Registered Nurse - Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)

The Registered Nurse in the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) provides outpatient primary care to a panel of patients in a team-based setting. Responsibilities include delivering direct patient care, coordinating care plans, and promoting health education. The nurse performs comprehensive assessments, develops and implements nursing care plans, and evaluates patient outcomes. They collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care. Duties involve managing chronic conditions, administering medications, performing procedures, and providing patient and family education. The nurse also participates in quality improvement initiatives, maintains accurate documentation, and adheres to clinical guidelines and safety protocols. They support patient access to care, including telephone triage and follow-up appointments. The role requires effective communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work in a fast-paced outpatient environment. The nurse must demonstrate cultural competence and patient-centered care, advocating for patient needs and preferences. They may also mentor new staff and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.

Qualifications: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Alternatively, individuals attending a master's level bridge program who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's degree in nursing may be appointed temporarily upon obtaining a state license. Foreign nursing graduates must have a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized evaluation service. Must hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) exception: Candidates meeting education requirements but lacking licensure may be appointed on a 120-day temporary appointment. Grandfathering provision applies to current VHA employees in the 0610 series as of January 29, 2024. Grade determinations: Nurse I, Level I requires an Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing with no additional experience. Nurse I, Level II requires an ADN or Diploma plus 1 year of specialized nursing experience, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no experience. Nurse I, Level III requires an ADN or Diploma plus 2 years of professional nursing experience.

The Veterans Health Administration operates the VA St. Louis Health Care System, providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans. This role involves executive leadership in patient care services.