Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury

Summary The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimal care. The focus is on individual growth and development in practice with increased levels of self-direction. Ability to formulate a plan of care based on nursing assessments. Seeks guidance in how to improve care provided to patients and families. Qualifications 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 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 a 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 than an 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: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements but do not possess the required licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended 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. 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 and no 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 a related field with a 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: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over) Straight Pulling – Pushing – Walking – Standing – Repeated bending (8 – 12 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands and legs required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other Both eyes required Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors Hearing (aid permitted) Emotional/Mental stability Keyboarding and reading computer screen (8‑12 hours intermittently over scheduled shift) Duties The Spinal Cord Injury RN assumes the following major duties and responsibilities: Provides and supervises direct patient care. Adheres to hospital policies – procedures – and standards of practice. Competent in all the Spinal Cord Injury Universal Core requirements that include but are not limited to competency in psychomotor skills – cognitive and affective skills. Competent in recognizing and managing Autonomic Dysreflexia. Performs procedures or seeks help when needed – such as IV insertion, blood transfusions, urinary catheter insertion and care. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care. Reports equipment in need of repair. Assesses the patient's learning needs – learning preference – and readiness to learn. Modifies teaching approach based on knowledge of human behavior – motivations – and reactions to situations. Initiates and implements an interdisciplinary plan of care based on assessments. Uses required Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and the Bar‑Code Medication Administration (BCMA) software per policy. Evaluates and documents patient response to interventions and patients and families in educational needs and discharge planning. Provides leadership in establishing goals – evaluating the plan of care – and in discharge planning. Organizes and completes own assignments in a safe and timely manner – assisting team members as necessary. Manages problems safely and effectively – recognizing scope of practice. Demonstrates grade‑appropriate and consistent critical thinking skills. Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices – such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal equipment. Maintains knowledge and understanding of accreditation standards such as the Joint Commission – Ascellon – and CARF requirements and ensures compliance. Performs other duties as assigned. Preferred Experience: One year of Spinal Cord Injury or Rehabilitation experience; two years of RN experience preferred. 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: One full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory. Work Schedule: 0700‑1930 or 1900‑0730. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs