The Community Health Nurse Coordinator (CHNC) uses the nursing process and evidence based practice to collaborate with other CHNC's, physician, therapy staff, social workers, community agencies, VA contracting staff, Veterans, families, and caregivers to coordinate home health services. The CHNC is a member of an expanded team. The incumbent is responsible for collaborating with services external to the VA to facilitate care transitions in order to effectively meet patients' needs.
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/12781942. 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: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted.
The Community Health Nurse Coordinator (CHNC) uses the nursing process and evidence based practice to collaborate with other CHNC's, physician, therapy staff, social workers, community agencies, VA contracting staff, Veterans, families, and caregivers. The CHNC is a member of an expanded team. The incumbent is responsible for collaborating with services external to the VA to facilitate care transitions in order to effectively meet patients' needs. The incumbent provides patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, and wellness based on the patient's goals. The CHNC demonstrates leadership by serving as a preceptor or mentor to colleagues or students to enhance professional growth, development, and practice. The incumbent is responsible for acquiring and demonstrating clinical expertise and knowledge of health care programs to improve the quality of patient care. This position requires potentially long periods of telephone and desk/computer work and on occasion driving to various external facilities. The Incumbent must be able to multitask and utilize multiple computer programs simultaneously. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or procedures. The incumbent may occasional be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent is responsible for collaborating with services external to the VA to facilitate care transition in order to effectively meet patients' needs. The incumbent provides patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, and wellness based on the patient's goals. The CHNC demonstrates leadership by serving as a preceptor or mentor to colleagues or students to enhance professional growth, development, and practice. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The incumbent assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient transition through the continuum of care, patient and family education, patient self-management after discharge, and supporting factors that impact customer satisfaction. Considers all characteristics of the individual, including age and life stages, state of health, race and culture, values, and previous experiences. Follows hospital procedures per established professional nursing policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in unit/program level quality improvement processes and initiatives as well as customer service programs. The CHNC must have an understanding of the adult stages of life and compares the patients' or residents' chronological age with physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the peer group. The incumbent must have knowledge of, observe and act appropriately in assessing, planning and providing care according to Veterans military history including service connected conditions such as physical or psychological trauma (i.e. PTSD, TBI, etc.) and unique health risks based on a specific service/military period. The incumbent must report, or ensure vendor/agency report of abuse, neglect or exploitation as per State/Federal law and VA policy. The incumbent is responsible for having knowledge of appropriate planning and provision of care in home care for residents of various cultural backgrounds and must discuss with community providers, when needed, the need to provide education in simplified terms about treatments and medications, including pain medication to Veterans based on age/population/cultural related needs. May function as part of an interdisciplinary team in inspections of VA contract nursing home and adult day health care facilities to review patient care, effective care plan documentation, in addition to safe practices by the contract personnel in direct patient care and medical supplies. Preferred Experience: Home Health Experience 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) Work Schedule: 08:00 AM -4:30 PM Monday- Friday Compressed/Flexible: per agency policy Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized