The registered nurse provides care and counseling of persons or in the promotion and maintenance of health and prevention of illness and injury based upon the nursing process which includes systematic data gathering, assessment, appropriate nursing judgment, and evaluation of human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding, health teaching, health counseling; provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being. Basic 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/12492398. 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. 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: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 pounds); Straight Pulling; Pushing; Reaching above Shoulder; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing aid (permitted); Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Depth perception; Both eyes required; Both legs required; Use of fingers and both hands required. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications ["PRACTICE: Demonstrates competency using the nursing process in providing care for patients. Directs others who provide care. Performance Standards 1. Plans and delivers technically competent care to patients. 1.1. Correctly performs procedures or seeks help when needed. 1.2. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care. Reports equipment in need of repair. 1.3. Recognizes subtle abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately. 2. Makes assignments and directs activities of other unit staff, (RNs, LPNs, students, PSAs, other team members). 3. Formulates a plan of care based on nursing assessments based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice and seeks assistance as needed. 3.1. Completes initial assessment of patient condition and response to treatment and initiates follow-up as needed. 3.2. Includes the patient and family/significant other in developing the initial plan of care and establishing goals. 3.3. Updates plan of care with assistance as needed. 3.4. Assesses patient's learning needs, learning preference, and readiness to learn. 3.5. Develops and implements a plan to meet learning needs, instructing patients and families in basic health teaching and discharge planning. 4. Documents the nursing process. 4.1. Documentation is consistent, accurate, concise, and timely. 4.2. Evaluates and documents patient response to interventions and progress towards attainment of goals and expected outcomes. 4.3. Revises plan of care according to evaluations of patient responses. 4.4. Uses the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and the Bar Coded Medication Administration (BCMA) software per policy. (if applicable) 5. Manages nursing care of patients. 5.1. Organizes and completes own assignments in a safe and timely manner, assisting team members as necessary. 5.2. Assigns patient care responsibilities based upon patient needs and competencies of staff. 5.3. Provides direction for team members in meeting patient care needs. 5.4. Follows-up to ensure that assigned delegated tasks are completed by team members. 6. Demonstrates grade-appropriate and consistent critical thinking skills. 6.1. The nurse can recognize the patient has a problem. 6.2. The nurse can manage the problem safely and effectively, recognizing his/her scope of practice. 6.3. The nurse has a relative sense of urgency. 6.4. The nurse takes the right action for the right reason (del Bueno). 7. Role-specific Competency Checklist is complete and is rated competent in all measured areas. (See attachment) ETHICS: Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions. Acts as a patient advocate. Performance Standards 1. Practice follows the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. 2. Treats all patients and families with dignity and respect. Listens to and honors patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner (Patient and Family Centered Care, HATCh model). 3. Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and employees. Behavior is transparent and above reproach. 4. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own nursing judgments and actions. 5. Recognizes ethical issues related to practice and reports concerns to charge nurse and/or nurse manager. 6. Safeguards patient privacy and maintains confidentiality of all electronic and printed patient information according to HIPAA guidelines, the Privacy Act, and as stated in the Medical Center Memo on Information Security. Maintains confidentiality of assigned access code and by exiting (logging out) from the system when leaving terminal. Does not share security codes and does not allow others to use the computer under own security codes. Maintains patient confidentiality by not discussing patient information except when necessary to authorized staff only in order to meet health care needs. Ensures application of institutional policy to protect information from unauthorized release, loss, alteration, or deletion. Does not use thumb-drives or other means, such as xeroxing, to remove patient data from the medical center, unless approval by the Director through Information Security has been granted. and many other not listed above Work Schedule: To be determined Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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