Registered Nurse- Referral Coordination Team

Overview The Referral Coordination Team (RCT) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for executing a streamlined approach to receiving, triaging, and directing timely, coordinated care. The RCT RN possesses intimate knowledge of the internal referral care process, clinical review criteria, utilization management standards, clinical documentation requirements, community care regulations, and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) standards and guidelines. 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: The school must be approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or an equivalent recognized body. Individuals attending a master’s level bridge program that has completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s level degree may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion. In cases of foreign school graduates, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement, provided an equivalent degree validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA (e.g., International Consultants of Delaware, ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse: The applicant must hold a valid license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth (including Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. Grant‑negative Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who meet the educational requirements but lack licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade applicable to their completed education as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure, with possible extension 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. Detailed requirements for Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research are available at Nurse I, Level I – Scope: Delivers fundamental, knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. Education: An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II – Scope: Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex conditions. Education: An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level I, OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III – Scope: Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self‑directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. Education: An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level II; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level II; 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 – Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Education: A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level III; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level III; OR a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III – Scope: Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. Education: 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 a related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with 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. * Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Physical Requirements VA Directive and Handbook 5019 and local Registered Nurse physical standards. #J-18808-Ljbffr