Address
Form of work
SalaryDuties
The Nurse Practitioner/Advance Practice RN has clinical expertise in care for general medical, cardiac stress testing and Nuclear medicine Imaging patients.The Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice RN (NP/APRN) has advanced competencies and skill in the holistic assessment, treatment and evaluation of outcomes for identified populations of individuals, families or groups.
An NP/APRN is a professional nurse who has obtained a master's or doctorate degree in nursing and is licensed to perform acts of prevention, diagnosis and prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures.NP/APRNs use specialized knowledge, skill, proficiency and independent practice to contribute to optimal patient outcomes.The NP/APRN functions autonomously and collaborates with other health professionals.Review and triage inter- and intra-facility referrals and/or consults to Nuclear medicine for both inpatient and outpatient populations and facilitate appointments and orders placement in outpatient clinics and other parts of the medical imaging department. This may include scheduling appointments with MSA and telephone reminders of appointments.
- Provide specialty care to referred patients, particularly oncology patients referred for therapy. Care includes appropriate preparation and pretreatment management, and will follow post therapy patients with acute and chronic medical conditions related to medical imaging.
- Provide ongoing patient care and management of health problems to the medical imaging patient population.
- Complete pre-procedure history and physical exams and appropriate diagnostic tests, as specified in clinical privileges.
- Evaluate eligibility, triage and perform CARDIAC Stress Testing for the cardiac stress lab, for both the Nuclear medicine (pharmacological and exercise) and cardiology exercise stress testing. APN must be proficient in ACLS and management of side effects of pharmacological stress testing and arrhythmias resulting from stress testing.
- Prescribe medications, diet, supplies, and home health aides according to clinical privileges
- Will manage and consult with referring clinicians regarding appropriate patient preparation for exams which require control of medical conditions. In particular, control of blood sugar in diabetic patients scheduled to receive F-18 FDG scanning.
- Teach and counsel patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, plan of care, and intervention with optimal treatment for patients and families. Modify treatment plans as disease progresses or changes.
- Perform and assist in medical imaging procedures within clinical privileges. This includes providing pharmacological interventions such as Lasix for renal scans and Morphine for hepatobiliary scanning. Will assist in Therapeutic infusions including management of side effects, administer non-radioactive co-infusions and perform follow up of patients. Assist in preparing preliminary imaging reports in radiology dictation system.
- Performs moderate sedation procedures as needed for modalities within Medical Imaging.
- Monitors patients requiring sedation or with MRI conditional pacemakers during MRI procedures and manages emergency situations as needed
- Performs other duties in CT and Interventional Radiology as assigned.
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 thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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
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.
- A nurse practitioner must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State, possess a master's degree from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE, and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. [The certification must be in the specialty to which the individual is being appointed or selected.]
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Current or Recent Experience in Nuclear Medicine and Cardiology stress testing, and/or Imaging
- Experience in managing oncology patients
- Must be licensed to perform acts of prevention, diagnosis and prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures.
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: The physical and mental status of the APN should enable them to perform all their duties under normal and emergent conditions. The evaluation of an individual's ability to perform efficiently and without hazard to self or others will encompass a composite consideration of physical, mental, and emotional ability as related to realistic requirements for the duties and responsibilities to be assumed (VA 5019, Part II Appendix A 4/15/02). In the medical imaging setting, work to be performed requires a head down, neck flexion position intermittently for up to 7 hours per day. Physical Standards.Must be able to lift and transport heavy equipment and supplies.
Employees should be able to pull up to 30 pounds within the power zone between waist and shoulder height. Employees must wear proper footwear to maintain enough friction between shoes and floor during push/pull operations. Employees must practice sound body mechanics when completing any push, pull, or carry task. Task rotation is supported in the department. Occasionally, heavy lifting and/or push/pulling of greater than 35 lbs. will be required but not to exceed 1320 feet.The RN must be able to walk, stand, and bend for periods up to 7 hours per day. In order to perform CPR/ACLS, a minimum of 125 pounds of force is recommended by the American Heart Association.
Use of both hands and fingers is required along with the ability to reach above the shoulders. Neck range of motion must be sufficient to allow incumbent to fully scan work area. Visual acuity, with or without corrective devices must be sufficient to allow for visualization of patient and work environment. Incumbent must have ability to distinguish low range sound and/or voice within the treatment area with competing background conversations, alarms, and equipment noise.This position will require the APN to wear a lead apron while performing exams in Interventional radiology and general radiology during fluoroscopic examinations up to 5 hours intermittently throughout the workday.
This position will require being exposed to strong magnetic fields which causes loud noises during MRI Scans and radioactive isotopes during nuclear medicine cardiac stress tests which will require additional training by Radiation Safety Officer.
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.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who are Current, PERMANENT Employees of Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital; VMUST UPLOAD copy of MOST RECENT (2022) SF-50 that IS NOT for an award or bonus. SF-50 must indicate PERMANENT TenureALL APPLICANTS (Including Employees) - MUST UPLOAD the following:The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.- Resume - MUST INCLUDE all RN education information - INCLUDING full name of school(s) attended; CITY & STATE of school(s); TYPE of DEGREE; and MONTH/YEAR Degree was earned. Failure to include all information may result in ineligibility if school accreditation cannot be verified. Please see below checklist link for further Resume information.
Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/26/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12309935.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact information
Irene Balas
Phone
708-640-4736
Fax
708-202-2610
Email
Irene.Balas@va.gov
Address
Edward Hines Junior Hospital
5000 South 5th Avenue
Hines, IL 60141
USNext steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who are Current, PERMANENT Employees of Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital; VMUST UPLOAD copy of MOST RECENT (2022) SF-50 that IS NOT for an award or bonus. SF-50 must indicate PERMANENT TenureALL APPLICANTS (Including Employees) - MUST UPLOAD the following:
- Resume - MUST INCLUDE all RN education information - INCLUDING full name of school(s) attended; CITY & STATE of school(s); TYPE of DEGREE; and MONTH/YEAR Degree was earned. Failure to include all information may result in ineligibility if school accreditation cannot be verified. Please see below checklist link for further Resume information.
Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
This job is open to
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
1. Current, PERMANENT VA/VHA Employees - Includes CBOCs and Clinics. - Employee Applicants MUST UPLOAD copy of their MOST RECENT SF-50 that indicates PERMANENT Tenure. You may upload your January 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment SF-50. Temporary employees are not eligible for Internal Area of Consideration (but are eligble as US Citizens) 2. All US Citizens
