Registered Nurse - Cancer Screening Coordinator

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Harlingen, Texas

Salary Range: $76583 - $156520 Per Year

Job Summary: VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is seeking an RN for the role of Cancer Screening Coordinator in Harlingen, TX.

Major Duties:

Serves as the subject matter expert and point of contact the health care system and assists with the coordination of care for patients eligible for lung, liver, and colorectal cancer screening based on age, smoking status and history, and other criteria established by Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO). Utilizes the VA Support Service Center (VSSC) dashboards and other electronic formats to access and monitor cancer screening reports. Coordinates day to day program activities and provides education to clinicians, patients, and families. Assesses educational needs of patients, families, and caregivers and takes into consideration barriers to care (e.g., literacy, language, cultural influences, comorbidities). Provides education as part of the multidisciplinary team to patients, families, and caregivers. Uses motivational interviewing to reinforces the significance of adhering to treatment schedules, protocols, and follow-ups. Assesses and promotes healthy lifestyle choices and self-care strategies through education and makes appropriate referrals to available resources. Collaborates with Primary Care and other clinical service lines to assure patients avoid missed opportunities in their health care. Adheres to national and local directives and standards to implement plans established for the cancer screenin. Provides patient centered care and coordination to help increase patient safety and patient satisfaction. Creates reliable processes which generate quality of care and timely cancer diagnosis and treatments. Provides leadership in identifying and addressing ethical issues that impact patients and staff, including initiating and participating in ethical consultations. Organizes and leads in-services to share information about the Cancer Screening programs available within the health care system. Works with local clinical applications coordinators to ensure clinical reminders and templates are implemented appropriately. Effectively communicates publicly, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of individuals and organizations. Coordinates with the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program Manager and other disciplines to advise clinical leadership of issues related to cancer screening preventative measures. Supports activities to identify appropriate patients for cancer screening, including, lung, liver, and colorectal cancer. Facilitates follow-up referrals to evidence-based tobacco cessation care and other preventative programs available. Conducts chart reviews, data collection, and care coordination for cancer screenings. Monitors and assists with follow-up of abnormal findings including referral of any incidental findings. Demonstrates advanced skills in areas of cancer treatment coordination and is a role model for other nurses. Assists in the care coordination for patients with abnormal imaging through to definitive treatment/interventions and on to survivorship plans to include end of life care options. Functions as a systems coordinator and monitors progress using data. Intervenes as necessary to ensure patient outcomes are achieved within anticipated timeframes. Tracks and monitors progress along clinical pathways and initiates appropriate actions to promote quality and evidence-based practices. Is a role model in the provision of excellent customer service. Manages a secure, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Compliant computer-based tracking system to assist in care coordination and timely follow up in patient care. Reviews and updates standards, procedures, and policies to guide patient care and nursing practice. Supports all National, Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN), and Local collaboratives regarding cancer care. Acquires knowledge and skills to gain expertise in practice. Develops effective relationships with internal and external customers to improve the delivery of patient care. Uses a body of research to validate and/or change own professional practice as well as that of the workgroup. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800 - 1630 Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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

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 they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Preferred Experience: RN experience 5+ years Gastroenterology experience 2+ yrs Cancer Screening Coordinator 1+ years Oncology Experience 2+ years GI Procedure Experience 1-2 years Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12830590. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; straight pulling (0.5 hrs); Reaching above shoulder; Walking (5.3 hours); Standing (5.3 hours); Repeated bending (5.3 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted).

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/17/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12830590. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-17