Registered Nurse-Surgery Quality Improvement Consultant

Summary The Nurse Veterans Affairs Surgery Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) Quality Consultant Registered Nurse (RN) demonstrates leadership, experience, and creative approaches to improvement in quality‑of‑care outcomes. Effectively utilizes all aspects of the nursing process to provide optimal quality review of surgical care provided to patients undergoing operative procedures using defined metrics established by the NSO through VASQIP. 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, accredited by 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 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 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 needs. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and one 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 and self‑directed goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and two years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I – Level 2. Or a BSN and one 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 two 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 two 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 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: See Handbook 5019. Duties The Nurse Veterans Affairs Surgery Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) Quality Consultant Registered Nurse (RN) demonstrates leadership, experience, and creative approaches to improvement in quality‑of‑care outcomes. Effectively utilizes all aspects of the nursing process to provide optimal quality review of surgical care provided to patients undergoing operative procedures using defined metrics established by the NSO through VASQIP. Identifies surgical cases for inclusion into the NSO database based on appropriate selection criteria. Based on established NSO detailed definitions of each preoperative, operative, and outcome measures, the VASQIP Consultant will collect and enter data into the NSO database within the required times. Analyzes the data and reports information to identify the need for change in surgical service that may include the need to minimize risk and ensure effectiveness of clinical quality improvement. The clinically derived data is validated, formatted, and analyzed to characterize prevailing mortality and morbidity rates – both unadjusted and risk‑adjusted. Communicates and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team on any findings to analyze care trends and identify opportunities for improved quality of care. Participates in other quality‑related initiatives within the Surgery Service and throughout the medical center. Maintains effective communication skills – serves as a consultant for VASQIP and quality‑related matters. Preferred Experience: Operating Room/PACU or Quality Department experience. 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 – Monday – Friday 0700‑1530 or 0730‑1600; Telework – Not Available; Virtual – This is not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs