Staff Optometrist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Hot Springs (SD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks an Optometrist to join the VA Midwest Health Care Network in a Whole Health care model. This role focuses on personalized eye care within the VA system, serving Veterans in outpatient settings and contributing to education and patient engagement.

The Optometrist will perform eye care, manage patient notes in the CPRS, maintain equipment, and participate in safety, infection control, and performance improvement initiatives within the VA Eye Care team.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive eye care and ancillary testing to patients in outpatient settings.
• Teach medical students who rotate through the VA Health Care System and provide ongoing patient education.

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• The Optometrist is a full member of the eye care team and functions as an independent practitioner - exercising initiative and judgment in day-to-day activities
• The Optometrist is responsible for seeing patients in the outpatient setting
• Responsibilities include performing eye care and ancillary testing with full exercise of their credentials and clinical privileges
• The Optometrist also assists with teaching medical students who rotate through the VA Health Care System and provides ongoing patient and family education throughout the course of treatment
• Duties include - but are not limited to: Enters accurate - complete - timely progress notes for each episode of care into the patient's electronic record
• This is accomplished by utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)
• Responsible for the proper use - maintenance - and calibration of specialized equipment used in the assessment and care of patients
• He/she demonstrates knowledge and maintains standards in the use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME)
• Assists in the orientation of new staff and provides patient and family education - including informed consent
• Adheres to safety - health - and infection control standards - regulations and work practices - as well as ergonomic standards
• He/she reports any unsafe conditions to supervisor and/or appropriate officials
• Expected to participate in performance improvement activities - disaster preparedness - administrative duties - and other responsibilities assigned by the Surgery/Specialty Care Chief - Chief of Optometry - or BHHCS Executive Team
• Considers the age of the patient when performing health care as it relates to functional capacity/limitations - ability to understand and follow directions - provide objective self-assessment of past medical condition and treatment appropriate to the overall treatment goals and plans
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday - Part-Time 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m
• or Full-Time 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m
• Compressed/Flexible: Compressed tour is available for full-time only
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized