Charge Nurse

Summary The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job will close when we have received 50 applications, which may be sooner than the closing date. Responsibilities The Charge Nurse duties will focus on day-to-day clinical operations. They emphasize immediate patient care, oversight of staff during that period, and operational stability during busy or unpredictable moments. The role of a Charge Nurse "aims to enhance nurse retention, bolster teamwork, improve patient safety, and raise overall quality of care." They function as a role model, educator, while providing guidance to the team. Duties include but are not limited to: In collaboration with the Nurse Manager, functions as an operational lead and assumes accountability for the operation of all areas within the role Serve as the operational lead for the nursing team to ensure that clinics run smoothly and that patient care needs are met in a coordinated, timely manner Lead staff by coordinating care, supporting staff, and responding quickly when unexpected challenges arise Contributing to the establishment and implementation of evidence-based nursing standards of practice. Accountable for adhering to established policies, standards of care and standards of practice, demonstrating leadership in improving nursing care, as well as other duties as assigned. Providing direct patient care by assessing patient needs and making clinical decisions by monitoring patient conditions and responding to changes. Coordinating treatment plans and ensuring correct execution while collaborating with physicians and other members of care teams to refine care strategies. Administering medications and performing procedures as needed Assigning clinic duties to nursing staff based on acuity and staff skill levels Providing guidance and mentorship to newer or less experienced staff Acting as a liaison between the nursing team and other departments Stepping in to resolve conflicts or clarify orders when delays occur Informing Veterans and their families about unit procedures or status changes Reporting staffing changes or concerns, managing supplies and ensuring necessary equipment is available, responding to documentation needs, including chart audits to ensure accuracy while ensuring compliance with evidenced based practice for infection control and safety standards Reporting incidents or quality concerns to leadership and follow through with steps to resolve and ensure safe quality care. Champions Peer to Peer Chart Audit process Inspecting clinics for environmental safety and cleanliness compliance, maintains list of work orders from entry to resolution. Participating and/or leading process improvement initiatives Providing first-line intervention for customer complaints/concerns Other duties as assigned Preferred Qualifications: BSN preferred Maintain certifications in basic life support (BLS). 2-3 years successful nursing practice in a specialty clinic environment required (preferably Cardiology, Nephrology, and/or Wound/Ostomy) Cardiology, Nephrology, and/or Wound/Ostomy experience with an approved National Certification in either specialty. Prior leadership experience or demonstrated ability to lead Advanced clinical knowledge and judgement in outpatient ambulatory care operations Work Schedule: Hours: Monday - Friday 0730-1600 Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 10111F, 10112F, 10113F, 10114F, 10115F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Probationary Period: During the first two years of your employment, you may be required to serve a probationary period beginning the effective date of your appointment. This period is considered to be an extension of the interview process and will provide your supervisor with an opportunity to evaluate your conduct and performance on the job. During this period if it is determined that your performance or conduct fails to demonstrate your qualifications for employment, you may be terminated. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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: 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: . 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, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping. sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear 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 patient needs. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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: 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: Additional Information The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Probationary Period: During the first two years of your employment, you may be required to serve a probationary period beginning the effective date of your appointment. This period is considered to be an extension of the interview process and will provide your supervisor with an opportunity to evaluate your conduct and performance on the job. During this period if it is determined that your performance or conduct fails to demonstrate your qualifications for employment, you may be terminated.