DEPT OF VETERAN SERVICES

Address: 

555 E Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713

Salary: $26.30 - $31.00 (DOE)

This position may be eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive

Grade: LPN

Closing Date: 

This position coordinates treatment to provide comprehensive wound assessments and plan of care including treatment recommendations, goals, implementation of treatment, evaluation and outcomes for patients throughout the Arizona State Veteran Home-Tucson. Provides patient, family and staff education regarding wound management, prevention of pressure ulcers, support surfaces, dressing selections and other therapies. Is a resource person for physicians wound team and clinical staff; additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision; performs other job-related duties as assigned; drives occasionally on State business; and participates In Arizona Management System (AMS).

• Performs wound assessments, reassessments and management for all patients and per policies and procedures; and develops skin care programs to prevent skin breakdown of residents.
• Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to manage residents with draining wounds, fistulae and/or tubes; wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and Incontinence.
• Revise’s plan of care as indicated by the resident's response to treatment and evaluate overall plan for effectiveness. Adequately assesses and reassesses pain; utilizes appropriate pain management techniques; and educates the residents and family regarding pain management.
• Completes the initial admission nursing assessment tool on newly admitted and readmitted Veterans/Members. Assists with the development of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, ongoing quarterly reviews and care plans (including accident/incident intervention).
• Serves as a resource to nursing and other facility staff; provides in-services on wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and Incontinence for the nursing staff as necessary. Conducts and participates in in-service training and staff development programs for regularly employed staff. Attends and participates in staff meetings. Trains/orients new employees. Incorporates culture change in the form of Veteran/Member-centered care in the performance of job duties.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to nursing staff and physicians; and consults other healthcare professionals as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the resident's needs. Ensures that documentation meets current standards and practices. Assists as needed with direct care for the completion of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, personal hygiene and mobility. Attends training and continuing education classes in the areas of wound prevention, wound management and ostomies; and stays current with changes, new advances/treatment in wound care.
• Actively involved in AMS processes such Huddle Boards, Problem Solving, Job Breakdown Sheets, Success Tracking and Standardized Work. Participates fully in the QAPI process, our Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement program mandate by CMS which incorporates AMS.
  

Knowledge of:

• Gerontological/geriatric nursing theory and practices
• Residents' condition and changing medical/ physical/psychological care needs
• Effects of the aging process
• Knowledge of the wound, ostomy and/or continence care specially in accordance with professional standards of practice
• Thorough knowledge of staging system of wounds
• Knowledgeable of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition
• Advanced knowledge of sterile dressing technique and wound management product use
• Federal, state and agency laws, rules and regulations governing general professional nursing practices and the security and control of medical supplies and medications and dispensing thereof

Skill in:

• Wound care and management skills
• Technical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills relevant to area in order to effectively communicate and work well with providers, staff, residents, family members, and support staff in a dynamic and fast paced practice while willing to work under pressure
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Computer skills, including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Google
• Writing/documentation skills to generate weekly skin reports

Ability to:

• Ability to teach and share knowledge with a multidisciplinary team involved in Skin Integrity and Wound Care, including wound staging and documentation
• Develop and participate in quality improvement programs in the areas of skin Integrity and wound care
• Interpret data about the resident’s status in order to identify specific needs and provide care needed
• Ability to prioritize work with minimal supervision, in order to independently carry out the duties of the position
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
  

• 2+ years SNF/LTC experience preferred

• A current license to practice as an LPN in Arizona
• A fingerprint clearance card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• Current CPR
• Wound Nurse certification, or able to obtain
• This position is subject to the vaccination requirements outlined in CMS Interim Final Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination (published November 5, 2021) (86 FR 61555)
• Current Negative Tb skin test (Mantoux skin test) within the last 6 months or a written statement from a physician, physician’s assistant or a registered nurse practitioner indicating freedom from tuberculosis, if in the past has had a positive skin test or tuberculosis

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Referral Incentives available for qualifying positions
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
  

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at recruiting@azdvs.gov or 602.234.8433 for assistance.