Advanced Practice Nurse - Geriatrics and Extended Care
- provide clinical services including urgent and emergent evaluation of episodic and chronic problems, and comprehensive, integrated primary health care which addresses a majority of the client's health care needs on an ongoing basis
- assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of a comprehensive range of healthcare problems: emergency measures; preventive health; prescribing medications and other treatments; ordering, conducting, interpreting laboratory, diagnostic studies and procedures; and patient and family education utilizing community, social and health resources
- perform physical examinations
- diagnose health problems based on interpretation of the patient's history, physical exam, findings and diagnostic test results
- develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs which include health education, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment, transition to non-institutionalized care or home
- make referrals for specialty evaluation or treatment
- write admission and discharge summaries
- comply with the Resident Assessment Instrument/Minimum Data Sets (RAI/MDS) to include documenting current diagnosis, routine evaluations, and adherence to professional standards of care specific to the geriatric and long-term care population
- participate in the interdisciplinary team meetings to evaluate number of medications, psychotropic medications and other treatment orders as required by RAI/MDS
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.
- English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- 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).
Qualifications
- Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Must be a graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate 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 () or
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ().
- NOTE: Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (). Candidates with equivalent nurse practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.
- License and Certification:
- License. All APN (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- Basic Certification. All APN (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (), or other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.
The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) II:
Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician - Nurse Practitioner on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(B).
- Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
- Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for APN (NP). 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.
- Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.
- 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: APN (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.
- Minimum of 2-3 years successful practice as a nurse practitioner
- Geriatric Experience
- Dementia Experience
- Wound Care Experience
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Straight pulling ( 6 hours), Pushing ( 2 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking ( 6 hours), Standing ( 2 hours), Repeated bending ( 6 hours), Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted), Visual Acuity 20/30 corrected.
Environmental Factors: Working closely with others
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: . 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: .
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.
Note: In order to grant credit towards an appointment based on foreign nursing education higher than the associate degree level, formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized degree equivalency agency accepted by VA, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD), must be obtained.
Additional information
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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.
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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
- 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. .
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.
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.
- English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- 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).
Qualifications
- Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Must be a graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate 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 () or
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ().
- NOTE: Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (). Candidates with equivalent nurse practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.
- License and Certification:
- License. All APN (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- Basic Certification. All APN (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (), or other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.
The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) II:
Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician - Nurse Practitioner on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(B).
- Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
- Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for APN (NP). 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.
- Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.
- 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: APN (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.
- Minimum of 2-3 years successful practice as a nurse practitioner
- Geriatric Experience
- Dementia Experience
- Wound Care Experience
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Straight pulling ( 6 hours), Pushing ( 2 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking ( 6 hours), Standing ( 2 hours), Repeated bending ( 6 hours), Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted), Visual Acuity 20/30 corrected.
Environmental Factors: Working closely with others
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: . 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: .
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.
Note: In order to grant credit towards an appointment based on foreign nursing education higher than the associate degree level, formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized degree equivalency agency accepted by VA, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD), must be obtained.
Additional information
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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.
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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .