Registered Nurse - Heart Failure Navigator

About the role

This position is located at the University Drive campus.

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 proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Education: Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of program completion.
• Alternative Education Pathways:
  • Individuals in a master's level bridge program who have completed coursework equivalent to a BSN may become registered with a state licensing board prior to program completion; upon licensure, may be appointed temporarily and later converted to permanent upon graduation.
  • Graduates of foreign nursing schools: possession of a current, full, active, unrestricted registration meets the requirement for graduation from an approved school for appointment as a nurse with an associate degree/entry-level education. Credit for foreign education higher than associate degree requires formal degree equivalency validation from a VA-recognized evaluator (e.g., International Consultants of Delaware).
• Licensure: Current, full, active, unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth (including Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates meeting education requirements but lacking licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the applicable grade/level as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while pursuing licensure (extendable up to two years case-by-case).
• Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in the 0610 series performing described duties on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including education and licensure/certification.

Grade Determinations

Grade and level assignments are based on Scope, Education, and Dimension criteria (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, Evidence-Based Practice/Research). Dimension details are in the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13093349

• Nurse I – Level I: Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care while developing technical competencies. Education: ADN or Diploma in Nursing; no additional experience required.
• Nurse I – Level II: Integrates biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills, and technically competent practice for basic or complex clients. Education: ADN/Diploma + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse I Level I; OR BSN with no additional experience.
• Nurse I – Level III: Demonstrates proficiency through conscious, deliberate planning; self-directed in managing complex situations. Education: ADN/Diploma + 2 years experience (1 year equivalent to Nurse I Level II); OR BSN + 1 year experience equivalent to Nurse I Level II; OR MSN with no additional experience; OR Master's in related field with BSN and no additional experience.
• Nurse II: Demonstrates leadership in delivering/improving holistic care through collaborative strategies. Education: BSN + 2 years experience equivalent to Nurse I Level III; OR MSN + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse I Level III; OR Master's in related field with BSN + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse I Level III; OR Doctoral degree in Nursing with no experience; OR Doctoral in related field with BSN and no additional experience.
• Nurse III: Executes responsibilities demonstrating leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex care beyond immediate practice setting. Education: MSN + 2 years specialized experience (1 year equivalent to Nurse II, meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements); OR Master's in related field with BSN + 2 years specialized experience (1 year equivalent to Nurse II, meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements); OR Doctoral in Nursing + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse II (meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements); OR Doctoral in related field with BSN + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse II (meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements).

Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Reference: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

Physical Requirements

The work does not inherently include physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.

Responsibilities

• Rounding on inpatients daily to ensure heart failure patients receive proper education and care coordination prior to discharge.
• Post-discharge follow-up call within three days of discharge.
• Use risk assessment tool to identify patients at high risk for readmission; high-risk patients followed more closely with customized plans.
• Provide education to family or designated support person.
• Refer patients to Home Telehealth Program if eligible.
• Review daily loop diuretics list to ensure HF service is consulted.
• IV Diuretic Clinic: see all patients admitted to this clinic.
• Review and triage heart failure consults.
• Educate inpatient staff and residents.
• Actively participate in cardiac rehab weekly care meetings.
• Active member of the CLC; track readmission rates.
• All patients followed up at three days and 30 days post-discharge; high-risk patients followed weekly at minimum.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience

• Over four years of progressive clinical experience in advanced cardiac care, including specialized work in heart failure management, Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) coordination, and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) operations.
• Demonstrated expertise guiding complex cardiac patients through transitions of care, optimizing heart failure treatment plans, and providing comprehensive education to patients and families.
• Strong background collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support evidence-based practice, improve outcomes, and reduce readmissions for high-risk cardiac populations.
• Experienced in monitoring hemodynamics, managing advanced cardiac therapies, and coordinating LVAD care including device assessments, patient training, and emergency response readiness.
• Proven ability to serve as a clinical resource, advocate, and navigator for patients with chronic and acute heart failure, ensuring continuity of care across inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services.
• Skilled in patient-centered communication, care coordination, and early identification of decompensation to promote safety and stability.

Benefits

• Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards.
• Paid Time Off: 50 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care (many programs can be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory accepted.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:00 pm.

Telework

Not available.

Virtual Position

This is not a virtual position.

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives

Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not authorized.