The NP is directly responsible to the Primary Care Medical Director in the assigned area and must follow local policy regarding a collaborative agreement with a qualified physician. Utilizes advanced practice nursing skills and knowledge in a relatively independent manner in areas of patient care.

Duties

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) for Primary Care Provider shall be proficient in all aspects of the general practice of Primary Care. Specifically, the provider should possess the expertise and competency to perform the following: Fully implements the components and processes relative to the VHA Primary Care Medical healthcare system design Perform histories and physical exams Provides appropriate documentation to minimally include history, physical exam findings, diagnosis, definitive care plan and disposition of the patient Ensures that patients are appropriately closed out including disposition that clearly indicates the next steps of care Ensures that each patient is provided a list of current medications and an appointment list at close-out Perform office procedures contained within their approved privileges Prescribe medications as appropriate Order routine laboratory, radiological and diagnostic tests and provide initial interpretation of results Respond to questions and other inquiries from patients Initiate or expedite requests for consultations and special tests Provide education to the patient and family as necessary Order immunizations and other preventive or screening services as necessary Screen patients to determine the need for hospitalization Perform Basic Life Support as necessary Communicate clinical findings to other providers using the Computerized Patient Record System Consistently communicates and treats customers, veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. The NP, Primary Care Provider protects data from unauthorized release, or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion and follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files and release of access codes, etc. Uses data sets contained in the VHA Almanac, Compass. EQM, and High-Risk Registries to identify and more highly manage patients at high risk and /or that have recurring outcome values that are outside the norm Electronically tracks various components of care to promote a higher level of care coordination Maximizes the use of virtual care modalities such as Home Telemedicine, Secure Messaging and e-Consults to enhance access to care Complies with the Medical Center By-laws and the Rules and Regulations of the Medical Staff VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: To be determined during interview Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: Learn more. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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. Master's or Doctoral Degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission (ACEN-Formerly NCLAC) or the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 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. Nurse Practitioners must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. The certification must be in the specialty to which the individual is being appointed or selected. 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 III - Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's 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 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience. A nurse practitioner must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State, possess a master's degree from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE, and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. [The certification must be in the specialty to which the individual is being appointed or selected.] 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. This position requires that you are able to lift at least 50 lbs. 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 organizational needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual Influenza vaccination, TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address James H Quillen VA Medical Center Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684 US
• Name: Celena Smith
• Email: [email protected]