OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?
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/12767456. 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: BSN. Oncology certification, recent oncology experience. Oncology experience / outpatient oncology experience within the last 5 years. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The Hematology Oncology Triage Nurse functions on the multidisciplinary team as an advocate, educator, and counselor for oncology patients. This individual is responsible for ensuring all adult patients with an oncology diagnosis receive quality and comprehensive services. The triage nurse will serve as a clinical resource with expertise in hematology/oncology care management. The incumbent demonstrates leadership in coordinating comprehensive and continuous patient-centered holistic care through active collaboration, communication, and coordination of VA and community-based resources and services. While using the nursing process and evidence-based practice, the individual demonstrates proficient nursing skills and knowledge essential in the management of acute, chronic, and clinically complex outpatients via telephone, secure messaging, and in the Hematology/Oncology clinic. The following functions are unique to the specialty care registered nurse. The nurse assigned to these clinics is evaluated on the four dimensions in addition to supporting and collaborating the functions listed below: Works in unison with the staff and provider's in promoting a patient centered culture that assures that quality health care services are provided to the veterans promptly, safely, courteously, and compassionately and that their significant others and/or caregivers are appropriately involved. Is integrally involved in the activities, goals, and functionality of the Oncology Care Team. Is professionally collaborative with the nurses in the Hematology/Oncology Care Team. Communicates with Oncology Care team to achieve appropriate and timely scheduling of consults, diagnostic tests and procedures within the VA health system and through non-VA facilities. Triages and assesses walk-in patients. Triages and provides appropriate services to patients who telephone with health concerns. Provides support to Oncology specific minor procedures. Provides Oncology specific direct patient care including, but not limited to: central line access and vein assessment; new patient education; vital signs/triage. Provides timely follow-up on any patient complaints/concerns coordinating with providers. Provides patient/family/caregiver education and support and actively promotes patient self-management and personal health responsibility. Communicates timely notification of normal test results as instructed by the Oncology Care Provider to requesting patients. Works in partnership with the clinic providers and staff to plan and provide interventions designed to reduce hospital admissions, Emergency Department visits, and walk-ins. Initiate intravenous access. Proficient in the use of vascular access devices, including the ability to draw labs off of these devices. Maintain Oncology Nurse Society (ONS) Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate. Other duties as assigned VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Physical Requirements: The population of male and female Veterans served ranges from the adult, age 18, to the elderly adult, age 65 and over. 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. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.