Career Center

This is an open continuous announcement until September 29, 2023. Qualified Applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. All applicants may receive consideration for 3 months from the date of application. If you wish to be considered after that period, and the announcement is still open to receive applications, you must re-apply to indicate your continued interest. 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: Education/Experience: A minimum of an Associate Degree in Nursing. Eligible candidate must possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a US State, Commonwealth, Territory or the District of Columbia. A minimum of one (1) year of successful Registered Nurse (RN) Nursing Experience/Clinical Practice required. A minimum of one (1) year of successful Mental Health RN Nursing Experience. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. Demonstrates sound judgment, nursing process and critical thinking skills. Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Knowledge of computer systems and standard software programs. Demonstrates skills in managing complex systems, with advanced organizational skills. Knowledge and understanding of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) regulations/policies/procedures, current Joint Commission (JC) Standards, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and other current internal and external accrediting body standards. Demonstrates a pleasant and respectful disposition. Demonstrates the ability to respond in a positive manner with Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) Employees and Stakeholders. 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: Heavy lifting 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1-2 hrs); Pushing (1-2 hrs); Reaching above shoulder (1-2 hrs); Kneeling; Repeated bending (1-2 hrs); Walking (2-4 hrs); Standing (2-6 hrs); Use of fingers; Use of both hands; Near vision correctable; Far vision correctable; Depth perception; Hearing (aide permitted); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Work closely with others, as well as, protracted or irregular hours of work ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for the coordination and clinical care of Veterans admitted to the Acute Psychiatric Unit, Geri-Psych/Elder Population Unit, and the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) Units. The RN is responsible for providing a wide range of patient care, treatments and charting activities throughout the Acute Psychiatric Unit, Geri-Psych/Elder Population Unit, and the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) Units. The RN must possess knowledge and skills necessary for concentrated efforts and self-direction in carrying out complex assignments. The RN is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing direct Veteran care. The RN uses the nursing process and Evidence-Based practices to perform nursing functions related to coordination of patient care utilizing patient centered practices, and a focus on excellence in nursing care and customer service. The RN performs duties in such a way as to encourage Veteran efforts towards goals for recovery and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while promoting a sense of worth and dignity for the patient. Quality of Care is measured by Evidence-Based Clinical Reminders, and local Performance Measures. The RN assesses Veterans and prioritizes urgency of needs based on condition and information obtained from the patient. The RN independently initiates emergency action in life threatening situations such as cardiac and/or respiratory arrest, disruptive behaviors, etc. and alerts others. The incumbent is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. The incumbent is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care based on age-specific components. The incumbent assists with admission of new Veterans to the unit (i.e. assist with new patient orientation, vital signs, height/weight, belongings inventory, breathalyzer, Urine Drug Screens (UDS), etc.). The incumbent is responsible for providing direct care and care coordination for Veterans, especially those receiving medication assisted treatments. The incumbent is responsible for accurately receiving and verifying physician orders. The incumbent completes plans of care (Mental Health Suite) for Veterans and updates plans of care based on assessments. The incumbent is responsible for completing admissions, transfers and discharges of Veterans in accordance with established unit protocols. The incumbent completes initial assessments and reassessments of assigned Veterans as established per unit protocols. The incumbent is responsible for assessing, monitoring and reporting Vital Signs, Accu-Checks, symptoms; especially declines in physical, mental and emotional status to an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and/or Physician. The incumbent provides Veteran care within scope of practice by administering medications, treatments and procedures; attending to Veterans' concerns; and documenting each medication and/or care provided. The incumbent assists the Acute Psychiatric Unit, Geri-Psych/Elder Population Unit, and the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) Units Interdisciplinary Treatment Team in monitoring Veterans' adherence to treatment, symptoms/ clinical status, medication side effects, treatment preferences, and barriers to treatment. The incumbent conducts and documents Patient Count and Environmental Rounds for safety, documenting patient observations according to program guidelines. The incumbent, when necessary performs or assists with basic Nursing Care and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for Veterans with various Psychiatric or Mental Health and/or Substance Diagnoses. The incumbent is responsible for facilitating Evidence-Based groups or activities and engaging in appropriate individual or group conversations with Veterans. Participates or assists with groups or activities conducted by colleagues. The incumbent assists with Environment of Care (EOC) Rounds, contraband searches, room checks; etc.; promoting a safe and therapeutic environment. The incumbent performs other duties as assigned. 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)\nWork Schedule: Various Schedules\nTelework: Not Authorized\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: May Be Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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