Career Center

The Women's Health Nurse Navigator (WHNN) is a registered nurse responsible for identifying, facilitating, and coordinating patient-centered care and services. The WHNN facilitates women veterans to efficiently obtain gender specific services and care, with emphasis on mammogram coordination and follow-up as well as cross-coverage for the cervical cancer screening program, gynecologic services, and maternity care coordination. 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, one year of experience in an Adult Med/Surg Care Setting, Medical/Surgical 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 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years 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 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years 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 sitting or standing. Transferring objects may be required. 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. The incumbent may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. Travel to other facilities within the health care system (CBOCs) may be required. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The WHNN functions as a liaison and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and performing a wide range of clinical, administrative, program, and technical functions to support quality case management of gender-specific services for veterans. The WHNN works directly with the patients, VA staff, Non-VA care providers and organizations, Radiology Departments, and the Women Veterans Program Manager to achieve seamless care, facilitate patient satisfaction, reduce duplication of services or delay of care, and monitor quality of care and services received. The registered nurse is responsible and accountable for the provision of direct and indirect care and for the delivery of quality nursing care to a culturally diverse Veteran population. The registered nurse possesses the knowledge and skills to effectively apply all aspects of the nursing process with collaborative, interdisciplinary, evidence-based practice, which will enable effective care coordination and implementation of health promotion and disease prevention practices. The functions of the Women's Health Nurse Navigator include, but are not limited to: Coordinating and tracking of breast cancer screening and follow-up of patients throughout all aspects of the medical center, including Community Based Outpatient Clinics, as well as community vendors and/or agencies. Assisting with initial VA consult referrals for female and male veterans who require mammography and breast care as well as assisting with VA and community services for the patient with an appropriate provider, to include coordinating subsequent appointments or follow-up, as needed. Educating patients on a variety of gender-specific topics, to include importance of routine medical screenings, and authorized VA and community-based resources for breast care. Assisting veterans who have presented to VA or non-VA emergency department for gender-specific emergencies to secure appropriate follow-up care such as lab, ultrasound, emotional support, and/or other care as needed. Coordinating care with the Veterans PACT. Documenting patient care interactions accurately, succinctly, and timely, using appropriate notes, templates, and clinical reminders, in the electronic medical record. Modalities of care include face-to-face, clinical video telehealth, and telephone. Understanding and responding to mammography reports, BIRADS, and other related diagnostic test results to ensure appropriate tracking and follow-up. Scanning community breast imaging into the VA radiology package and accurately documenting BIRADS score for integration into the national database. Utilizing and maintaining tracking spreadsheets and systems as required by VHA Directives and Handbooks. Tracking compliance with the communication and documentation of applicable test results. Contacting patients who fail to keep mammogram appointments, or who are delinquent in obtaining recommended breast cancer or other diagnostic screenings (i.e., cervical cancer screening), to determine and resolve obstacles the veteran may have with keeping appointments. Maintaining professional skills in the application of professional bodies of knowledge and accepted clinical practices that will facilitate oversight of service delivery of patient care. Participating in and leading quality improvement programs and initiatives including system redesign, to improve access, quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. Working with Women's Health Coordination team for maternity care, cervical cancer screening program, and Minority Women Veterans Coordinator to ensure cross-coverage for essential services in the event of absence. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases\nPaid 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)\nRetirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA\nInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)\nLicensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Pay Scale: NF96\nWork Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]