Registered Nurse (Transfer Coordinator/Discharge Planner)

Company: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Location: San Diego
Posted on: November 20, 2023

Job Description:

Summary The VASDHS Utilization Management's Program consists of two care coordination roles: Discharge Planner and Clinical Transfer Coordinator. These care coordination roles are built on a patient and family centered approach delivered by an interdisciplinary team which exists both within and outside the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS). Responsibilities Duties include: Facilitates the movement of Veterans between VASDHS and other VA facilities and community agencies in accordance with VHA Directive 1094. Works with the Nursing & Patient Care Services leadership in the flow of patients from VASDHS to other-VA medical facilities and non-VA care facilities when necessary. Serves as a point-of-contact for VA and non-VA care agencies seeking admission to VASDHS. Conducts utilization review to identify medical necessity, intensity of service and transitions to different clinical settings for VASDHS. Works with other-VA and non-VA care Nurse Case Managers, Transfer Coordinators, physicians, and administrators seeking services from VASDHS. Utilizes InterQual criteria to identify medical necessity and intensity of service for transfer referrals. Documented outcomes of utilization management in their respective assigned areas where resource utilization is impacted, and clinical decisions are made that have potential to alter the course of patient care and VASDHS. Determines level of care and refers requests to appropriate Services/Case Managers for transfer consideration. Discusses Veteran transfer concerns with an interdisciplinary team (physicians, social workers, case managers, pharmacists, and nutritionist). Act as patient and family advocate assesses clinical outcomes Locates scarce medical resources for VASDHS patients being referred out to the community. Coordinates the modes of transportation used in the transfer process i.e. ambulance, critical air, and secure transport. Collaborates with utilization review and transitions to different clinical settings for VASDHS and is involved in interdisciplinary medical center resource utilization. Act as a liaison, providing a bridge between caregivers within and outside the VASDHS for emerging medical, psychosocial, or rehabilitation problems, managing the continuum of care and care coordination. Develop and coordinate seamless transitioning of patients throughout the inpatient and outpatient care process with a focus on discharge planning needs. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to apply principles of evidence-based practice. A key aspect of the role will be discharge planning assessment and implementation of home health services, supplies, and activities required to successful transition the patient to the appropriate non-acute care setting Performs other duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630, 0700-1530, May Work on weekend/holidays, required flexibility for hybrid role and office space locations within medical center. Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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. 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. Preferred Experience: Education: Required BSN, preferred MSN or Master's in Healthcare Related Field Minimum 3 years acute clinical care experience Preferred case management certification BLS certification required Strong knowledge of relevant healthcare and clinical operations including information technology (preparing reports, MS Office Suite, and computer knowledge) patient care workflows and processes. Demonstrate organizational and project management skills, with the ability to lead a team, prioritize tasks, and see projects through from inception to completion. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to quickly analyze problems, determine appropriate level of intervention, and develop and apply effective solutions. Strong interpersonal skills for effective information exchange and problem solving with all levels of management and staff, consultants, and outside agencies. Flexibility and ability to work in a rapidly changing environment. Adaptable to work space locations Self-starter with good time-management skills. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Keywords: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, San Diego , Registered Nurse (Transfer Coordinator/Discharge Planner), Healthcare , San Diego, California