Summary Provides care through all peri-procedural phases from pre-calls, admission, recovery, and discharge; assists with basic and advanced GI cases or other specialty procedures. Administers Moderate Sedation and other procedural medications. Responsible for all elements of the nursing process when providing or delegating care. Assesses, plans, implements, documents, & evaluates care based on age-specific components; with interdisciplinary team members towards safe and high-quality care outcomes. Responsibilities VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The Special Procedure Center RN assumes the following major duties and responsibilities: Minimum 3-5 years recent acute care clinical experience. ACLS/BLS Certification. The Special Procedure Center RN, reports to the unit Nurse Manager, who is the rating official; and to the Associate Nurse Executive of Perioperative Nursing Services, who is the approval official. The position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital. Competent in reading and interpreting ECG strips; and identifying abnormal and lethal rhythms. Provides care in the pre/intra/post-procedural phases of care and assists with colonoscopies, upper/lower endoscopies, and other specialty procedures. Administers Moderate Sedation, monitors patient response, and documents care plans per established care standards. Performs on going assessment of patient condition and responses throughout the peri-procedural phases of treatment from admission to recovery. Able to communicate and initiate referrals to other disciplines and/or services as appropriate. As delegated, effectively functions as the charge nurse, team leader, or in other leadership role that guides and directs others who provide patient care. Organizes and completes own assignments in a safe and timely manner, assisting team members as necessary. Obtains or sustains national certification with the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills for effective information exchange and problem solving with all levels of management and staff, consultants, and outside agencies. Performs Case management duties to include scheduling, lab review, medication review and collaboration. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to quickly analyze problems, determine appropriate level of intervention, and develop and apply effective solutions, recognizing his/her scope of practice. Assesses the patient's learning needs, learning preference, and readiness to learn. Modifies teaching approach based on knowledge of human behavior, motivations, and reactions to situations. Participates as a member or assumes leadership role on formal organizational­-wide committees, councils, or performance improvement teams. Participates in shared governance, team meetings, and process improvement activities, monitors results, and advocates for self and staff compliance to regulatory requirements. Responds to changing priorities and resources with optimism, encouraging staff to respond positively and proactively. Supports department strategic planning and assists unit-based educational program and activities. RN confirms availability of special equipment, the availability of surgical implants and most importantly, ensures implants and supplies are not expired. Ensures equipment is functional before use. Removes broken equipment from services and immediately reports defective equipment to supervisor. Assures emergency equipment and supplies are always available. Participates in the pre-op "Time Out," to ensure correct patient, surgical site, and surgical procedure. Initiates the implant timeout per Universal Protocol. Participates in training for self and others for professional development activities aligned with VA mission, goals, and objectives. Participates in completion of initial and ongoing staff competencies. Provides at least three formal in-services to staff annually. Educates staff on regulatory standards of practice. Demonstrates ability to utilize computer systems in the performance of daily duties. Reads work emails on each assigned shift. Provides constructive and timely input on performance appraisals. Monitors economic use of supplies and equipment. Demonstrate organizational and project management skills, with the ability to participate or lead a team, prioritize tasks, and see projects through from inception to completion within the last year. Member/leader of a nursing, hospital of VISN committee. Member of Unit Practice Committee. Performs other duties as assigned. Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid 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), Prorated at hours worked Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Full Time Compressed/Flexible: This position requires working variable 8, 9, or 10-hour shifts including Saturday clinic. Telework: N/A Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship; 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. 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. 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: Experience in providing care in the pre/intra/post-procedural phases of care and assist with basic and advanced GI procedures, colonoscopies, upper/lower endoscopies, bronchoscopies, diagnostic procedures, special infusion therapies, to include chemotherapy/immunotherapy, and other specialty infusions. Preferred clinical experience in administering moderate sedation, monitoring patient response, and documenting plans of care. ACLS required. Preferred certification with the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses Associates (SGNA), Preferred ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy lmmunotherapy Certificate, Infusion Nurses Society (INS). 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 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years 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 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years 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. 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: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting and Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling, Pushing, Walking, Standing, Kneeling, Repeated bending, Keyboarding, Viewing computer screen (8 - 12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands and legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); and Emotional/Mental stability. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information 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.