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The advanced practice Nurse (NP) is prepared to practice in an expanded role to provide health care to individuals, families, and/or groups in a variety of settings including but not limited to homes, hospitals, institutions, offices, industry, schools, community agencies, public and private clinics, and private practice. The advanced practice Nurse acts independently and/or in collaboration with other health care professionals in the delivery of health care services. 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: 2-5 years acute care Acute Care Certification preferred 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. 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. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards\nDemonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies\nwith others. This NP is a proficient advanced practice RN who demonstrates proficiency in decision-making and using the nursing process for complex situations that effect performance outcomes at the point of care. Practice is enhanced through development of collegial relationships. This NP demonstrates collaboration by using the group process to solve problems. Duties includes but not limited to: The NP is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the NP's obligation to provide optimal care. Provides care to adults in the Medical/Neurology step-down unit, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of health care problems which may include prescription of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Responds to Rapid Response Team calls and provides emergency intervention to stabilize the patient or move to an appropriate level of care. Demonstrates advanced skills, knowledge, and an ability to perform treatments, procedures and utilize equipment appropriate to practice. Independently manages patient care and collaborates with supervising physician as necessary. Demonstrates evidence of critical thinking skills in identifying, analyzing, and resolving patient care problems. Documents appropriately patients' History and Physical, as well as requesting appropriate consults Documents appropriately in the CPRS progress notes. Evaluates findings in collaboration with the supervising physician. Completes each patient's medication reconciliation according to MEDVAMC policy. Writes appropriate provider orders and follows-up for implementation. Revises the treatment plan based upon patient assessment and diagnosis. Uses the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) per policy. Effectively functions in a leadership role that guides and directs others who provide patient care. Uses a team approach to identify, analyze, and resolve patient care problems that result in improved patient outcomes. Demonstrates grade-appropriate and consistent critical thinking skills. The NP can recognize the patient has a problem. The NP can manage the problem safely and effectively, recognizing his/her scope of practice. The NP has a relative sense of urgency. The NP takes the right action for the right reason. Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) is completed twice a year and is rated competent in all measured areas. Work Schedule: Nights 1830-0700 with rotating days Telework: 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"]