Department of Veterans Affairs VA - Ralph H Johnson VA Healthcare System

Nursing Service at the RJH VAMC has experienced a staffing shortage with a service line vacancy rate of 21% over the last three years, inclusive of RNs, LPNs, HCTs and NAs. Retention and recruitment incentives have been implemented to fill various positions across Nursing services to include OR RNs, Acute and Critical Care RNs, LPNs, Surgical Scrub Technicians, and other specialized positions. Nursing positions have had an increased turnover rate due to retirement, new positions and leaving Federal service. Ralph H Johnson is surrounded by 8 hospitals within 20 square miles including 2 Magnet designated hospitals which makes the recruitment and retention for a highly qualified applicant challenging. While Charleston is a desirable location, the high cost of living and potential long-distance commute makes recruitment efforts difficult.

Manages patient care problems and deviations using self-direction in accordance with VA Nursing Practice and LPN licensure standards. Maintains knowledge and skill to care for a wide range of patients, including those with chronic and acute illness. Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of disease conditions, nursing principles, and standards/practices to coordinate nursing care required in the clinic setting and alter the sequence and/or care delivered to meet individual patient’s needs.Takes an active role in health promotion and disease prevention to improve patient outcomes. Provides one-on-one or group teaching as appropriate.Maintains and implements knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as scientific principles underlying nursing care and procedures. Provides high quality nursing care using traditional and non-traditional modalities, including triage prior to provider face-to-face visits.Assesses, records, and reports vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels. Appropriately triages and prioritizes patient needs as routine, urgent, or emergent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/treatment as needed.

Transitioning Service MembersResumeCommand ApprovalLPN LicensePriority Hiring Areas: LPNs, NAs, CMAs, RNs