Registered Nurse- Pain Management (GEC)

Veterans Health Administration • Phoenix, AZ

1d

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides proficient, evidence-based nursing care, including care for patients with complex pain-related needs and moderate sedation. The nurse assesses patients holistically, teaches according to Whole Health principles, and supports patient education, self-management, and satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. The position coordinates care, administers medications and procedures according to established policies and guidelines, and collaborates with interdisciplinary and pain-management teams to influence patient outcomes. The nurse also supports nursing education, orientation, competency development, and quality improvement to enhance outcomes and utilization. The incumbent is accountable to the Associate Director of Patient Care Services (ADPCS) and to assigned rating and approving supervisors.

Requirements

• A current, full, active, and unrestricted RN registration in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a temporary Graduate Nurse Technician appointment may be possible for otherwise qualified candidates pursuing licensure.
• Graduation from a professional nursing program accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or an applicable qualifying alternative described in the announcement.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Meet the education and professional nursing experience criteria for the assigned grade and level; these vary by grade and include ADN/diploma, BSN, MSN, or doctoral degree pathways.
• U.S. citizenship is required, with non-citizens considered only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Meet background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• The role may involve walking, bending, stooping, lifting, extended sitting or standing, and transferring patients or objects; safe patient-handling protocols and provided mechanical lifts are used.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of RN experience in acute care, long-term care, and/or ambulatory care.
• Experience in pain management, palliative care, RN care management, Battlefield acupuncture, or substance use disorder treatments (SUDTP).
• Certification in a related field, such as Pain Management Nurse–Board Certified (PMGT-BC).

Responsibilities

• Identify patients' needs holistically and provide education based on Whole Health principles.
• Provide evidence-based education to staff and students on applying pain theory to patient needs.
• Provide proficient, evidence-based care to patients with complex pain-related needs, including moderate sedation.
• Coordinate care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care.
• Administer medications and procedures in accordance with established policies and guidelines.
• Collaborate with pain-management teams, patients, and interdisciplinary team members, supporting teamwork and open communication.
• Participate in and initiate basic quality-improvement initiatives.
• Assist in directing nursing education, orientation, and competency activities, and support quality improvement and enhanced outcomes utilization.

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.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree