The Opioid Education and Monitoring Program (OPTIMA) is an evidence-based approach to overdose prevention for Veteran's with chronic pain prescribed opioid medications at VHASLC. The OPTIMA (NP) collaborates with Veteran's in managing their chronic pain and opioid medications while enhancing overdose risk mitigation strategies. The OPTIMA (NP) will work at the George E. Wahlen VA located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This position is not virtual or telework eligible. 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 the appropriate State-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). 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: More than 2 years' experience with Opioid management and education, and more than 2 years clinical 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 III - Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - Master's degree in nursing and approximately 1-2 year's 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 and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience. 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: 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 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. The incumbent 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-vehicles. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Major Duties: Care Management: The OPTIMA NP is assigned a panel of enrolled patients with chronic non-cancer pain prescribed opioid medications. Care management examples include although are not limited to the following: quarterly phone, telehealth, or face-to-face visits evaluating medication side effects, opioid monitoring, Narcan education, overdose risk reviews and mitigation strategies, and encouraging veteran engagement in nonpharmacologic pain intervention modalities. Care management modalities include by face-to-face, telephone, and telehealth visits. Opioid Monitoring: Monitoring includes but is not limited to State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) queries, opioid morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) calculations, Urine Drug Screen (UDS) order placement, and overdose risk factor identification through EMR reviews. EMR Documentation: per Program Procedure and Protocol Patient Education: The education includes but is not limited to Narcan administration, facilitating group classes from a vetted PowerPoint presentation, whole health and nonpharmacologic pain reduction programs, smoking cessation, and other topics related to chronic pain and a holistic approach to healthcare. Care Coordination: Coordination includes but is not limited to scheduling Program appointments, consulting to nonpharmacologic and holistic pain reduction programs, collaborating with the patient's primary care provider and team, and removing barriers to care as necessary. Appointment Scheduling: Scheduling OPTIMA appointments consistent with VHASLC scheduling policy, protocol, and procedure. Team-building: Expectations for enhanced teambuilding include but are not limited to civil and professional dialogue and interactions; timely completion and personal mastery of assigned work; promoting others accomplishments; supporting Program Leadership, and VHASLC. Facilitating Group Classes: Group classes are taught from a vetted PowerPoint either Face-to-Face or via telehealth appointment visits. Maintains effective working relationships: Relationships with professionals and support personnel within the medical center and the community. Applies critical thinking and analytical skills to identify barriers for optimal patient care delivery and utilizes processes improvement strategies to correct or improve current state. Takes Direction: takes work and conduct direction readily and flexibly. Professional Knowledge: Maintains professional knowledge and expertise in Whole Health Service pathways and programs; Chronic pain care guidelines, initiatives, legislation, policy, and directives; motivational interviewing techniques; customer service enhancement techniques; and services available for veterans at VHASLC and through community partnerships. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 7:00 am to 5:00pm. NOTE: Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular work hours and extended hours. The candidate must be willing to be assigned to other related services and/or locations, if necessary. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
