The Nurse Practitioner provides care and counseling of persons or the promotion and maintenance of health and prevention of illness and injury based upon the nursing process, including systematic data gathering, assessment, appropriate nursing judgment, and evaluation of human responses. The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community (ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses). 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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. 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. Master's or Doctoral Degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission (ACEN-Formerly NCLAC) or the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 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. Nurse Practitioners must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. The certification must be in the specialty to which the individual is being appointed or selected. Preferred Experience Experienced evaluating, diagnosing, and treating urological conditions. Experienced in performing all routine urological office procedures. Certified as a nurse practitioner. Order, facilitate, and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic studies for Urological patients. Provide follow-up for evaluation of outcomes of x-rays, laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. Educate patients on procedures to decrease post-operative wound infections, discuss some of the known risks of the surgery, the pre-operative and post-operative expectations. 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 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. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. 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: The position requires compliance with VA Handbook and VANTHCS Policy related to physical requirements. Moderate lifting of 15-44 pounds, Moderate carrying of 15-44 pounds, Pushing for 1 hour, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking for 1 hour, Standing for 1 hour, Kneeling for 1 Hour, Repeated bending for 1 hour, Both legs required, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, Both eyes required, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted), Sitting for 4 hours. ["The Nurse Practitioner- Urology duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Participates in all clinical aspects of urology care including: Consultations for inpatient and outpatient care Case management Initiating consults and referrals Completing patient history and physicals Ordering and interpreting diagnostic testing, studies, and treatments Follow-up post op care/examinations in the Urology clinic Availability to answer patient questions regarding pre and post-operative condition and take appropriate clinical action Discussing complex cases with the Urologist Working with patients to set goals, collect and interpret relevant data, prescribe appropriate medication and individualized care, and evaluate the patient progress toward goals Facilitates the coordination of care for the Urology surgical patients including: Coordinating the availability of specialty equipment required for all aspects of care of the Urology surgical patient (i.e. OR, clinic) Formulating and initiating health care teaching for patients and families in the outpatient setting, Providing education specific to pre and post-operative condition and initiates care activities based on patient need Sustains professional responsibilities by: Maintaining prescriptive authority Maintaining licensure and specialty certification Working with other staff members of the Surgical Services Clinics (Ambulatory Surgical Unit, Medical Specialty Clinics, Department of Anesthesia) to be part of a team that provides a consistent interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to patient care, education, and communication Participating in process and Quality Improvement projects and programs as directed by the Urologist. To include, but not exclusive to, collecting and analyzing relevant program data to resolve problems Executing the position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care Maintains knowledge of current techniques, trends, and professional issues. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00am- 4:45pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
