Hybrid Registered Nurse (Dialysis) en Department of Veterans Affairs

Registered Nurse (Dialysis)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Durham, North Carolina

Salary Range: $81999 - $153574 Per Year

Job Summary: The Durham VA Health System, has 1 vacancy for a full-time Registered Nurse in the Dialysis Unit. The RN will be fully qualified and certified to function in a clinical role and in accordance with the guidelines and policies of the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System

Major Duties:

• The Registered Nurse working at the Durham VA dialysis unit is responsible for providing care to Veterans with End Stage Renal Disease in both the acute hospital and outpatient stretcher bound setting. The Registered Nurse will be cross-trained to work at the Durham VAMC or the Brier Creek Dialysis Unit as determined by the Manager which is based on the staffing needs of the two units. The nurse will primarily work in peritoneal dialysis. Duties of the dialysis nurse include but not limited to: Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of dialysis, ESRD, Transplantation and Nephrology Oversees the preparation of the delivery system, dialysis bath, and dialyzer and confirms that all mandatory alarm test on the dialyzer and equipment are performed. Oversees dialysis technicians in the performance of dialysis from start to finish, monitors patient reaction to treatment and performance of dialysis machines. Overseas disassembly and disinfection of dialysis equipment Conducts pre-dialysis patient assessment including obtaining patient vital signs and assessing the patients' vascular access, laboratory findings, and the patients' general health. Assess, prepares and consulates a patient's vascular access including needle insertion in arterial/venous fistula or grafts for aseptic connection with dialysis equipment. Conducts post dialysis assessment/patient discharge by evaluating treatment, documenting medication administration utilizing the appropriate protocols, assessing condition of vascular access, discharging the patient when vital signs are stable, & documenting and recording patient treatment date. Documents findings of patient assessment and interventions and advises providers of any notable change in the patient's condition and other pertinent information. Follows Infection Control & CDC guidelines when dealing with patient care. Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of the transmission of blood- borne pathogens. Utilizes sterile technique to assess the dialysis catheter exit site and to apply dressing on the patient's vascular access dialysis catheter, arterial/venous access per protocols. Maintains skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infection Provides patient education/teaching applicable to the patient's medical condition. Verifies that patients are taking all prescribed medications and performs medication reconciliation. Discusses patient concerns and answers questions relevant to care. Performs other treatments and diagnostics tests required as part of patient treatment. Maintains skills necessary to do regional heparin administration, separate and store blood sample, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain dialysis equipment, PPD administration and other medications as ordered or by protocol. Demonstrates a working knowledge of the national guidelines and the facility's protocols for immunization of the dialysis patients (such as influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis-B vaccination), dialysis laboratory tests and medications. Performs surveillance and testing of dialysis water treatment equipment and dialysis water (such as chlorine, hardness, conductivity, water cultures) ensure that these machines are operating within the parameters set in the facility's written protocols. Provides Leadership in improving patient care, maintaining standards of care, directing and teaching personnel in variety of setting, and proving charge nurse responsibilities as needed. Participates in quality improvement activities to include collection of the data for the dialysis unit Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan. Maintains responsibility for providing coverage to the dialysis center-must have flexibility of schedule to provide patient care coverage 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 through Saturday (80hrs/2 weeks) Compressed Tour, 6-430. Tour of duty may differ when cross-covering Brier Creek Dialysis Unit Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No

Qualifications: Basic 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. Grade 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/12765777. 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. Basic Required Qualifications Registered Nurse (RN) and a graduate from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLCNAC), or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Hold a current, unrestricted nursing license to practice in a state or territory of the United States United States Citizen, by birth or naturalization. Documentation required. Preferred Qualifications At least two years of successful nursing practice Current Dialysis experience with cannulation and patient monitoring, rapid dialysis treatment, peritoneal dialysis, etc. Demonstrated evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration, teamwork, excellent communication skills, and excellent attendance record Preferred Level of Education BSN Preferred Certification(s) ANCC for Nephrology Certification Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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, lifting and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient 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 be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, 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-vehicle

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 07/25/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12765777. 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Application Deadline: 2025-07-25