Advance Practical Nurse - Surgical Clinic - General

Veterans Health Administration • Albuquerque, NM

26d • Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Certified Nurse Practitioner (NP), is an essential member of the Surgical Service team, providing expert, patient-centered care to Veterans. The APN delivers advanced clinical practice, consultation, and care management to support quality, timeliness, efficiency, and compassionate care in alignment with the VA mission. The APN practices to the full extent of their education, training, and certification and has prescriptive authority for a patient panel or program as indicated by the position. Core functions are defined by the clinical privileges associated with the position.

The position requires an active, full, unrestricted APN license and current board certification in an eligible nurse practitioner specialty. Applicants must meet the education requirements for nurse practitioners, including a qualifying master's or doctoral degree or post-master's certificate from an appropriately accredited nursing program. Nurse II is the entry grade and requires no experience beyond the basic requirements. Nurse III requires one year of specialized APN experience equivalent to Nurse II.

The work schedule is 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with variances and possible on-call duties. Telework and virtual work are not authorized. Relocation, recruitment incentives, EDRP, and PCS are not authorized. The role is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• Master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner, or a post-master's certificate; the nursing program must meet the stated accreditation requirements.
• Active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Maintain current, full basic board certification in an eligible nurse practitioner specialty from ANCC, AANPCB, or another nationally recognized certifying body.
• Meet the English language proficiency requirement for direct patient care.
• U.S. citizenship, except where non-citizens may be appointed under VA policy.
• Pass applicable pre-employment screening, including drug screening for testing-designated positions, background/security investigation, and physical evaluation.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements where applicable.
• Complete the online onboarding and application requirements and provide acceptable identification.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Nurse III qualification requires one year of specialized APN experience equivalent to Nurse II; Nurse II has no experience requirement beyond the basic requirements.
• Be able to meet the stated physical requirements, including heavy lifting and carrying of 45 pounds or more, pushing and pulling, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking and standing up to eight hours, repeated bending, and rapid mental and muscular coordination.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of surgical experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention through evidence-based practice.
• Develop and implement individualized plans to achieve optimal population health and disease management.
• Demonstrate leadership and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team.
• Order and interpret laboratory tests, other tests, and diagnostic studies.
• Prescribe pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
• Initiate referrals and consultations to specialty services.
• Educate patients and their families.
• Assess and adjust plans of care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Apply the ICARE core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
• Evaluate care delivery using research and evidence-based practice and contribute to improvements in the quality and timeliness of Veteran care.
• Develop professional expertise and communicate effectively while promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential performance awards.
• 50 days of paid time off per year: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level