Registered Nurse - Inpatient Nurse Navigator

This position is located within Nursing Service at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. The Inpatient Nurse Navigator serves as a clinical leader and patient advocate, bridging the gap between patients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure safe, timely, and coordinated patient progression across the continuum of care.

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.

A minimum of 2-3 years of recent inpatient nursing experience required, preferably in an acute care, medical-surgical, or progressive care setting. Demonstrated experience in care coordination, patient navigation, or a role requiring active interdisciplinary collaboration. Familiarity with the discharge planning process, including coordinating post-acute care needs, communicating with receiving facilities or caregivers, and supporting safe transitions out of the inpatient setting.

Familiarity with patient flow concepts, length of stay management, and strategies for identifying and removing barriers to timely care progression. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build trust, facilitate difficult conversations, and work effectively across all levels of the healthcare team including patients, families, frontline staff, and senior leadership. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex clinical situations, anticipate barriers, and develop timely, effective solutions.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across a complex patient population. Ability to work autonomously, exercising independent clinical judgment while remaining an engaged and collaborative member of the interdisciplinary team.

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…