RN - Discharge Coordinator

Overview

The VA Western New York Healthcare System is seeking two full-time Registered Nurses (RN) to serve as Discharge Coordinators at the Buffalo VA Medical Center in Buffalo, New York. The incumbent assists with patient planning assessments, identification of barriers, and activities required to transition the patient in and out of the acute inpatient setting.

• 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 ACEN or 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 than an 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
• Grade Determinations and related criteria are detailed in the online assessment:  Questionnaire/
• Education levels per Nurse I-III and Nurse II/III as outlined (Nurse I - Level I/II/III, Nurse II, Nurse III) and related experience requirements
• * Note:
  
  Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Preferred Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  BSN;
  Previous discharge planning experience
• Reference: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• Physical Requirements:
  
  VA Handbook 5019

• The duties include, but are not limited to:
  Assists Veterans, family members, and caregivers with receiving the most appropriate options and services to meet their complex health care needs
• This includes, but is not limited to, acute, chronic, multiple, complex, catastrophic, or life-threatening illnesses
• Combat stress, residuals of traumatic brain injury
• Community adjustment
• Addictions and other health problems
• Utilizes databases to provide population management to track patient care through all episodes of care
• Evaluates care and outcomes to ensure timely and appropriate provision of services
• Assists with patient planning assessments, identification of barriers, and activities required to successfully transition the patient in and out of the acute inpatient setting
• Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
• Evaluates practice in an ongoing process based on best evidence
• Provides peers with informal constructive feedback for improvement
• Addresses psychosocial, nursing, and medical needs of patients and their families/caregivers through participation with the interdisciplinary care team
• Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals
• Partners with others to effect change and produce optimal outcomes
• Advocates for holistic care through patient/family education and provider interaction; implements an educational plan to meet patient care needs
• Supports colleagues through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care
• Coordinates care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care
• Follows procedures per established policies and guidelines
• Coordinates care…