Registered Nurse (RN) Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

SummaryA recruitment / relocation incentive is NOT authorized for this position.The Nurse II Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients and oversight of licensed vocational nurses / nursing assistants, as appropriate to the setting.

Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates10 / 10 / 2024 to 10 / 21 / 2024* Salary$81,019 - $151,269 per year* Pay scale & gradeVN 00* HelpLocation1 vacancy in the following location : * Hines, IL 1 vacancy* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleNo* Travel RequiredNot required* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent* Work scheduleFull-time* ServiceExcepted* Promotion potentialNone* Job family (Series)* 0610 Nurse* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceOther* Drug testYes* Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS) / Low Risk* Trust determination process* Suitability / Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusYes* Announcement numberCAZP-12563476-25-MAS* Control number813818000HelpThis job is open to* The publicU.

S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.* Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agencyAREA OF CONSIDERATION : 1. CURRENT PERMANENT EMPLOYEES OF THE AGENCY FOR WHICH THE POSITION IS BEING ADVERTISED 2.

ALL OTHER CANDIDATES.VideosHelpDutiesVISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture.

Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal : to serve our nation's Veterans.The Nurse II Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients and oversight of licensed vocational nurses / nursing assistants, as appropriate to the setting.

Displays an in-depth knowledge of clinical care of the spinal cord injury or neurologically impaired patient and maintains knowledge in the care of geriatric patients.

All SCI / D nurses are required to be competent in standards of practice for the care of all SCI / D or neurologically impaired patients.

The SCI / D nurse performs assessments, provides treatment and emergent care and utilizes critical thinking to provide treatment for SCI / D patients susceptible to Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD).

The SCI / D nurse must have knowledge and the ability to provide safe patient handling and rehabilitation to the SCI / D veterans with mobility deficits and muscle spasticity.

The SCI / Dnurse assists with activities of daily living (ADLs), minimal to total physical patient care, bowel and bladder care, range of motion activities, patient and caregiver teaching, and women's health.

The SCI / D nurse effectively implements activities towards health promotion and prevention, management of acute and chronic illness states, assisting the veterans in attainment of optimal level of functioning.

Collaborates and communicates with the care team to facilitate patient appointments, admissions, transfers and discharges.

SCI / D nurse will provide education and support to the spoke sites in accordance with VHA directive 1176, as needed. Works collaboratively as a patient centered advocate and build strong alliances with multiple levels of interdisciplinary team members.

The SCI / D nurse provides supportive measures for the dying patient and their significant others when necessary. Knowledge of Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set (RAI / MDS), Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility / Rehabilitation Assessment Instrument (IRF / PAI), fall preventions, wound care, restorative nursing and holistic approach to Transformational change model of care to support the Residential Care Facility (RCF) goals assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation.

Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Evaluates practice in an ongoing process, based on best evidence.

Provides peers with informal constructive feedback for improvement. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals.

Contributes professional nursing perspective in discussions with theinterdisciplinary team. Partners with others to effect change and produce optimal outcomes.

Supports colleagues through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care. Shares educational findings, experiences, and ideas with peers.

Questions clinical practices for the purpose of providing evidence-based care. Participates in activities and strategies to sustain an evidence-based-practice culture.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package : VA Nurse Total RewardsPay : Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awardsPaid 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 VAInsurance : 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 territoryWork Schedule : Monday - Friday, Day Shift, 7 : 30am-8 : 00pm with rotating weekends and holidays.

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized.Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized.HelpRequirementsConditions of Employment* U.

S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period.* Subject to background / security investigation.* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

QualificationsBasic Requirements : * 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 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 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 that 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 : https : / / apply.

usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12563476. 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 with no additional 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 *related field with 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.Preferred Experience : * At least 1 year of Spinal Cord Injury, Medical / Surgical, Skilled Nursing Facility, and / or Rehab experience.

Reference : For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https : / / www.va.gov / ohrm / QualificationStandards / .

Physical Requirements : This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing.

Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative / invasive procedures, or home settings.

The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.

EducationRegistered Nurses with Foreign Education will need a Credentials Evaluation in order to be considered for boarding above a Nurse I Level 3.

Registered nurses who require a credentials evaluation can apply for a General Statement Credentials Evaluation from the International Consultants of Delaware.

The purpose of this evaluation is to support employment by providing a statement of comparability on an applicant's education.

https : / / www.icdeval.com / evaluations / va-r / [email protected] HOURS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8 : 00AM TO 4 : 00PM U.

S. EASTERN TIME.+1 (215) 243-5858PHONE LINES ARE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 9 : 00AM TO 4 : 00PM, U.S. EASTERN TIME.

Additional informationThis job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.

e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration / Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA / OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Read more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.

V., and / or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE : Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected.

The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following five dimensions of nursing : Practice, Veteran / Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence / Based Practice / Research.

Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.

g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community;

student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.

g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.