Clarification from the agency

Open to Nursing students currently enrolled in ACEN/CCNE accredited Nursing programs within the local area.

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The incumbent practices as a VA-STEP student in an assigned unit within the nursing Section of Patient Care Services at this Detroit VAMC. The VALOR Student's level of practice will be dependent upon clinical skills certified by the School of Nursing. The Student functions under the direct supervision of the RN who is responsible for the coordination of the patient's care. Assignment will be progressive based on verification of completed clinical skills within the nursing program and/or the clinical experience at the John D. Dingell VAMC. The purpose of the work is to provide safe, effective, quality patient care that covers personal care, diagnostic support procedures, treatment procedures, patient charting and patient teaching. The work consists of a variety of tasks from simple to complex that require completing in a timely manner. The employee must make choices to determine what steps are to be taken based on the type o nursing care required and the type of patient under consideration. The work ensures continuity of care and smooth functioning of the unit.

• Provides direct care for complex, acute and long term patients according to established Policies and Procedures for a Student Nurse Technician.
• Makes observations of subtle changes in patient's condition.
• Documents care given, observations, and responses on appropriate tools or forms.
• Administers complete tracheotomy care including suctioning.
• Assures receipt of adequate nutritional intake either through observation of patient, by feeding patient or properly positioning and checking placement of feeding tube.
• Performs enemas, colostomy care, skin care (including simple dressings), application of braces and prosthetic devices, and monitors intake and output, all according to established procedures.
• Recognizes the patient's autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment.
• Initiates emergency procedures and demonstrates competence according to Adult Basic CPR, Safety and Emergency policy and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Identifies, corrects and/or reports actual or potential safety hazards within the workplace, including malfunctioning equipment immediately.
• Reports all accidents or special incidents to supervisor at time of occurrence and completes all documentation as indicated.
• Handles patient care equipment safely and demonstrates competence in its use.
• Adheres to principles of disturbed behavior management and body mechanics as trained.
• Supports and promotes a therapeutic milieu and protects patients' rights.
• Handles patient care equipment safely and demonstrates competence in its use.
• Adheres to principles of disturbed behavior management and body mechanics as trained.
• Supports and promotes a therapeutic milieu and protects patients' rights.
• Prepares and administers oral, intra-muscular and subcutaneous medications according to policy and documents in BCMA; including insertion of medication into the eye, ear, nose, bladder, rectum and vagina. Administers allergy and flu injections as ordered. As assigned, demonstrates competence according to policy/procedure under direct supervision of an RN. Documents administration of medication including patient's response according to policy.
• Performs the following components of IV therapy: Initiates IV start with 20 gauge angiocath (teflon catheter). Observes and reports on peripheral intravenous insertion site. Identifies and discontinues IV infiltrations immediately and notifies RN. Changes dressing on peripheral IV sites.
• Observes and monitors a patient during a blood transfusion.
• Identifies, reports and documents medication errors/discrepancies, reactions and side effects immediately.

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

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.

In addition to the basic qualification requirements, applicants:
1. Must be currently enrolled in an accredited ACEN or CCNE Nursing university or college in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program.
2. Must possess a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale with no grade lower than a B in any in Nursing Core Curriculum Courses.
3. Be eligible to graduate by June of 2024.
4. Must be in the Senior Year of the Curriculum.
5. Have had at least one clinical experience in a medical center or hospital.
6. Provide current Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) training.
7. Must be able to complete a minimum of 400 hours as a Nursing Valor Student.
8. Be able to work full-time during the summer months and part-time during the academic year.
9. Must not have a service obligation to any Federal, state or private institution, or be a recipient of any Federal scholarship that incurs a service obligation.
10. Must submit a complete application package (refer to required documents section of this announcement).

GRADE & PAY DETERMINATIONS: Students will be paid at a salary rate equal to 80 percent of the local VA facility's annual salary rate for a Nurse I, Level I, Step I. No future obligations to the VA, or guarantees from the VA will be incurred as a result of participating in this program.

Physical Requirements: Position requires physical and mental capability to practice nursing in designated clinical setting providing direct patient care. Requires: Heavy lifting 45 lbs and over., carrying, I hour, pushing (4 hours), reaching over shoulder, both hands required, walking ( 4 hours), standing ( 4 hours), kneeling repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish shades of colors. Use of patient care equipment designated for Safe Patient Handling required. Must be able to sit and stand at intervals utilizing the computer to review and document in the electronic medical record. Direct patient contact may include exposure to infected patients and contaminated materials requiring ability to don protective clothing in isolation or other procedures. May be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia or psychiatric disorders. Must be mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working with others, must be effective in stressful situations, and be able to shift priorities based on patient and learner needs.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered by a Nurse Professional Standards Board in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.