The MDS/RAC Nurse assigned to the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Unit is primarily responsible for applying the nursing process to the care of Veteran patients in both an outpatient and inpatient setting. The Nurse will act as a care coordinator for Resident SCI Veterans in all areas of their medical care, delivering care that meets the needs and preferences of the Veteran with SCI/D.

Duties

The following duties are required of the position; they include, but are not limited to: The Nurse is directly responsible to the chief Nurse of SCI/D and is responsible and accountable for the Resident Assessment Coordinator (RAC) coordination. The Nurse will act as a care coordinator for Resident SCI Veterans in all areas of their medical care, delivering care that meets the needs and preferences of the Veteran with SCI/D. The MDS RAC Nurse possesses knowledge and skills to effectively apply all aspects of the nursing process within a collaborative, interdisciplinary practice setting enabling effective implementation of health promotion and preventative practices, management of acute and chronic illnesses, and attainment of optimal levels of functioning and/or support for the dying patient and significant others, and data collection and coordination. Nurse possesses the knowledge and skills to effectively apply all aspects of the nursing process within a collaborative, interdisciplinary practice setting, which will then enable effective implementation of health promotion and prevention practices by nursing staff and attainment of optimal levels of functioning and/or support of all nursing employees. The Nurse performs the appropriate documentation that reflects assessment of patient needs, interdisciplinary treatment plans, provides education and support to the patient and their families, plans clinical interventions, and evaluates patients' responses to treatments. The Nurse will be skilled in patient assessment with the ability to communicate appropriate concerns regarding a patient's condition based on sound theoretical and technical basis. The Registered Nurse will demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply theories of aging as a scientific basis for practice. The Nurse will have completed and will maintain knowledge/skill in the Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior and Group Process. . They are expected to manage patient care in an astute manner, which protects patient's safety and promotes positive patient outcomes. He/she provides guidance and education to patients and caregivers and collaborates with other professionals at all levels including but not limited to the other nurses and physicians in the Spinal Cord Unit, as necessary. The plan of care and educational requirements are individualized to support patient needs. He/she reports status of service needs and contributes to problem resolution and modification of processes, as necessary. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in unit/program level quality improvement processes and initiatives as well as customer service programs. The MDS RAC Nurse performs all required elements of a nursing assessment including but not limited to physical examination, assessment of readiness to learn, psychosocial assessment, functional assessment and utilization of patient/family specific assessment scales as required. The Nurse will collaborate with SCI/D Executive Leadership by managing Service level QI activities that monitor critical aspects of care. Responsible for the coordination of establishing, updating and maintaining Resident Care Plan. 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 Preferred Experience: Nurse possesses intimate knowledge of InterQual review criteria, utilization management processes and principles, clinical documentation requirements, current standards of care, and compliance guidelines. The UM nurse is accountable for utilizing critical thinking skills and sound judgment to ensure positive outcomes, maximize effective hospital resource utilization while ensuring quality patient care services. The UM Nurse provides leadership for and participates in performance improvement activities. He/she must possess the ability to interact with a wide variety of employees and to work independently in accomplishing assignments and program goals. The UM Nurse will work in collaboration with clinical and administrative staff that are engaged in access and patient flow. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am 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: 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/12249010. 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: This position requires visual acuity (including depth perception), keen hearing (aide permitted), clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity in both hands. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking (6-8 hours), standing (4-8 hours), stooping, sitting, bending, and reaching above the shoulder. Moderate carrying/lifting (15-44 pounds). 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 and equipment. The incumbent may be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing and vaccination, as a condition of employment. Must be able to work closely with others, as well as protracted or irregular hours of work. Must be compliance with the use of ergonomic exercises and employee safety requirements.

Contacts

• Address Hampton VA Medical Center 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23667 US
• Name: Ebony Eason
• Phone: 757-2343789
• Email: [email protected]