This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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. Master's or Doctoral Degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission (ACEN-Formerly NCLAC) or the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 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. Nurse Practitioners must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. The certification must be in the specialty to which the individual is being appointed or selected. Preferred Experience and Certifications - Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Must be able to physically and mentally perform the duties of Nurse Practitioner under normal and emergent conditions. Moderate lifting 15-44 lbs and over with assistive devices, heavy carrying of 15-44 lbs and over with assistive devices; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, both hands required, walking or standing up to 4 hours per day; repeated bending up to 1-2 hours per day; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination; near vision correctable; hearing aid permitted. ["Duties: Position located in the Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic. Position is split between the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Clinic, Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery Services Clinic and Substance Treatment Services Clinic. ASSESSMENT: Obtains and accurately documents a relevant health history, with an emphasis on mental health history, for patients relevant to specialty and age. Performs a comprehensive physical and mental health assessment. Performs a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes evaluation of mental status, current and past history of violence, suicidal or self-harm behavior, substance use, level of functioning, health behaviors, trauma, sexual behaviors and social and development history. Obtain a health history of referred patients; data collection includes lifestyle patterns, pain issues, sleep/activity levels, support systems, cultural, social and ethnic factors, patient treatment preferences and goals. Analyzes the relationship between normal physiology and specific system alterations associated with mental health problems, psychiatric disorders and treatment. Assesses the impact of acute and/or chronic physical illness, psychiatric disorders and stressors on the family system. Completes withdrawal assessment tools as clinically indicated, such as the COWS and/or CIWA. Performs and accurately documents appropriate systems and symptom-focused physical examinations, with emphasis on the mental status and neurological exam. Involves patients, significant others, and interdisciplinary team members in data collection and analysis. Evaluates and provides treatment to common conditions associated with substance treatment. Administer screening tools, as clinically indicated, such as the Columbia Suicide Screen. Orders and interprets findings of relevant diagnostic laboratory tests. Develops a differential diagnosis derived from the collection and synthesis of assessment data. Diagnoses commonly occurring complications of health problems and psychiatric disorders, including physical health problems. Evaluations the health impact of multiple life stressors and situational crises within the context of the family cycle. Applies standardized taxonomy systems to the diagnosis of mental health, physical health disorders. Evaluates potential abuse, neglect and risk of danger to self and others, such as suicide, homicide and other self-injurious behaviors, and assists patients and families in securing the least restrictive environment for ensuring safety. Treats acute and chronic psychiatric disorders, mental health problems and medical conditions. Prescribes medication based on clinical indicators of a patients status, including results of diagnostic and lab tests as appropriate. Flexibility of Veteran contact (Veterans can be seen in the location of their choosing within the community) and demonstrate outreach efforts to engage Veterans in programming. Makes appropriate referrals to other health care professionals and community resources for individuals and families. Orders appropriate tests and other procedures that provide data that contribute to the treatment plan. Ensures patient safety through the appropriate prescription and management of pharmacological and non-pharmacologic interventions. Conducts in home/VVC/telephone visits to assess needs of patients and their assessment, diagnosis, ordering and interpreting of tests and evaluation of treatment plans. Provides health education to patients and their caregivers, orders diagnostic studies, prescribes medications and treatment plan when applicable and evaluates treatment outcomes. Performs medication reconciliation in home setting. Counsels patients in health promotion/disease prevention strategies. Collaborates with patient and other care providers to evaluate and modify the therapeutic plan of care and patient management. Appropriately documents assessments and interventions. Administer long-acting injectable medications, including antipsychotics and opiate antagonists. Monitor ongoing treatments for adherence, medication side effects, and clinical outcomes, including worsening of symptoms, impairment and therapeutic response, and provide and/or coordinate appropriate follow up. Serve as liaison for Veterans in community hospitals and treatment settings to facilitate continuity of care. Coordinate with other agencies and make referrals to provide patients with necessary community services. Function as an advocate for Veteran self-determination. Provide Veterans with education regarding their illness, medications and treatment plan. Document mental health treatment within prescribed guidelines in CPRS VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: FT EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
