Nurse Practitioner (Lung Cancer Screening Program Coordinator)

About the role

The Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner (APN) provides a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of the Veterans Affairs (VA) mission. The APN provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management in the emergency room, medical inpatient units, and clinics (cardiology, pulmonary, surgery).

What you will do

• The NP is a licensed independent practitioner with advanced education and national certification who provides evidence-based care for a population of patients.
• The LCS Coordinator will organize and coordinate the implementation and day-to-day operation of Lung Cancer Screening at Central Alabama Health care system.
• Duties include but not limited to: The Lung Cancer screening (LCS) Coordinator will organize and coordinate the implementation and day to day operation of Lung cancer screening at Central Alabama Health Care System.
• The person in this position will work under the direction of Associate Chief of Staff for Acute Care with the guidance of program Advisory board, to organize the launch of Lung Cancer screening, coordinate day to day program activities, provide education about the program to providers and patients, track and coordinate on going patient care, and collect and report program evaluation data as requested by leadership.
• The coordinator will serve as a operational resource for local program members, which may include clinical staff from Primary Care, mental health, Pulmonary Medicine, Pathology, medical Oncology and radiation oncology.
• The coordinator training for the role is available via the LCS Beginners signup sheet-power apps.
• In the performance of these assigned duties, the coordinator will assure adherence to any national or Facility protocols, procedures and program plans established for lung cancer screening.
• Organize and lead in -services to share information about the Lung Cancer Screening Program and clinical staff.
• Serve as an operational resource for clinical staff involved in the program.
• Work with local clinical applications coordinator to ensure that any clinical reminders and templates are implemented appropriately Participate in role orientation per local procedure and training.
• Work with local clinical applications coordinator to ensure that any clinical reminders and templates are implemented appropriately.
• Support activities to identify appropriate patients for lung cancer screening Discuss the program and screening harms and benefits with patients (if part of local process).
• Facilitate follow up referrals to evidence - based smoking cessation care.
• Complete clinical documentation in the electronic medical record as needed.
• Monitor patients due to screening and assist with scheduling screening scans and follow-up procedures.
• Collaborate with Radiology to facilitate the efficient scheduling of imaging examinations.
• Monitor and assist with follow of abnormal findings including referrals of any incidental findings.
• Monitor adherence to the operational and clinical protocols established for the program.
• Lead the collection and submission of data from variety of sources.
• Provide regular communication with local leadership.
• Incorporates research, evidence-based practice, established professional, community, or regulatory standards, and clinical practice guidelines to validate or change clinical practice.
• Supports dissemination of evidence-based practice, i.e., research, quality improvement monitors, best practices, and performance improvement results.
• Identifies and evaluates clinical/process opportunities and trends for improvement and takes appropriate action for resolution.
• Contributes to the strategic plan of short and long-term goals that impact operations and resources.
• Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers.
• Leads a patient care team.
• Independently manages a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention using evidence-based practice.
• Develops and implements an individualized plan to achieve optimal population health and disease management.
• Demonstrates leadership and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.
• Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
• Other duties as assigned.
• 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: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday.
• (Work schedule is subject to change to accommodate the needs of the agency).
• Telework: Ad Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 (***).
• 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.
• 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.
• You may be required to complete a Pre-Employment Evaluation.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• A drug test is required for the position.
• The position is subject to random drug testing.

Education

Please make sure your Resume/CV includes the School of which you earned your degree to include city and state, type of degree earned, as well as the date your degree was conferred (month, day, and year) so your education can be verified. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ***

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

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 four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. 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' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA.

When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).

If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.

Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference.

For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Documents you must provide

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Professional Certification Transcript SF 50, Notification for Personnel Action (APPLICABLE ONLY TO CURRENT PERMANENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES): You must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50).
• SF50 must include (at a minimum) position title, tenure, grade, step and salary.
• SF50 must be dated within the past 12 months.
• Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link *** to download the standard Clinical Resume Document.
• This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA.
• When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

This job opporunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.