Nurse Practitioner - Spinal Cord Injury

Duties The NP is a licensed independent practitioner with advanced education and national certification who provides evidence-based care for a population of patients.
Major duties and responsibilities of the position: Independently manages a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention using evidence-based practice.
Develops and implements an individualized plan to achieve optimal population health and disease management.
Demonstrates leadership and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.
Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies.
Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
Initiates referrals and consults to specialty services.
Provides education to patients and their families.
Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
Provide home call coverage from for the SCI group, approximately 1 week in every 8 weeks, and 1 weekend half-day on site.
Perform other duties as assigned.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Full Time Tour Information: 07:45 - 16:15 Preferred experience: 1 year of SCI experience working with patients with Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders.
.
Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.
S.
Citizen to apply for this job.
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.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
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.
Qualifications 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.
Licensure and Certification.
The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment.
License.
All APNs (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted APN license to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
Basic Certification.
All APNs (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB); or Other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.
The required basic certification as a Nurse Practitioner must be identified in support of any position being established or filled as an APN (NP).
An approved list of NP/APN certifications may be found on the Office of Nursing site at the Office of Nursing Services.
Basic certification as a nurse practitioner is a condition of employment and qualifying factor for the specific assignment.
APNs (NPs) are credentialed and privileged to provide care based upon scope of practice, formal graduate nursing educational preparation, certification and patient population.
It is the focus of care based on patient care needs, not the care setting, that defines the provider's scope of practice and basic certification required.
The scope of practice is determined by the provider's formal academic education and basic Nurse Practitioner certification.
The assignment will either require a specific basic certification as a nurse practitioner, i.
e.
, Mental Health, Women's Health, etc.
, or may allow for more than one basic nurse practitioner certification.
The APNs (NPs) may also hold a specialty certification which in many cases is not specific to a Nurse Practitioner role.
Specialty certifications may be highly recommended but are not required as a condition of employment or required for an assignment and do not support the basic board certification nurse practitioner requirement.
Professionalism/Collegiality.
Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.
Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.
Impaired Licensure and Certification.
Human Resources office staff must appoint APNs (NP) in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section 81 paragraph 15 of this part, who have, or have ever had, any license or certification revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or issued/placed in a probationary status.
Grade Requirements: In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of an APN (NP) is based on a combination of education and experience.
Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination for appointment, advancement and promotion will be based on the following specific requirement for an APN (NP).
The level of practice at which an APN (NP) may perform is based upon a combination of many factors.
Beyond the minimum educational requirements, grade determination, upon appointment and advancement, is dependent upon aspects such as continued professional development (formal and/or informal education), clinical performance, judgment, outcomes (at the service level and beyond), leadership and interpersonal skills that influence, inspire and motivate others within their program/service or beyond.
As the APN (NP) acquires the knowledge, skills and judgment that accrues with experience, the privilege of increased authority for patient care and service in administrative roles is expanded as applicable.
APN (Nurse Practitioner) II.
Scope.
Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.
Education and Experience Requirement.
Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS).
Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required.
Dimension Requirement.
APNs (NPs) at level II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice.
Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
Outcome Focus.
Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.
Leadership.
Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care.
Professional Development.
Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice.
APN (Nurse Practitioner) III.
Scope.
Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care.
Education and Experience Requirement.
Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP).
AND One year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.
Dimension Requirement.
APNs (Nurse Practitioners) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice.
Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
Outcome Focus.
Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations.
Leadership.
Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population or program.
Professional Development.
Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility.
Professionalism/Collegiality.
Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population or program level.
Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.
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: Lifting maximum of 35 pounds for patient care (animate); non patient care (inanimate objects) maximum lifting is 50 pounds.
Pulling, pushing and reaching above shoulder may be required; use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing for the duration of your tour; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination.
Safe patient handling and management modalities are required at all times.
VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
Education Education.
A post-master's certificate or masters or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner.
Education Accreditation Requirement.
Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326.
The ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate, masters/post-master's certificate, baccalaureate, associate and diploma nursing education programs.
(NOTE: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013.
ACEN's website may be utilized to verify accredited programs using automated inquiry processes; however, for verification of any nursing program's accreditation prior to 1998, an automated inquiry cannot be used and ACEN must be contacted directly via their email contact information on the ACEN website to verify.
); or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 7, Washington, DC 20001.
The CCNE is an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and accredits nursing education programs at the bachelor and master's level.
Foreign Education.
Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the midwifery degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
Candidates with equivalent masters or doctorate level degrees in midwifery who possess current, full, active and unrestricted registration and certification (see paragraph 2.
c) will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.
Additional information Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period.
This 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.
Benefits A 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 benefits Eligibility 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 Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application, resume, C.
V.
, and/or other 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 four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry.
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' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA.
When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Benefits A 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 benefits Eligibility 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.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must submit a C.
V.
and/or resume.
Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.
How to Apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/26/2024 to receive consideration.
To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12385183.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.
usajobs.
gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.
The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.
You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information GeeHan Chua Phone (925) 372-2334 Email Geehan.
Chua@va.
gov Address San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US Next steps Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents To apply for this position, you must submit a C.
V.
and/or resume.
Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.