Career Center

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. Learn more 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 the appropriate State-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). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: BSN degree preferred, 3-5 years acute/chronic dialysis experience, ACLS certified, CDN or CNN Certification. 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 I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. 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. 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: 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. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. 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. ["The Dialysis Nurse functions in the role of charge nurse on a rotating basis providing leadership in the daily flow of activities to ensure safe and effective dialysis care. Through his/her well­ developed clinical experience, this RN is able to anticipate and implement preventive patient care measures. This RN is responsible for direct patient care, and on a rotating basis, the responsibilities of the charge nurse, such as scheduling patients, providing leadership and resolving problems when assigned as charge nurse. The RN will ensure that the appropriate plan of care is implemented according to the standards of regulatory agencies, such as TJC, OSHA and the ANA. She is expected to manage patient care in an astute manner, which protects patient's safety and promotes positive patient outcomes. He/she possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age­ specific needs, providing care as considered necessary. He/she provides guidance and education to patients and caregivers and collaborates with other professionals at all levels including but not limited to the other nurses and physicians in Dialysis, Radiology and Ambulatory Surgery as necessary. The plan of care and educational requirements are individualized to support patient needs. He/she reports status of service needs and contributes to problem resolution and modification of processes as necessary: Identifies physiological, psychological, social and environmental variables affecting the functional status of the dialysis patient. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the various ages of adult and geriatric patients in the Dialysis Suite. Assesses, monitors, and treats patient response to dialysis treatments related health problems. Able to function effectively in an emergency situation and/or during an infusion/transfusion reaction. Proactively intervenes to prevent complications. Capable of assessing data reflective of the patient's status and interpreting the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their physical, emotional and age-specific needs. Provides care as needed and as outlined in medical center policies related to dialysis treatment. Documents on approved VA forms and computer programs. Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Plans and implements interventions that promote health, enhance patient stability, and prevent complications with the goal of achieving and maintaining optimal patient response. Develops teaching plans based in individualized patient needs. Plans alternative interventions for Dialysis Suite patients with unique needs. Role models the nurse as a professional who maintains a high standard of practice in giving direct care to patients with complex needs. Coordinates care within a collaborative, interdisciplinary practice setting to meet patient care needs. Assists other staff as needed in providing care for patients and families. Serves as a preceptor/resource for new staff and/or students. Prepares professional leadership regarding nursing standards and care. Acts in adherence to standards of nursing care I accordance with ethical principles. Serves as a resource throughout the medical center for clinical care problems related to the needs of Dialysis Suite patients. Able to function as Charge Nurse and evaluate the performance of other nursing personnel.0. Communicates and interacts appropriately and courteously with all internal and external customers. Responsible for administering, monitoring, documenting and evaluating interventions and treatments provided in the Dialysis Suite and/or related to related problems. These interventions may include: Airway management/provision of BLS, appropriate use of AED, venipuncture, access and management of Port-A-Gath and PASport implanted devices as well as peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) devices, interpret laboratory values, transfusion of blood and blood components, and 12 Lead electrocardiographic monitoring, tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/PEG tube care, and indwelling and/or intermittent urinary catheterization. Work Schedule: 0830-1700 (On Call rotation included weekend and holidays)\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Jacob.Towner@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]