This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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 the appropriate State-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). 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: Spinal Cord Injury 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. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, both legs and repeated bending. Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours); Pushing (up to 4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours); Standing (up to 8 hours); Repeated bending (up to 8 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Specific visual requirement: Read typed Chapters; Correctable vision :20/40 in one eye; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted). The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders; Emotional and Mental Stability: 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. ["The -Patient and Family Educator is responsible for assisting with the planning, implementation and evaluation of patient and family education programs in the SCI/D service. The incumbent independently assesses patient and family learning needs and provides individualized education accordingly. The Patient and Family Education RN staffs the Learning Center and works collaboratively as an active member of the inter-professional team to provide therapeutic patient and family centered care. The incumbent establishes goals and strategies for meeting care coordination needs across settings with the patient, family, and/or other care providers and to optimize patient outcomes. The program of care is planned and implemented utilizing evidence-based practices including those related to health literacy, patient empowerment, and cost effective approaches to patient care. This position reports to the Chief Nursing of SCI/D for overall program direction and evaluation. Identify learning needs and provide individualized education based on specific learning needs and preferences. Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching intervention and adjust the teaching accordingly. Utilize an empowerment model to create partnerships with patients and family members. Employ strategies based on the patient/family goals and preferences to foster self-management. Incorporate knowledge of current clinical practices/technologies to maximize patient's and family's ability to be involved in care and care decisions. Use computer technology and other innovative methodologies to support patient and family learning efforts. Communicate teaching/learning activities (particularly difficult learning situations and high-risk needs) and patient/family response to multiple disciplines across settings. Utilize appropriate documentation tools to ensure effective communication. Provide support as needed to interdisciplinary colleagues who are providing and/or reinforcing patient/family education through regular interactions with staff on units, in clinics, and in other departments. Provide leadership for select Nursing Department goals. Chair or participate as a member of nursing on designated councils/committees related to the advancement of patient/family education and health literacy. Serve as a role-model/mentor to nursing staff in the delivery of comprehensive patient and family education programs and the development of related resources. Employ clinical practices that are evidence-based. Evaluate and implement current evidence related to patient and family education programs and health literacy. Contribute to nursing practice through publication and/or presentations. Promote inquiry by stimulating and encouraging staff members to ask questions and investigate practice phenomenon. Provide support for education through mentorship and guidance to nursing staff and undergraduate students as needed. Utilize appropriate educational theories/practices to promote professional and individual growth. Identify learning needs of individuals and groups for orientation, in-service, and continuing education. Create materials to meet the learning needs of individuals and groups for orientation, in-service, and continuing education. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am - 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact hector.france@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.