Spinal Cord - Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner

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. Major Duties/Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to: The Nurse Practitioner (NP) functions as a licensed independent practitioner within the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI/D) Service. The NP provides a full range of assessment, diagnostic, and treatment services to Veterans with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions. Care includes health promotion, disease prevention, acute and chronic condition management, rehabilitation-focused care, and coordination across all care settings.

A. Direct Patient Care

• Manages a panel of SCI/D patients independently or collaboratively according to licensure and privileging.
• Performs comprehensive SCI-specific assessments including neurological and functional evaluation.
• Orders, interprets, and integrates diagnostic studies.
• Prescribes medications and therapies per scope and privileges.
• Develops and revises evidence-based treatment plans.
• Initiates referrals to specialty services.
• Adjusts care plans based on ongoing evaluation.

B. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participates in SCI team meetings and care planning.
• Coordinates continuity of care across hub and spoke settings.

C. Patient and Caregiver Education

• Provides education regarding SCI health concerns, preventive care, and long-term management.

D. Documentation and Clinical Practice Standards

• Completes documentation per facility and VHA standards.
• Meets SCI FPPE/OPPE indicators.
• Ensures required reminders, monitoring, and consult closure.

E. Professional Standards and Conduct

• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical behavior, and adherence to VHA policy.
• Participates in quality improvement and safety practices.

III. SCI-SPECIFIC CLINICAL COMPETENCIES

• Functional assessment of SCI Veterans.
• Comprehensive neurological examination including ISNCSCI/AIS when indicated.
• Development of interdisciplinary rehabilitation-focused care plans.
• Coordination of specialty care needs.
• Safe prescribing and medication reconciliation.
• Completion of SCI reminders and documentation requirements.

IV. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• The NP works independently with general oversight from the SCI/D Service Chief or designee. Clinical competence is monitored through FPPE/OPPE processes.

V. QUALIFICATIONS

• Must meet NP Qualification Standards, hold RN and NP licensure, maintain national certification, and maintain clinical privileges. Experience in SCI, rehabilitation, or related areas preferred.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; part-time schedule to be arranged based on the needs of the agency.