The QM/HRO Consultant is assigned responsibility for their assigned quality management program area activities for the VA Medical Center and all off-site locations. The QM/HRO Consultant collects data, monitors staff compliance with relevant policies, directives and standards, provides reports detailing trends, and provides direct staff support to all services in planning, designing, integrating, implementing, modifying, and administering, a comprehensive HRO program.

Duties

Duties include, but are no limited to: Provides informatics, analytical, and business intelligence support to facility leadership and field managers on the HRO journey. Manages a portfolio of projects and works independently while responding to requests for information and support from all levels of the organization, including senior level managers. Responsible for the identification of information and analysis needed to manage critical aspects of operations as well as for the design and development of information sources, reports, analytical studies, and data templates. This includes extracting data from Corporate Data Warehouses, existing systems and databases, and/or developing database applications, surveys or other tools to collect required information and to update reports. This requires in-depth knowledge of VHA operations, national databases, applications development, data mining and analytical techniques. Develops and implements systems to assist in providing oversight of critical informatics and analytics functions. Interfaces with the QSV and hospital leadership to evaluate and incorporate best practices to improve patient care and ensure that standards set are met. As appropriate, mentoring and training other interdisciplinary team members may be required across the facility. Responsible for the oversight of the use and management of data for the HCS, including collection, reporting and analysis in support of its high reliability journey. Conducts analytical studies on operational processes, issue topics, or related special projects. Monitors and develops milestones for assigned portion of the execution of organizational plans, particularly those requiring physical relocation of personnel, work, and equipment. Supports new programs/initiatives that align directly with the journey to high reliability, which puts Veterans at the center of all processes, innovations, improvements, and changes. Serves as the primary supporting consultant for the development and implementation of program operations related to new programs and/or initiatives that have a direct impact on data management, processing, problem resolution, and process improvement along the journey to high reliability. Stay current on all aspects of the initiatives, identify potential risks and issues, collaborate with staff both internal and external to ensure necessary requirements are appropriately documented and met, and effectively lead and socialize the changes necessary for successful implementation. Applies knowledge of health care system delivery, performance and quality improvement and health care accreditation to provide technically correct and pragmatic advice. Conducts innovative analysis and extends accepted standards to achieve high reliability organization (HRO) principles and an operating plan the Medical Center. Prepares and delivers written and verbal review of findings and recommendations to HCS, VISN, and VHACO leadership to determine applicable requirements and feasible problem resolution. The incumbent provides detailed reports to senior leadership on the schedule, measures, and key change management components. The incumbent works in partnership with the National Center for Patient Safety, Office of Systems Redesign and Improvement, Quality Manager, Patient Safety Managers, Systems Redesign (Improvement) Coordinator and Clinical leadership to ensure planning, coordinating, tracking, reporting and communicating objectives to the various stakeholders both external and internal to VA. Have a clear working expert knowledge of the HRO mission and objectives with excellent communication skills. Continuous improvement of services to stakeholders requires significant interaction with a wide range of professionals and results in the incumbent assuming a highly visible role in representing the Medical Center at the VISN and national level. Have the ability to communicate orally and in writing about complex clinical and non-clinical matters with individuals with varying levels of understanding and authority. Performs Other Duties as Assigned. 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, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Adhoc basis, at the discretion of the hiring manager. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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/12464785. 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. Preferred Experience: VA experience preferred. 2 - 3 years of Nursing experience preferred. 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: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (2-6 hours), Standing (2-6 hours), Repeated ending, Climbing, legs only, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted), Sitting (2-6 hours), Typing (2-4 hours).

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/.

Note: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013. ACEN's website may be utilized to verify accredited programs using automated inquiry processes; however, for verification of any nursing program's accreditation prior to 1998 an automated inquiry cannot be used and ACEN must be contacted directly via their email contact information on the ACEN website to verify.

Note: In order to grant credit towards an appointment based on foreign nursing education higher than the associate degree level, formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized degree equivalency agency accepted by VA, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD), must be obtained.

Contacts

• Address Jonathan M Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center 77 Wainwright Drive Walla Walla, WA 99362 US
• Name: Laura Wallace
• Phone: 5414401000 X40529
• Email: [email protected]