Registered Nurse; Urgent Care

Summary

The Urgent Care (UC) Registered Nurse (RN) executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience - and creative approaches to management of complex patient care. They are responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing care. UC nursing practice is independent and collaborative. The UC RN practice includes the roles of direct care provider - educator - administrator - researcher - consultant - leader - and advocate

• English Language Proficiency:
  Proficient in basic written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency (ACEN or CCNE) at time of completion.
• Or individuals in a master’s level bridge program with equivalent coursework may become registered before completion.
• Upon attainment of a state license, applicant may be appointed temporarily and later converted upon graduation.
• Reference VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6.
• Foreign school graduates: current, full, active and unrestricted registration in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• Foreign nursing education higher than an associate degree requires formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted evaluator such as ICD.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: candidates without required licensure may be appointed at entry level on a 120‑day temporary appointment while pursuing licensure.
• Grandfathering Provision: current VHA employees performing UC duties under the 2024 standard are considered to meet all qualification requirements.
• Grade Determinations: candidates must meet the defined Scope, Education, and Dimension criteria for the grade assignment.
• Dimension requirements (Practice – Veteran/Patient Driven Care – Leadership – Professional Development and Evidence‑Based Practice/Research) are detailed in the online assessment.
• Grade/Level Scope – Nurse I – Level I:
  Deliver fundamental knowledge‑based care, develop technical competencies.
• Grade/Level Scope – Nurse I – Level II:
  Demonstrate integration of biopsychosocial concepts, technical competence with basic to complex clients.
• Grade/Level Scope – Nurse I – Level III:
  Demonstrate proficiency based on conscious planning; self‑directed goal setting; two years of specialized nursing experience.
• Grade/Level Scope – Nurse II:
  Demonstrate leadership in holistic care delivery and improvement through collaboration.
• Grade/Level Scope – Nurse III:
  Demonstrate leadership and management of complex client care beyond immediate practice setting.

• Moderate lifting (15‑44 lbs); light carrying (under 15 lbs); pushing (1 hour); walking (2‑4 hours); standing (2‑4 hours); kneeling (1 hour); repeated bending (1 hour); climbing – legs only (1 hour); both legs required.
• Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors.

• The Urgent Care (UC) Registered Nurse (RN) executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex patient care.
• Collaborate in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provide urgent care to patients with acute and/or chronic medical, surgical, and psychiatric conditions.
• Deliver nursing care ranging from basic to initial stabilization.
• Provide peers with formal or informal constructive feedback for improvement.
• Support colleagues and other nurses through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care.
• Foster a safe, supportive environment conducive to professional development.
• Evaluate outcomes of evidence‑based decisions and practice changes for individuals, groups, and populations.
• Document outcomes at the program or service level.
• Assess patients by collecting pertinent data, including triage based on the five‑level system to prioritize care.
• Use assessment data to determine diagnoses, problems, or other concerns.
• Identify expected outcomes and develop a collaborative, individualized plan for each patient.
• Implement care plans, including care coordination, health teaching, and health promotion.
• Evaluate progress toward expected goals and outcomes, adjusting plans as necessary.
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards, 50 days paid time off, traditional federal pension, federal 401K with up to 5% contribution, and full federal health and insurance benefits.
• Work schedule:
  
  compressed schedule of 4 × 10‑hour shifts per week (Monday–Friday).