighborhood and/or hospital Journal Club. Incorporates new knowledge to initiate changes in nursing practice if desired outcomes are not achieved. Conducts rounds during the shift, observing safety of the environment and cleanliness, removes safety hazards, enters work orders to correct deficiencies and/or problems, and follows fire and safety protocol. Assigns duties to LVN and CNA staff according to their scope of practice, utilizing consistent assignment model. Completes the 24-hour Nursing report and other required event reporting documentation. Adheres to neighborhood HPPD when assessing shift staffing. 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, 7:30am-4:00pm with rotating weekends. May be subject to change based on needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized