The Veterans Integrated Systems Network (VISN) Patient Safety Officer (PSO) is responsible for developing, executing, and managing the Network's Patient Safety Program. The PSO cultivates a safe healthcare environment by promoting safe practices, nurturing a just culture, and improving processes that detect, mitigate, or prevent harm.

Duties

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: The incumbent collaborates with and provides expertise to healthcare executives throughout the healthcare continuum. The incumbent works collaboratively with facilities in the Network to ensure national program goals are met. The VISN PSO is responsible for trending and analyzing reported incidents across the Network, interpreting VA handbooks and directives regarding patient safety, providing program management support to facility Patient Safety Managers (PSMs), and monitoring the quality and progress of patient safety actions providing analyses and follow-up to ensure implementation of system changes. The incumbent participates in and facilitates the development of innovative approaches to the establishment, enhancement, modification, and improvement of care with a focus on patient safety reflective of a High Reliability Organization (HRO). The VISN PSO serves as the Network liaison to the National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS). The Nurse IV VISN PSO exhibits leadership that is characterized by continuous responsibility and accountability for full implementation, utilization and evaluation of the VHA Network Patient Safety Program. The PSO executes the position responsibilities that demonstrate executive leadership, detailed planning, professional communication, creative and innovative approaches to the improvement of patient safety and healthcare program development. The VISN PSO guides, develops, and supports field staff from a leadership perspective, and uses professional standards of care, scientific evidence, and practice to evaluate programs and or service activities. Much of the work within this role is conducted via conference calls and live meetings. The following is the preferred experience for this position: Three to five years progressive responsibility with experience with implementation of huddle and/or visual management processes. In-depth expertise in Just Culture, occurrence reporting, patient safety, process improvement methodologies, and statistical analysis. Expert working knowledge of current quality and patient safety initiatives in VHA and the healthcare industry demonstrated in recent professional experience; experience leading interdisciplinary initiatives in process improvement. Knowledge of and experience with patient safety science and human factor principles, theory, methods, standards, and regulatory requirements including analysis techniques of root cause analysis, cause and effect analysis, and failure mode and effect analysis. Training and demonstrated use of rapid cycle improvement theory, quality improvement tools, analysis and clinical results, and outcomes management. Preferred Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS), or other related certification. (preferred but not required) Strong leadership qualities (task completion, motivation, organization, team building, conflict resolution) and at least one year experience leading a team. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework: Ad hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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/12364142. The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Nurse IV: Scope: Executes leadership that is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care. Education: Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Dimensions: Leadership. Leads health care delivery by leveraging evidence-based practices, industry-leading research, and innovative care models. Drives a shared vision and successfully leads change to improve performance and attain measurable outcomes at the program or service level. Business Acumen. Transforms health care by implementing new processes, technology, informatics, and data analytics using business models and fundamental concepts of resource management at the program or service level. Inspiring an Industry-Leading Culture. Employs an industry leading, shared decision-making culture. Cultivates a diverse and inclusive workforce that serves Veterans, families and caregivers of all backgrounds and builds trust, cultural competencies and catalyzes dynamic teams at the program or service level. Communication and Relationship Management. Directs the effective use of relationship management principles to achieve positive customer service experiences that are consistent with professional organizational values, beliefs and practices at the program or services level. Professional and Social Responsibility. Operationalizes a culture of holistic care, health advocacy and health equity. Applies ethical principles in decision-making at the program or service level. Advances nursing knowledge through health science research and the translation and dissemination of evidence into practice to maximize the value to Veterans and the community. 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: The work is predominantly sedentary and does not require any special physical effort. Travel may be required.

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 VA Midsouth Healthcare Network VA Midsouth Healthcare Network Nashville, TN 37203 US
• Name: Patrick Brotka
• Email: [email protected]