Summary The Infection Preventionist (IP) Registered Nurse (RN) functions as a professional RN with infection prevention and quality improvement expertise and has demonstrated ability to perform infection prevention core competencies. IP RN works across all Integrated Clinical Communities (ICCs) and areas of service in all locations where MVAHCS staff interact with veterans or other staff, including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Community Outreach, & Home Care. Responsibilities The IP RN collaborates with employees and staff at all levels across the MVAHCS, including nursing, providers, ancillary and support staff, volunteers, patients and families as well as with non-VA health care providers and entities, regarding infection prevention and control concerns. The IP RN demonstrates leadership, and creative approaches, through education and application of infection prevention principles and theory, as well as context-dependent judgement and skills related to preventing transmission of infectious agents. Some travel may be required with this position for site visits supporting the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Performs surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and other potential infection risks and ensures that surveillance design is consistent with internal and external (e.g. National Healthcare Safety Network [NHSN], VACO, MDRO Program Office) definitions and comparative data bases. Applies evidence-based practices, published guidelines, recommendations and regulatory requirements (e.g. National Patient Safety Goals, JCAHO, CDC, APIC, AORN, AAMI, OIG, AWE, etc.) in the evaluation of MVAHCS practices, products, and procedures. Collaborates with the Hospital Epidemiologist and IP Team members to apply epidemiologic principles when an infection outbreak/cluster is identified. Accurately manages HAI and other infection prevention-related databases. Triages and applies a collaborative team approach in identifying, analyzing, and resolving patient care problems. Interprets HAI data, develops effective reports and effective methods of presenting data targeted toward the intended audience(s) and integrating recommendations into practice. Identifies patients requiring isolation, assures that they are placed in the appropriate type of isolation, and that required personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning/disinfection agents are available. Provides consultation regarding infection precautions, infection prevention procedures and transmission of communicable diseases related to patient care delivery. Collaborates with state and local public health officials to facilitate communicable disease reporting per regulatory requirements and in accordance with VHA data privacy rules. Integrates relevant public health issues into practice. Reviews/monitors laboratory results and other data sources to identify patients requiring isolation as well as trends in infection occurrences. Serves on MVAHCS committees/councils as assigned and provides ongoing updates to IP Program Manager and IP Team regarding committee / council discussions and decisions. Demonstrates commitment to continually expanding knowledge and expertise through participation with infection prevention professional organizations and literature reviews. Recognizes and supports Suicide Prevention initiatives Compliance with various Isolation Precautions and Infection Control Guidelines Maintains prevention & management of disruptive behavior skills, can be trained upon hire Promotes evidence-based best practices and nurse sensitive indicators (including but not limited to Falls Prevention, Whole Health, PACT, HAIs, etc) 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-Friday, Days Telework: ADHOC-May be authorized (Employees who Telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement). This is not a virtual position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 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. 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: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), 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 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); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (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 to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). 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. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and 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. Preferred Experience, Skills, and Education: Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN) or Masters Degree in Nursing (MSN) 3 years of recent nursing experience Preferred experience in Infection Prevention, quality improvement, or public health Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. 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: Additional Information VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards As a VA employee, you will enjoy a truly rewarding career, comprehensive benefits, competitive pay and other generous perks to help build a fuller, more balanced life for you and your family. Strong starting salary, career growth, and recognition VA Nurse Locality Pay System (LPS) - ensuring our nurses are paid competitive rates within each local labor market VA Special Rates - providing regular performance-based increases and potential accelerated increases for outstanding performance Premium Pay - including overtime, Saturday, Sunday, holiday, on-call and night work Incentive Awards - including Superior Performance Awards, Special Contribution Awards, VA Honor Awards 8 hours of annual leave (Vacation Time) accrual for full-time Nurses for each full biweekly pay period. 4 hours of Sick leave accrual per full biweekly pay period. 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave Military Leave Disabled Veteran Leave Health Insurance - pre-taxed premiums and a variety of plans to choose from, ranging from traditional HMO/PPO plans with low co-pays, to High- Deductible plans. Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) -Tax deferred retirement savings account that is similar to private sector 401(k). You may be eligible for an automatic 1% agency contribution, plus a 4% matching agency contribution. Flexible Spending Accounts - medical & dependent care Life Insurance - with available additions for family coverage Long Term Care Insurance Leave Sharing Program Holidays - 11 paid Federal holidays each year Child Care Subsidies Employee Assistance Program Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs Transit Subsidies Continuing Education Opportunities 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. 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 Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Job Title
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration | Registered Nurse - Infection Preventionist RN