Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.

Duties

The Polytrauma Registered Nurse executes position responsibilities that demonstrate experience and creative approaches to management of complex Polytrauma patient care in accordance with the Polytrauma System of Care (PSC) and is accountable for adhering to established policies, standards of care and standards of practice and for demonstrating accomplishments when providing patient care and in developing and implementing programs to improve the delivery of care. The incumbent has both clinical and administrative responsibilities in the Polytrauma Network Site (PNS). They provide appropriate care for patients generally ranging in age from 18 through the geriatric years, taking into consideration diagnosis, physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs. The Polytrauma Registered Nurse is capable of practicing at the advanced level and has specialized knowledge and clinical skill in working with the severe emotional, psychosocial and problems generated by the traumatic event of a severely disabling illness/injury. The Polytrauma nurse should have an in-depth knowledge that will allow them to function as a polytrauma and TBI coordinator, consultant, educator, and researcher. The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community (ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses). Duties include but not limited to: Understands the biopsychosocial changes associated with the effects of physical trauma and traumatic injury to the brain, as well as the aging and principles of development relevant to the young adult, adult, and geriatric population. Acts a liaison/educator for the patient, family, polytrauma/TBI providers, ancillary services during the continuum of care services across multiple services. Management and coordination of polytrauma consult coordination. Provides education to veterans and family members regarding polytrauma/TBI related care and rehabilitation. Works collaboratively with PSC members to collect data, track outcomes and support strategic planning processes. Acts as the conduit between the Veteran and their family, and the Interdisciplinary team (IDT) for communication and care coordination. Ensures that Veterans' and their family's goals and preferences are included in their plan of care and that the plan is communicated to the patient. Assists patients and families with issues relating to distrust of system or fear of treatment, including refusal of care related to lack of knowledge or anxiety. Identifies patient issues such as travel and lodging, and link with appropriate services within the VA system and/or community resources. Ensures patients have the appropriate workup including diagnostic tests, signed consents and works cooperatively with Primary Care and other specialties to arrange scheduling in the Polytrauma/TBI clinics. Maintains awareness of patient's plan of care and communicates as necessary with issues that arise to prevent unnecessary delays in treatment, including missed appointments, diagnostic assessments, and screenings. Facilitates acquisition of medical records and diagnostic testing to ensure timely delivery of services. Is knowledgeable of medication issues, side effects of medications in general and specific concerns of the psychostimulants and other medications commonly used for this population. Takes prompt action in triaging these matters. Coordinating follow up care with the IDT to meet the needs of the Veteran, servicemember and their family. Assessing for case management needs and risk factors, including but not limited to, suicide and homelessness. Assists the provider in care and coordination of Veterans for clinics organized under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) Program Office. Other assigned duties. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0730-1600 Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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. 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. Preferred Experience: Preferred outpatient experience with TBI and Polytrauma patients. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. 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: 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. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. 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. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. In accordance with VHA Directive 2010-032, dated 28 June 2010. Maximum weight limits for patients is 35lbs. For material/equipment is 51lbs., as supported b NIOSH and OSHA Regulations.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Robert J Dole VA Medical and Regional Office Center 5500 East Kellogg Drive Wichita, KS 67218 US
• Name: Cynthia Hildebrandt
• Phone: 9136822000
• Email: [email protected]