Registered Nurse- Wound Care

Veterans Health Administration • Des Moines, IA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) is based at the Des Moines, Iowa VA Health Care System and assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on skin and wound assessment findings. The nurse demonstrates proficiency in wound assessment and management, including measurement, pressure-injury staging, cleansing, compression therapy, and selection and application of wound-care treatments and therapies.

The nurse provides or supervises care for patients and residents with acute and chronic wounds across clinical practice settings, and participates as an active member of the core team supporting Veterans with wounds and ostomies in acute and outpatient settings. The role includes timely documentation in the VA-approved standardized electronic health record, serving as a resource for wound- and ostomy-related nursing issues, and collaborating with internal and external services to support care transitions.

The VA describes its Whole Health System as empowering and equipping people to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized health plans, healing relationships and environments, and connection to the Veteran’s community. The position supports the VHA mission to provide exceptional health care that improves Veterans’ health and well-being.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing, or qualifying alternative nursing education as specified in the announcement.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; the announcement describes a temporary Graduate Nurse Technician exception for eligible candidates pursuing licensure.
• Ability to meet the applicable VA Nurse grade and level requirements for scope, education, and dimensions.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Selected applicants in testing-designated positions must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use; refusal results in denial of VA employment.
• Registration with Selective Service is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• Complete the application requirements in the announcement’s Required Documents section.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
• Two years of nursing experience.
• Wound Care Certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide and/or supervise all elements of the nursing process for patients and residents with acute and chronic wounds across clinical practice settings.
• Administer medications and perform procedures in accordance with established policies and guidelines.
• Complete comprehensive skin and wound assessments and recommend appropriate prevention or treatment interventions, which may include ostomy and continence care.
• Recommend treatments and resources such as wound dressings, advanced therapies, specialty mattresses, mobile applications, 3D imaging, and TeleWound.
• Document skin and wound issues accurately and promptly in the VA-approved standardized electronic health record.
• Seek guidance on improving wound care provided to patients.
• Delegate elements of care to appropriate individuals based on assessed needs, patient condition, and safety.
• Participate as an active core-team member supporting Veterans with wounds and ostomies in acute and outpatient settings.
• Collaborate with services inside and outside the VA to facilitate care transitions and meet patient needs.
• Serve as a resource for wound- and ostomy-related nursing issues.

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 a federal 401K 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
• Education Level: Associate degree