Registered Nurse - Pain Management Program Manager

01Basic Requirements

English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), 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 the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited 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); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.

Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (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 to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program.

Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). 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.

Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.

02Grade Determinations

The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13108599.

Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.

A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.

MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Preferred Work Experience/Education: Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. BSN Five Years of Pain Management experience Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required.

Mechanical lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment.

The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.

Duties of the Nurse Program Manager, Pain Management, include, but are not limited to: Coordinates and supports the development, implementation, evaluation, and oversight of the Pain Management Program to promote comprehensive, evidence-based care for Veterans with complex chronic pain conditions. Collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, VA staff, and community resources to coordinate pain management services, clinical consultations, and continuity of care.

Provides nursing care and care coordination for Veterans with chronic pain and co-occurring mental health and behavioral health conditions. Performs initial nursing assessments, obtains comprehensive pain management histories, and documents findings and interventions in the electronic medical record. Applies biopsychosocial principles and clinical nursing judgment to assess patient needs, identify barriers to care, and support individualized pain management treatment plans.

Provides patient education, health counseling, and self-management support to promote effective pain management, improved functioning, and quality of life. Utilizes telehealth technologies and collaborates with local resources to facilitate access to pain management services and support interdisciplinary care coordination. Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program policies, procedures, clinical processes, and evidence-based pain management initiatives.

Supports facility-wide pain management program activities in accordance with applicable national directives, VA policies, and organizational requirements. Assists with strategic planning, program evaluation, and reporting of performance measures related to pain management services. Collects, analyzes, and submits program performance data to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and support quality improvement activities.

Monitors patient-care outcomes and program performance to identify opportunities for improving clinical services, patient safety, and healthcare resource utilization. Participates in quality assurance, performance improvement, shared governance, and patient safety initiatives to enhance the delivery of pain management services. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized patient-care plans and promote coordinated healthcare delivery.

• Provides consultation, education, and training to nursing staff and other healthcare professionals regarding pain management practices, program requirements, and clinical processes.
• Assists with staff orientation, competency development, and educational activities related to the Pain Management Program.
• Demonstrates developing leadership skills by serving as a team leader, sharing clinical knowledge, and supporting the professional development of nursing staff.

Provides appropriate oversight and guidance to licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants and ensures delegated nursing activities are completed safely and effectively. Promotes effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork among interdisciplinary healthcare professionals and stakeholders. Applies evidence-based nursing practice, clinical judgment, and patient preferences to improve quality of care and promote safe, cost-effective healthcare delivery.

• Provides individualized, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive care while respecting Veterans' autonomy, dignity, values, and healthcare preferences.
• Maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation and protects sensitive patient information in accordance with applicable VA policies and federal regulations.
• Supports compliance with infection prevention, occupational safety, emergency preparedness, and applicable accreditation standards.
• 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: To be determined based on the needs of the service.

Work schedules may require flexibility, including rotation of tours or non-administrative tours, as established by the immediate supervisor. Telework: AD-HOC as needed by facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized