Clinical Nurse Specialist - Critical Care

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet VHA policy eligibility requirements and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

• Collaborate with Chief Nurse, Nursing Education & Research, and Nurse Managers of critical care units (ICU & PCU) to provide clinical leadership for the nursing staff.
• Develop and implement a strategic educational plan for critical care nursing, including unit‑based nursing service orientation, clinical competencies, and required educational directives.
• Maintain competency folders and conduct quarterly competency reviews.
• Facilitate the development and completion of initial and ongoing competencies for critical care unit nursing staff.
• Coordinate and deliver critical care education programs and activities hospital‑wide as appropriate.
• Develop critical care standards of practice and serve as the critical care nursing consultant for clinical practice.
• Consult on critical care nursing policy and procedure development.
• Act as the facility coordinator for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) critical care online courses/education program Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO).
• Serve as the coordinator for all research in the critical care units, mentoring staff in evidence‑based practice projects.
• Provide leadership and facilitate evidence‑based practice initiatives for VASDHS employees.
• Mentor critical care unit nursing staff and VASDHS staff to develop leadership and preceptor skills.
• Disseminate accreditation standards and ensure staff compliance with The Joint Commission and other regulatory agencies.
• Use advanced clinical knowledge and judgment to promote staff involvement in planning, decision‑making, and evaluating outcomes.
• Act as an expert in clinical practice and related areas for assigned roles and responsibilities.
• Systematically evaluate current practice and formulate outcomes for patient groups and organizational processes within the area of expertise.
• Collaborate and participate with critical care nursing staff and VASDHS staff in selecting and improving performance measures.
• Provide direct and indirect patient care in the critical care units.
• Document all direct patient care using the electronic health record (EHR) according to unit and facility policies.
• Serve as a member of the VASDHS Critical Care Multidisciplinary Committee, Code Blue Committee, Rapid Response Committee, Clinical Nurse Specialist group, and Nursing Clinical Practice Committee; may serve as chair or co‑chair as appropriate.
• Serve on nursing service and organization‑wide committees to facilitate continuity of care; may serve as chair or co‑chair as appropriate.
• Oversee and manage all emergency equipment, including defibrillators, automated external defibrillators, code carts, and training of the Code Blue response teams and critical care unit nursing staff.
• Collaborate with other CNSs and the Code Blue Committee for oversight and management of facility‑wide code blue equipment and supplies.
• Maintain mandatory and clinical competencies for the position, including certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or a VA‑approved certifying body.
• Coordinate with the CNS group to provide orientation and cross‑coverage for all inpatient and outpatient care units.

• Must hold a full and unrestricted nursing license from any U.S. State or territory.
• Requires provisional or full certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday to Friday, 0630‑1500; telework not available.
• Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards.
• Paid time off: 50 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
• Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance, transferable into retirement.