Summary
The Registered Nurse (RN) Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) Program Manager manages the facility SPHM based on requirements of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directive 1611, covering all medical facilities and clinics within the healthcare system. This is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for the SPHM Program, which crosses the lines of all services and disciplines that influence the organizational healthcare mission.
Duties
Major duties include but are not limited to: Facilitates and manages the Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) program based on requirements of VHA Directive 1611, covering all medical facilities and clinics within the healthcare system. This is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for the SPHM program which crosses all services and disciplines that influence the organizational healthcare mission. Works with all departments to ensure SPHM program and technology is incorporated into planning, design, and construction of new construction and renovation projects, to protect VHA healthcare workers and Veterans from injuries due to patient handling and mobility, and ensures all Veterans have an equitable opportunity to access SPHM technology, as needed, to meet and improve Veteran care needs. Effectively relates with customers, families, and the community, as well as program and service leaders at the local and network levels. Participates in planning, design, and construction projects so that all design projects in spaces Veterans use include VA medical facility SPHM Manager and infection prevention input. Investigate employee and patient safety incidents related to patient handling, providing recommendations and tracking these injuries by unit, area, hospital-wide, and across the continuum. Selecting and coordinating SPHM-related equipment and supplies coordinating with appropriate stakeholders across the continuum. Provides expertise to all individuals and workgroups that handle and mobilize patients or provide or approve equipment for patients in collaboration with SPHM PM. Makes decisions that affect staff and other resources with a wide latitude of control, using independent judgment to evaluate, plan, and direct the SPHM program to ensure proper coordination of care with the local facility inclusive of regional/national stakeholders such as The Joint Commission, Universities, and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations as appropriate. Monitors fall data and participates in quality improvement activities to improve fall rates. Participates in Accident Review Committee and provides bi-annual reports. Assists quality management with duties including infection prevention, environment of care and construction rounds, electronic health record alerts, chart audits and patient safety. Preferred Experience: Program management with work showing attention to detail, strong communication and interaction skills Instructing/Teaching Microsoft Office and Excel Spreadsheets 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 - Friday 7:30AM - 4:00 PM Telework: ADHOC-May be authorized (Employee who Telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement). Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
Requirements
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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
How you will be evaluated
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 five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research. 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.