We are seeking an Occupational Health Registered Nurse (OHRN) to provide services related to employee health and wellness at South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The OHRN collaborates with staff, supervisors, facility departments, and outside agencies to provide the best, most cost-efficient 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. Preferred Experience: Three years Nursing experience BSN Specialty Clinic and/or PACT Experience Triage/Telephone Triage 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/12773026. 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: Lifting up to 35·pounds for 8-12 hours, intermittently, moderate carrying (15-35 pounds) for 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, lifting over 35 pounds with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care, pulling for 8 to 12 hours intermittently, pushing for 8-12 hours, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8-12 hours, intermittently, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, repeated bending for 8-12 hours, intermittently, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted, twisting, simple grasp and fine manipulation.
Duties and Responsibilities Serves as primary point of contact for planning, organizing, and executing the annual employee flu campaign for all STVHCS. Provides patient care services for employees, students, and volunteers of the STVHCS. Performs duties related to employee illnesses during pandemics and influenza outbreaks. Administers and manages immunizations and tuberculosis screening of employees, volunteers, and students according to established policies/procedures and documents in appropriate databases and/or electronic health records. Interprets information and makes appropriate clinical decisions, uses critical thinking skills and a wide variety of data sources specifically patient response, physician and nurse progress notes, interdisciplinary consultations, results tests/procedures according to applicable guidelines and standards. Completes all required documentation for immunizations utilizing applicable databases/EHR. Performs initial assessment for on-the-job injuries and demonstrates ability to assist patients with Workman's Compensation and ECOMP reports in accordance with policy and procedures Assists with newly hired and transferring employee's Occupational Medicine evaluations and tracks pre-placement physicals in accordance with policy and procedures. Understands the adverse health effects of different occupations and knows the methods of treatment and prevention necessary for each one. Observes the worker and the work environment, understanding engineering controls, industrial hygiene and the protective equipment that is necessary in the workplace. Monitors a worker's medical history and able to perform a physical examination and diagnostic screening tests. Identifies abnormalities and determines which are caused by adverse work conditions Utilizes Titmus for vision screening in addition to current visual screening charts/tools Performs a wide range of administrative duties including, but not limited to maintaining databases, preparing reports for leadership, ordering medications/immunizations/supplies, participating in process improvement initiatives, attending meetings/committee membership, and providing education/support to supervisors and employees. Initiates and tracks blood borne exposure response in accordance with policy and protocols Uses critical thinking skills to determine when an employee needs an urgent evaluation such as nurse walk-in, acute provider appointment, and/or transfer to the ED. Assists with new hire and transferring employee physicals by performing exams using current standard vision screening exams and administering vaccinations. Manages and monitors active cohorts for infectious or hazardous exposures. Manages Employee health Program Tuberculosis Symptom Screening Program; oversees quarters/communicable disease data for trending, tracking and reporting. Educates employees to minimize health and injury risks in various locations Collaborates with other services such as infection control, Emergency Services, safety, and workman's compensation to provide timely response to injuries or exposures. Have basic knowledge of established clinical standards of care and Joint Commission requirements participating in clinical and documentation protocol reviews, safety, infection control, performance improvement, etc., to ensure compliance with policies and provide consistent training and guidance for clinic staff. Utilizes knowledge in management and daily operation of clinic to serve approximately 4,000 employees with a variety of healthcare needs and illnesses Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers and works autonomously Responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating activities with the Occupational Health team to include new Covid-19 initiatives, influenza activities, and attending committee meetings. 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: Days 0730-1600 and/or 0800-1630, Monday - Friday generally but may include Saturday clinics on occasion. Tour of duty and duty location: May change due to patient care needs and must be flexible to the needs of the clinic Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit: This position is part of the Bargaining unit.