Registered Nurse - Program Analyst

Summary
The Program Analyst provides support to the Nursing Leadership Team in analyzing administrative functions, staffing methodology and assessing organizational needs. Provides advice, consultation, and assistance to the Staff through participation in team meetings and work groups. Utilizes qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze the business practices and procedures and protocols to assess the effectiveness of operations in meeting established goals and objectives.
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
All US Citizens and current permanent employees of this facility
Videos
Duties

• The incumbent has responsibility for planning, organizing, promoting, and directing the overall continuous quality improvement activities and staffing methodology of the assigned Clinical and/or Administrative Service.
• Serves as a service resource for performance improvement initiatives. Initiates studies, develops studies design and methodology such that it results in accumulation of factual, historical, and statistical data required to meet the established goals/objectives. Provides appropriate resource materials, training, systematic data assessment and analysis, training, reporting and facilitation.
• Establishes effective tracking systems and conducts statistical analysis of the data to identify patterns/trends, and variances. Selects and utilizes appropriate evaluation measures. Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis and summarizes significant results and recommendations to improve services, promote a culture of safety and quality care. Provides guidance assuring that findings are used to modify and improve processes and systems to facilitate accomplishment of the Medical Center's mission, vision, values, and performance measures.
• Collects data from multiple sources including the Veteran's medical records, computerized software package called VISTA files using Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), VHA Support Systems Capital Assets (VSSC) and other sources. Utilizes computer programs including VISTA packages, Excel, Visio, and Flowcharting to present clear, precise, and accurate summaries and graphics of review findings.
• Provides support to the Nursing Leadership Team in analyzing administrative functions, staffing methodology and assessing organizational needs. Provides advice, consultation and assistance to the Staff through participation in team meetings and work groups. Utilizes qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze the business practices and procedures and protocols to assess the effectiveness of operations in meeting established goals and objectives. Facilitates a mechanism for development of program requirements, allowing for the efficient execution of services. Conducts tracers as part of continued readiness, sharing the results with the Nursing Leadership Team.
• Evaluates the manpower planning, forecast planning, customer linkage, and need for new products. Analyzes and formulates requirements for making recommendations for the acquisition, obligation, and expenditures of funds for administrative purposes.
• Ability to assimilate the numerous reports and work processes of a complex Medical Center, separating meaningful data from inconsequent artifacts, and the ability to analyze the data and identify trends, make recommendations, and facilitate process improvements.

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: M-F, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Telework: Ad-hoc available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
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:

• MSN preferred
• 10+ years of nursing experience
• Clinical Data Analysis with interpretation experience
• Staffing methodology experience
• Nursing sensitive indicator knowledge
• Leadership experience

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.
Physical Requirements:
The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting and repositioning patients or similar activities. The incumbent will be required to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 35 pounds frequently. The incumbent will be required to handle equipment and must be knowledgeable of an able to use safe lifting techniques. The use of correct body mechanics required. The mental/sensory requirements include recall, reasoning, problem-solving, hearing (aid permitted), speaking clearly, writing legibly, keyboarding, reading, and logical thinking. Also, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16". The environment's pace can vary from steady to a sometimes-fast pace, requiring handling of multiple priorities, frequent, sometimes intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a sometimes-noisy environment. There may be the need to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to disease, illness, and hazardous materials (1-2 hours at a time).
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.
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  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 by a Nurse Professional Standar...