The NP is academically and clinically prepared to perform a broad spectrum of patient care services at the expert level. NP's with licensed independent privilege status have been granted clinical privileges by the Medical Staff and practice autonomously with consultation as necessary.
The Chronic Pain & Wellness Nurse Practitioner provides specialty chronic care to adults followed in the Pain Management Section. Specialty care includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome measures of healthcare problems related to pain management. This includes the following: performing histories and physicals; ordering diagnostic and therapeutic tests/studies, initiating and adjusting therapeutic regimens; initiating consults and referrals; and prescribing medications/supplies in accordance with VA policy, VA formulary, State regulations and scope of practice.
Delineated privileges for this position also include consultation for inpatient care as well as outpatient care of pain and wellness patients; assistance with patient phone calls, refills, medication requests, forms, and letters; patient laboratory monitoring and test result review; assistance with pain management and wellness consult screening and appropriate appointment scheduling. In addition to providing primary health care, the Chronic Pain & Wellness NP serves as a consultant to an interdisciplinary team, including nursing , behavioral health, clinical pharmacy, physical therapy, and health and wellness coaching.
The NP works collaboratively with other interdisciplinary team members in providing quality care, and patient education, participating in research activities. The NP serves on medical center, VISN and/or national committees and assists in the development, evaluation and communication of policies and standards of advanced nursing practice.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimal care (ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses).
- The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimal care (ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses).
- Demonstrates consistent clinical competence in providing nursing care.
- Demonstrates evidence of critical thinking skills in identifying, analyzing, and resolving patient care problems on the unit.
- Initiates and implements an interdisciplinary plan of care based on assessments.
- Accurately documents in the medical record patient findings, assessments, and care provided.
- Effectively functions as the charge nurse, team leader, or in other leadership role that guides and directs others who provide patient care
- Uses a team approach to identify, analyze, and resolve patient care problems that result in improved patient outcomes.
- Demonstrates grade-appropriate and consistent critical thinking skills.
- Position-specific Competency Checklist is completed annually and is rated competent in all measured areas.
- All other assigned duties.
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: 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday
Telework: Ad-hoc
Starting at $106,122 Per Year (VN 00)