Va Medical Center Work Values

Daily Duties at Va Medical Center:

Study Coordinator for a nation-wide VA Cooperative Study involving 28 sites, "Antibiotic Treatment of Gulf War Illnesses." The study was a 30 month randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial in which 450 patients who tested positive for Mycoplasma were recruited from 28 hospitals over a one month period. A total of 111 patients were screened at Manchester, and 29 of the 111 subjects that were mycoplasma positive were enrolled in the study. Enrolled patients received 12 months of antibiotic or placebo treatment followed by an additional 6 months of untreated follow-up among Gulf War Veterans who tested positive for Mycoplasma in their blood. Responsibilities included ongoing assessment of patient symptoms, monitoring patient medication compliance, obtaining blood samples, and ensuring blood samples were promptly sent to their respective places. Measures taken to ensure she was current in research and the studies in her area of practice. This is evidenced through literature review, research conference calls, and seminar attendance. Makes sustained contributions to health care by sharing her expertise within the Medical Center and external to it. Maintains ongoing relationships with professional and other health related groups within the community. Her public relations efforts continue through her active participation with community groups providing ongoing education and answering health related questions to several community groups. Collaborates with others in research activities to improve patient care. Maintains ongoing communication with the WRJ study coordinator of the Cognitive Exercise program and her assistant to assist Manchester veterans with further options/research opportunities available to them and to improve patient satisfaction. Extended efforts into the community through assistance with the Hepatitis C Screening Clinic. Provided input into the planning and development of the clinic held by colleagues and she volunteered her time at the clinic held at Manchester Community Health Center. At this time information was offered by her about the VAMC and benefits available to veterans. Assisted veterans in filling out/completing enrollment applications. The established relationships with other health related groups in the community contributed to a positive image of both Nursing and the Manchester facility at large. Her creative approaches to both patient care and other health professionals had enhanced the quality of patient care and the productivity of providers, as well as lent to patient satisfaction.

What they like about Va Medical Center:

You highly value a work environment built on a formal structure, rules, and regulations. You do not enjoy the unpredictability of shifting priorities and deadlines that upset your routine. You require and enjoy direction, input and accountability as part of your work environment. You have a strong need to participate in making key decisions and feel left out if your superiors or co-workers do not seek your input when making decisions. You thrive on providing good customer service to both internal or external customers, and doing so makes you feel good.

Tags

Registered Nurse, Nurse Management, Medical Specialty Services, Research Study Coordinator, Pulmonology, Community-based nursing services, Electronic health record documentation, Self-directed and motivated, Demonstrates and promotes professional and personal integrity, Respects each patient, Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients and their family members, Strong interpersonal skills, Leadership in the application of the nursing process, Collaborates with other professionals across disciplines both within and outside the Medical Center, Acts as a consultant within the clinical practice area, Creative approaches to enhance quality of care and productivity of providers, Public relations efforts continue through active participation with community groups providing ongoing education

Skills

Leadership skills in the application of the nursing process, Interpersonal skills, Customer service skills, Communication skills, Professional and personal integrity, Strong work ethic, Promotes respect for patients, Courteous, Self-motivated, Self-directed, Creative thinking, Visionary, Proactive, Attention to detail, Organizational skills, Develops collaborative working relationships, Educator, Timely, Accurate, Promotes positive patient outcomes, Provides leadership in addressing ethical issues, Establishes and accomplishes goals, Shares expertise both within and outside the Medical Center, Contributes to customer satisfaction, Personal commitment to nursing excellence, Delivers quality care to patients

These are some of the questions we asked our climbers about their experiences with Va Medical Center: