Career Center

The Marion VA Health Care System is seeking a full-time Associate Chief Nurse (ACN) for Extended Care and Rehabilitation/Behavioral Health Services. This position is aligned under the direct supervision of the Associate Director, Patient Care Services (ADPCS) and located in Marion, IL. 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: MSN with five (5) years of management experience; State survey process (CLC survey if VA); Home Care; Rehabilitation and recovery services, Veteran centric care and Trauma informed care. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse IV - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 4-5 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or related field and appropriate basic or advanced certification desired, and approximately 3-4 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 required for long periods of continued computer and telephone work and sitting. The incumbent is expected to round in person in all areas of responsibility and "cover down" in the absence of direct reports. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are verbally abusive 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, and vaccination as a condition of employment. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The incumbent provides executive leadership and direct supervision to the Nurse Managers and Program Managers of Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC), Community Living Center, Contract Nursing Home, State Veterans Homes, and other non-institutional care programs, Residential Recovery Treatment Program, and outpatient Behavioral Health services. Assesses, plans, and evaluates the processes and daily operations of the programs. The incumbent reviews reports and other data for trends and early intervention; formulates follow-up plans with the service and other services as necessary. The incumbent plays a significant role in the recruitment and retention of nursing staff. In collaboration with the Chief, Extended Care Service, he/she designs and implements interdisciplinary GEC programs within the service and medical center. In collaboration with the Chief, Behavioral Health promotes the integration of nursing practice at the highest level in behavior health programing. The incumbent ensures processes are in place for continued accreditation readiness and participates in rounds to survey nursing units. Maintains content of professional documents such as scopes of practice for social workers, for procedures beyond basic education, and scopes of care and practice for each nursing unit. Ensures emergency plans and training are up to date at all times. The incumbent is expected to round in person in all areas of responsibility and \"cover down\" in the absence of direct reports. The incumbent may\noccasionally be exposed to patients who are verbally abusive 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. This position reports directly to the Associate Director for Patient Care Services and covers in his/her absence as designated. PLEASE NOTE: These positions require Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications due to having 24-hour telemetry monitoring capability. If selected, Applicants will provide proof of current certifications prior to employment. Only BLS certification which included Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and ACLS certification obtained from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Military Treatment Training Network (MTN) will be accepted. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., with occasional nights and weekends.\nTelework: ADHOC As Needed\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Required"]