The Infusion Clinic Nurse (ICN) /Close to Me (CTM) Infusion RN is responsible and accountable for developing and implementing comprehensive patient care for the adult/geriatric hematology, oncology and medical patient population. The RN is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care, activities and programs within the unit. Nurses demonstrate a broad perspective of clinical practice and its relationship to the unit, service, and hospital goals and objectives.
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/12823781. 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: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting.
The nurse independently uses sound judgement in making decisions regarding responsibilities and provides leadership to the interdisciplinary groups at all levels. Leadership and decision-making at the service level is expected. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential with minimal guidance except in unusual situations. Competency is demonstrated in performing clinical judgment, initial competency assessment and ongoing ONS education. The ICN/CTM RN administers infusions and injections, including but not limited to chemotherapy, immunotherapies, immunoglobulin therapy, blood/blood products, and bisphosphonates. In the CTM role, the RN is a traveling Infusion RN with a primary location within the infusion clinic at the Madison Wisconsin VA hospital with frequent travel required to CBOC locations (Rockford, IL; Janesville, WI; Baraboo, WI; Beaver Dam, WI; Freeport, IL) and on occasion the Tomah, Wisconsin VA. The incumbent will facilitate the management, planning, direction, implementation, evaluation, and continuity of outpatient nursing care for patients enrolled in the Close to Me program .. Additional responsibilities include, but not limited to: Administration and monitoring of medications including antineoplastic and immunotherapy agents Assessment and management of central lines (PICCs, ports) and peripheral IV's Therapeutic phlebotomy Symptom management via face-to-face interaction and telephone Identification of patients appropriate for Close to Me Services, collaboration with providers to ensure patient is eligible to participate in Close to Me Participation in weekly Close to Me collaboration meetings with pharmacy, nursing, specialty clinics and others Care coordination including but not limited to scheduling appointments, result follow up, patient education, etc.: Verifies labs and provider pre-clearance appointments were completed Verifies orders entered for treatment in accordance with policy and ONS standards Completes 24-48-hour pre-clearance calls with Veteran for Close to Me Patients Recognizes and supports Suicide Prevention initiatives Ensures documentation is completed timely and thoroughly for patient care Collaborates with care team to ensure patients' goals of care and treatment plans are followed/developed in the outpatient setting Works closely with other VA Medical Centers to coordinate ·and improve care and accessibility Participates in the development and implementation of recommended policies and procedures as related to Infusion Clinics, Close to me and/or facility policy Participates and/or leads programmatic efforts for Close to Me and Infusion Clinic Participation in High Reliability Organization (HRO) and professional governance initiatives Demonstrates professional communication and conduct Skills in time management, autonomy, priority setting, assessment and urgent intervention are essential for this unit Valid unrestricted driver's license is required for position. The Nurse is required to complete: One time "ONS Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and lmmunotherapy Administration" within 3 months of hire. "ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy lmmunotherapy Administration Certificate" Course with a passing grade after 2 years of successful Infusion Clinic Nursing Practice. "ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy lmmunotherapy Certificate Renewal" every two years following initial Chemotherapy lmmunotherapy Certification. If renewal not completed within 30 days of expiration employee will be required to complete "ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy lmmunotherapy Administration Certificate" 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: Monday-Friday rotating hours and days between 0600-2000; combination of 8 and 10 hour shifts Telework: Not authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.