Nurse (Wound Nurse Consultant)

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Eligibility requirements are specified by VHA policy and the EDRP application must be submitted within four months of appointment. Program award amounts (up to $200,000) and eligibility periods (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Qualifications English Language Proficiency – in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) a person must be proficient in basic written and spoken English to serve in direct patient care positions. Graduate of a professionally accredited school of nursing (ACEN or CCNE) or an equivalently accredited foreign program. Masters‑level bridge program in nursing with coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may qualify for temporary appointment prior to completion. Upon obtaining a state license, the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment after successful completion of the bridge program. Foreign graduates must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) exception: candidates who otherwise meet basic education but lack licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade on a temporary appointment while pursuing licensure (up to 120 days, extendable to two years). Grade determination follows scope, education, and dimension criteria as detailed in the online assessment: Level I – An associate degree (ADN) or diploma in nursing with no additional professional nursing experience. Level II – ADN or diploma plus one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Level I, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional experience. Level III – ADN or diploma plus two years of professional nursing experience or related master's degree with no extra experience. Level II Nurse – BSN with two years of professional nursing experience, or an MSN with one year of specialized experience. Level II Nurse – Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized experience. Level II Nurse – Doctoral degree in nursing or related field, no professional experience required. Level III Nurse – MSN with two years of specialized experience (one equivalence to Level II) or a related master’s with BSN and two years of specialized experience. Level III Nurse – Doctoral degree in nursing with one year of specialized experience or a related doctoral with BSN. Preferred Experience: Certified Wound Care Registered Nurse; experience providing specialized wound care, comprehensive wound assessments, evidence‑based treatment plan development, wound‑related complication prevention, and outcome evaluation. Experience in patient, family, and staff education; collaboration with interdisciplinary teams; leadership in pressure‑injury prevention and quality improvement initiatives. Physical Requirements: Includes duties such as direct patient care with walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, and repeated bending or kneeling. Responsibilities The Wound Care Registered Nurse provides comprehensive nursing care for Veterans with acute and chronic wounds through assessment, planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of care. Utilizes evidence‑based practice to promote optimal patient outcomes, prevent complications, and support quality improvement initiatives. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams; provides education to patients, families, and staff; participates in performance improvement related to wound management and pressure injury prevention. Demonstrates effective communication, clinical judgment, and a commitment to safe, patient‑centered care across the continuum of care. Develops individualized care plans and interventions for wound management based on assessment data. Guides clinical decision‑making using current research findings to improve patient outcomes. Conducts ongoing evaluation of treatment goals and modifies care plans accordingly. Facilitates communication among interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care and ensure safe, effective treatment. Prevents and manages wound‑related complications, promoting optimal healing outcomes. Provides education and consultation on wound prevention, treatment, and management strategies. Participates in quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives related to wound care and pressure injury prevention. Monitors, evaluates, and analyzes clinical and performance data to identify opportunities for improving patient care and organizational processes. Serves as a clinical resource concerning wound care products, treatment modalities, specialty support surfaces, and best practices in wound management. Facilitates access to appropriate healthcare and community resources to support continuity of care. Maintains effective working relationships with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members through professional communication. Documents patient assessments, interventions, treatment outcomes, and care coordination activities in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory standards. Participates in committees, meetings, and educational activities that support patient safety, quality care, and wound care program objectives. Serves as chair or active participant of the facility Interprofessional Pressure Injury Committee (IPIC), supporting quality improvement, staff education, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. Supports organizational efforts related to pressure injury prevention, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. VA Offers a total rewards package: competitive salary with regular increases, performance awards; 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays); traditional federal pension (5 years vesting); federal 401(k) with up to 5% contribution; comprehensive health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care insurance. Required licensure: one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or Washington, D.C. Work Schedule: Full‑time, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM‑4:30 PM. Telework: Not available; virtual position: No. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. EDRP Incentive: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr