Registered Nurse- Falls Prevention Program Coordinator

The Nurse Falls Prevention Program Coordinator, focuses on individual growth and development of a Falls Prevention and Management Program in practice with increased levels of self-direction and responsiveness. The nurse brings basic Falls Prevention principles and theory with application of critical thinking skills and implementation ability. Responsible for producing and disseminating an evidenced-based, cost-effective Fall Prevention Program based upon the Veteran population.

Recruitment and relocation incentives are authorized for highly qualified applicants. The Falls Prevention Coordinator is a Registered Nurse responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing enhancement of a comprehensive, system-wide Falls Prevention and Management Program at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This role serves as a subject matter expert in fall prevention practices and is dedicated to improving patient safety, clinical outcomes, and staff education related to falls and mobility safety across the care continuum. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert and facility lead for all fall prevention and post-fall management processes. The coordinator collaborates with nursing leadership, interdisciplinary teams, Quality Management, Patient Safety, and unit-based champions to analyze trends, identify system gaps, and implement sustainable interventions that reduce fall-related injuries among Veterans. The Falls Prevention Program is based on national standards, evidenced-based practice and outcomes research in accordance with the scope of practice. Primary responsibilities for this position: Coordinates and leads a comprehensive falls prevention program across inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, and specialty areas. Analyzes fall data trends and completes root cause analyses (RCAs) for significant events. Chairs or co-chairs the Falls Prevention Interdisciplinary Committee. Develops evidence-based protocols, risk assessments, and interventions to mitigate fall risk. Educates and consults with staff regarding fall prevention strategies, mobility safety, and safe patient handling practices. Developing patient/caregiver education programs for fall and injury prevention. Collaborates with nursing leadership, patient safety, physical therapy, environmental services, and other departments to ensure a safe environment of care. Participates in performance improvement initiatives, quality reviews, and accreditation readiness efforts. Supports post-fall huddles and debriefings and ensures timely and accurate reporting in accordance with VHA policy and regulatory bodies. Establishing and maintaining a facility Fall Prevention policy and fall clinical practice guidelines based on evidence. Maintains flexibility with a high degree of interpersonal skills, effective communication, leadership, motivation, self-direction and ongoing evaluation of activities. Preferred Experience: Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience in an acute care hospital setting Previous experience in patient safety, quality improvement, or risk management roles Demonstrated experience coordinating or leading hospital fall prevention programs or related safety initiatives Strong knowledge of fall risk assessment tools (e.g., Morse Fall Scale, Hendrich II) and evidence-based fall prevention strategies Experience conducting root cause analyses and contributing to performance improvement plans Familiarity with regulatory standards related to patient safety, such as those from The Joint Commission and CMS Proven ability to educate and engage interdisciplinary teams on fall prevention practices and policy adherence Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting data to monitor trends and drive quality outcomes Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills to collaborate across nursing, therapy, and ancillary departments Master's degree in Nursing National specialty certification (e.g., CPPS Certified Professional in Patient Safety, or related) preferred VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay Schedule: NY67 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: Full-time; Based on the needs Telework: Available; Ad-hoc telework may be authorized at Supervisory discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. 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. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.