Nurse Practitioner (Pulmonary/Lung Cancer Screening)

Full Job Description

The incumbent will practice as a Lung Cancer Screening Pulmonary Nurse Practitioner (NP) in an advanced practice role in collaboration with Pulmonary Physicians.

The NP demonstrates advanced competencies in assessing, treating, and coordinating care for the physical and psychosocial status of individual, families, and population group.

The NP will also collaborate with other members of the health care team when appropriate to ensure comprehensive quality patient care.

Advanced Practice Nurse (NP) Basic Requirements 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 (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

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 Board Certification: All APNs (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Other nationally recognized certifying bodies in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.

The required basic certification as a Nurse Practitioner must be identified in support of any position being established or filled as an APN (NP).

An approved list of NP/APN certifications may be found on the Office of Nursing site at the Office of Nursing Services.

Basic certification as a Nurse Practitioner is a condition of employment and a qualifying factor for the specific assignment.

APNs (NPs) are credentialed and privileged to provide care based upon scope of practice, formal graduate nursing educational preparation, certification, and patient population.

It is the focus of care based on patient care needs, not the care setting, that defines the provider's scope of practice and basic certification required.

The scope of practice is determined by the provider's formal academic education and basic Nurse Practitioner certification.

The assignment will either require a specific basic certification as a Nurse Practitioner, i.e., Mental Health, Women's Health, etc., or may allow for more than one basic Nurse Practitioner certification.

The APNs (NPs) may also hold specialty certification which in many cases is not specific to a Nurse Practitioner role.

Specialty certifications may be highly recommended but are not required as a condition of employment or required for an assignment and do not support the basic board certification nurse practitioner requirement.

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (NP) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.

The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (NP) 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.

The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (NP) III: 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 (NP) 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. Preferred Experience: Two years of specialty experience.

Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care or Oncology experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35 pounds and carrying 15-35 pounds intermittently for 8-12 hours; using assistive devices for lifting over 35 pounds as per Safe Patient Handling Policy, except in emergencies; pulling, pushing, reaching, walking, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, and using both hands for 8-12 hours intermittently.

Near vision at 13-16" Jaeger 1-4, far vision correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing aid permitted; twisting, simple grasp, and fine manipulation.

Exposure to infected patients and contaminated materials, with the need to wear protective clothing in isolation or during procedures.

Occasional exposure to combative patients with delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

Must be mature, flexible, sensible, and effective in stressful situations, with the ability to adapt based on patient needs.

Completion of annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening/testing, is mandatory. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Major Duties:

The NP is a licensed independent practitioner with advanced education and national certification who provides evidence-based care for a population of patients.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Independently manages a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention using evidence-based practice.

Develops and implements individualized plans to achieve optimal population health and disease management. Demonstrates leadership and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.

Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies. Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Initiates referrals and consults to specialty services.

Provides education to patients and their families. Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Exemplifies the ICARE core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards 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) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA 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: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized