Responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.
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: BSN or Higher preferred BSN Preferred PACT NCM Experience Preferred Education Experience Preferred 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/12805332. 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: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting. This position also requires that the staff member be able to wear a lead apron for an extended period of time.
The Primary Care Nurse Educator and Pain Management Care Manager roles involve a collaborative approach in working with various services including Primary Care, Specialty, Community Care, Addiction Medicine, and Quality Care. They focus on developing and implementing comprehensive patient care plans, particularly targeting adult and geriatric populations, for both acute and chronic conditions. In addition to clinical care, they also emphasize the importance of quality improvement, performance enhancement, and educational development for nursing personnel. Reporting to the Chief Nurse of Primary Care, these roles are pivotal in driving quality and performance initiatives while providing direct support to both staff and leadership in a healthcare setting. The Pain NCM collaborates with Addiction Medicine providers, Primary Care, and Specialty services to provide comprehensive care for adult/geriatric patients suffering from acute and chronic pain. Responsibilities include: Provides support to providers daily by coordinating care with community and VA facilities; ensuring all needed records, tests, and other pertinent information are available to the provider at the time of the appointment. Assists in the development, assessment, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation of comprehensive care plans to ensure efficient, effective, and coordinated care in line with the VHA Opioid Safety Initiative. Coordinates an interdisciplinary approach to meet physical, psychosocial, and environmental needs, leveraging the nursing process to manage and evaluate care plans collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team. Acts as an advocate seeking and coordinating solutions for team members and patients, aiming to reduce unscheduled acute hospitalizations, emergency/urgent visits, and crisis line calls related to pain management. Participates in quality improvement initiatives to increase access to care and improve patient outcomes, including initiatives around same-day access to care, SAIL ACSC, and HEDIS standards. Provides patient and family education on pain management, opioid safety, and treatment goals, ensuring the Veteran and family can identify care goals and team contacts. Maintains and upgrades knowledge and skills in Pain Management, Integrative Health, and Care Management, applying this knowledge to patient care. Engages in clinical research and evidence-based practice improvements within designated areas. Primary Care Pain Management Educator: The Educator focuses on program and staff development, serving as a resource and leader in nursing practice, education, and quality improvement across primary care. Responsibilities include: Functions as a resource to nursing and interfacing departments as a subject matter expert. Develops and recommends goals for program development, using evidence-based practices to revise policies, procedures, and protocols. Facilitates staff professional practice through role modeling, teaching, and mentoring. Standardizes nursing orientation across primary care in collaboration with the PACT Coordinator and Nursing Leadership to meet changing program or service needs. Collaborates with leadership and practice councils to manage the completion of annual nurse competencies. Supports and performs new or continuous training initiatives across primary care. Facilitates/trains PACT teams on obtaining and analyzing quality data to drive decisions for changing/sustaining practice and evaluating outcomes. Collaborates with PACT teams to improve systems and processes that impact the quality of care, patient outcomes, and organizational performance. Collaborates with the PACT Coordinator and Preventive/Consultative RNCM, sharing data and creating process improvement action plans to improve quality measures and PACT performance. Utilizes performance improvement processes and lean tools for systematic and creative management of staff, systems, or processes at the program or service level. Works collaboratively with other professionals to identify quality improvement opportunities and develop programs and activities to address identified issues. Responsible for reporting PACT performance data and initiatives to leadership regularly. Adheres to National Patient Safety Goals and Joint Commission standards, and other relevant regulatory requirements. Acts as an active member of various local, VISN, and National committees as guided by leadership. The scope and responsibilities of both roles may evolve based on National Directives, VISN policies, and specific needs of the Veterans, covering Primary Care, Specialty, Community Care, and Quality Services. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, Day Shift (may include occasional evenings). Telework: Yes. Ad-Hoc, as determined by the agency policy Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required