Registered Nurse - Critical Care(ICU)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Tucson, AZ seeks a Critical Care Registered Nurse to deliver high-level, evidence-based care to acutely ill patients in a demanding ICU setting. You will coordinate with an interdisciplinary team and supervise junior staff as needed.

Requires BSN/ADN with active RN license, ICU experience and commitment to patient safety. Night shifts and on-site work apply, with VA policies guiding licensure and professional development.

Qualifications

• English language proficiency required by policy.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in the United States.
• Graduate of a nursing program accredited by ACEN/CCNE.
• Bridge program eligibility for foreign-trained nurses considered.
• State license after bridge program may be required for appointment.

Responsibilities

• Provide competent, evidence-based care to critically ill patients.
• Coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team.
• Administer medications and procedures per policies.
• Support supervision and mentoring of nursing staff as appropriate.
• Contribute to ongoing quality improvement and patient safety.

Skills

English proficiency

Clinical judgment

Education

ADN or Diploma in Nursing

BSN

Active RN license

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for EDRP - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy & submit your EDRP application within 4 months of your start date. Approval award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Contact [e-mail] for questions/assistance.

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
• 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: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13067253
• 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 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
• Preferred Experience: At least 2 years of ICU experience within the last 5 years
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs
• and over)
• Heavy carrying (45 lbs
• and over)
• Straight pulling and pushing
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking and standing up to 8 hours
• repeated bending
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• hearing aid permitted.

Duties

• The Critical Care Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent - evidence-based care to assigned patients and oversight of licensed practical nurses/nursing assistants - as appropriate to the setting
• Provides direct care for acutely/critically ill patients who are at high risk for actual or potential life-threatening health problems - regardless of the setting for nursing care
• Provides high intensity care and vigilance - while refining assessment skills and blending in data obtained from a variety of invasive/noninvasive monitoring technology
• Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education - self-management - and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care
• Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines
• Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team
• Evaluates practice in an ongoing process - based on best evidence
• Provides peers with informal constructive feedback for improvement
• Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals
• Contributes professional nursing perspective in discussions with the interdisciplinary team
• Partners with others to effect change and produce optimal outcomes
• Supports colleagues through knowledge sharing to provide safe - quality nursing care
• Shares educational findings - experiences - and ideas with peers
• Questions clinical practices for the purpose of providing evidence-based care
• Participates in activities and strategies to sustain an evidence-based-practice culture
• This nurse has experience with the situations in which they are ultimately expected to perform - integrating theoretical concepts - strong critical thinking skills - and exhibits a robust technically skilled practice
• Work Schedule: Night Shift Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.