Summary The Nurse Practitioner, provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management. The NP collaborates with other members of the APS team for patients with acute and acute-on chronic pain conditions Anesthesiology Service. The Nurse Practitioner, provides direct and indirect nursing care and may have administrative duties. Responsibilities The Nurse Practitioner, provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management. The NP collaborates with other members of the APS team for patients with acute and acute-on chronic pain conditions. The Nurse Practitioner, provides direct and indirect nursing care and may have administrative duties. The NP should have strong clinical knowledge of acute and chronic pain in surgical and nonsurgical pain states. The provider must be familiar with pain management using appropriate opioid use, non-opioid modalities, care of pre- and post-operative surgical patients, and coordination of care. The APSEP NP should have a strong clinical knowledge of perioperative pain management, care of post-surgical patients, and coordination of care. The position requires the NP to collaborate with the team to assess, advocate, plan, implement, coordinate, monitor and evaluate health care options and services to meet an individual patient's needs. The RN will function independently under the medical direction of the Section Chief. Familiarity and ability to work throughout the operative setting are important. Specifically, prior to surgery, the nurse will perform patient assessment, education and will help explore options for post-operative pain control. Post surgery, the nurse will evaluate pain, follow the patient during hospitalization or as an outpatient, adjust pain management, reinforce education on narcotics use and tapering, and follow up after discharge as needed. There may be administrative duties such as data tracking and managing patient lists. The NP practices to the full extent of their education, training, and certification. Core functions are outlined in the clinical privileges that correspond with this position. The NP has prescriptive authority for a panel of patients or program as indicated by their position. The NP will exercise independent judgement and will utilize evidence-based guidelines, research findings, and VA policies to develop individualized care of the acute and the acute-on-chronic pain patient. The NP assists the APS Section Chief with service operations, resource management, organizational initiatives, and service outcome measures. The NP's scope of practice includes acute pain as well acute-on-chronic pain and the NP is expected to facilitate continuity of care with the Chronic Pain Service (CPS). The NP should have a strong clinical knowledge of acute and chronic pain in surgical and nonsurgical pain states. The provider must be familiar with pain management using appropriate opioid use, non-opioid modalities, care of pre- and post-operative surgical patients, and coordination of care. Independently manages a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention using evidence-based practice. Demonstrates leadership and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team. Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies and 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. Assess preoperative surgical patients and manage postoperative pain for inpatients and outpatients and facilitate perioperative flow of patients on day of surgery. Assist with regional anesthesia procedures and assist with management, patient education, and nurse education of PCA, peripheral nerve catheter infusions, and epidural infusions under the supervision of the APS attending physician. Management of intravenous infusions. Provide continuity of care by participating in daily bedside rounds and educate patients regarding regional anesthesia techniques, medications, fall preventions and other patient care modalities. Document all aspects of patient care in a timely and accurate manner. Outpatient management of post-operative pain medications including phone calls and clinic visits. Works closely with the rest of the APS and CPS members including coordinating patient scheduling, phone call triaging, and other related duties. Serve as Acute and Chronic pain educator for nursing staff Current certification: Current Certification as a Nurse Practitioner from American Nurse Credentialing Center (AACN) or American Academy Nurse Practitioner Certifying Board (AANP): Acute Care Nursing Practitioner (ACNP) with Emphases in Adult Gerontology. Nationally funded PMOP Acute Pain Service position not to exceed 9/30/2027 VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Monday- Friday This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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: 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: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), The ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate, masters/post-master's certificate, baccalaureate, associate and diploma nursing education programs. (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.); or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), The CCNE is an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and accredits nursing education programs at the bachelor and master's level. Current certification: Current Certification as a Nurse Practitioner from American Nurse Credentialing Center (AACN) or American Academy Nurse Practitioner Certifying Board (AANP): Acute Care Nursing Practitioner (ACNP) with Emphases in Adult Gerontology. License. All APNs (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted APN license to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in this occupational series and APN (NP) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and II-G6a-4licensure/certification. Other provisions apply see Appendix G-6a. APN (Nurse Practitioner) II Scope. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). 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. APN (Nurse Practitioner) 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. APNs (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. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6a Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted. Education Additional Information Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period. 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.