(AFG) Foreign Service Registered Nurse - Limited Non Career Appointment (RNLNA)

JOB SUMMARY:

About the Agency

The U.S. Department of State, our country’s lead foreign policy agency, provides a rich international experience whether at home or abroad, and opportunities to become responsible leaders.

Each day, our employees make a difference as they contribute to our global society and defend and advance our country’s interests and values. They work on the business of diplomacy and high priority issues that impact the safety, security, and prosperity of our world – human rights, environment, energy, food security, public health, and technology – all while experiencing a unique opportunity.

Our talented workforce reflects and champions all of our strengths and diversity – personal, professional, and educational. We offer a workplace that values and rewards leadership, collaboration and innovation, and personal and professional development.

The Office of Medical Services (MED) maintains and promotes the health of employees and their eligible family members (EFM) who represent U.S. government (USG) agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Medical Specialists, Medical Providers (MP), Regional Medical Officers (RMO), Regional Medical Officer/Psychiatrists (RMO/P), Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists (RMLS), Limited Non-Career Appointment Social Workers, and Limited Non-Career Appointment Register Nurses (LNA/RN) to select posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical facilities are often inadequate to cope with them. This position is for a Registered Nurse (RN). A Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) does not lead to onward employment in the State Department or conversion to another form of employment.

If selected as an LNA/RN, you would be deployed to a challenging environment where you may encounter extremely dusty conditions, significant air pollution, high elevations, lack of potable water, food and waterborne diseases, and communicable diseases and be required to walk distances of a half-mile or more, run, and step up to two feet while wearing a helmet and body armor that weigh a minimum of 30 pounds.

These are unaccompanied assignments/locations. EFMs are not permitted to accompany LNA/RNs to post. However, at some locations, adult EFMs may be approved to accompany their employee spouse/family member to post if they will fill certain mission-critical positions. EFMs must be employed by the Mission before traveling to post.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Occasional Travel


• LNAs serve in the country specified and may be assigned to or perform Temporary Duty Travel overseas and at times, live away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions. Selected applicants will be notified of an Oral Assessment (OA) requirement in Washington D.C. For the selected applicants, all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the OA are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

RELOCATION AUTHORIZED

• Yes


• This is a Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA), which is restricted by statute to a maximum of five years. This Limited Non-Career Appointment is initially for 13 – 15 months, and may be extended periodically up to a maximum of five years based on satisfactory performance and the needs of the Service. A LNA/RN is assigned to a specific U.S. embassy or consulate with the expectation that the LNA/RN’s appointment will permit completion of a 12 month tour of duty.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.


• Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.


• Be able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.


• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.*


• Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.

DUTIES:

LNA/RNs are responsible for Department of State medical and safety policies, provision of a range of medical services, and the actual performance of all of the following essential functions in addition to routine medical care:

• Provide care in possibly hazardous and/or difficult to access environments.


• Provide patient care that may include heavy lifting, pulling, stooping and twisting in adverse settings.


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  Travel independently to regional constituent posts (if applicable) utilizing air carriers and transportation facilities that may be difficult to access.
  
  The essential LNA/RN functions of providing emergency care include the following responsibilities:

  
  


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  Provision of a range of medical services including establishing IV access and providing trauma care for injured patients.

  
  


• Triage and manage the care of injured persons in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack.


• Provide emergency care as required in a hostile or physically challenging environment, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas of irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, lifting, and running. Transport patients via small aircraft, ambulance, helicopter, or other vehicle with high floors.


• Assist with evacuation via sea or air in the event of political unrest.
  
  LNA/RNs are considered ‘essential personnel’ and are on call to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience within the last six years providing direct patient care.

Prior emergency and/or critical care experience with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferable.

Prior military experience or experience with other U.S. agencies working abroad is desirable, but not required.

Applicant must be a skilled and experienced practitioner with excellent interpersonal skills. Applicant must be able to function well within a complex organization and have experience working in a high stress environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

Serving as a LNA/RN in support of the employees of the United States Government and their eligible family members, a RN will work in conjunction with other Foreign Service medical personnel. The LNA/RN duties include but are not limited to the following:

A. Health Orientation of New Arrivals:

• Assist administrative staff with patient forms and confirm medical clearance status for all eligible beneficiaries.


• Provide orientation to public health risks and preventive health behaviors.


• Assess health and immunization needs.


• Describe services provided by the health unit and various roles of health care personnel.


• Distribute a copy of the Health and Medical Information Booklet to all new employees.


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  Complete age appropriate health promotion reviews.
  
  B. Coordinate Medical Clearance Examinations:

  
  


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  Prepare requests for funding.

  
  


• Schedule medical appointments, labs, and special tests as required by Washington (e.g., colon screening, PSA, mammogram).


• Request consultations and additional studies to complete the clearance evaluation.


• Assist medical personnel with clinical examinations performed in the Health Unit and perform basic diagnostic assessment tests as approved by the Regional Medical Officer (RMO) or Medical Provider (MP).


• Review completed clearance exams for thoroughness and email/fax via secure line to the Department’s Office of Medical Services’ Medical Clearances.


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  Package and ship lab specimens to the Department’s Office of Medical Service’s (MED’s) lab as necessary.
  
  C. Coordinate Medical Evacuations (Med Evac):

  
  


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  Arrange Med Evacs through RMO/MP and in coordination with MED/Foreign Programs or other Regional Medical Evacuation sites.

  
  


• Coordinate requests for specialty appointments with MED/Foreign Programs and/or overseas Med Evac site.


• Request funding from MED or appropriate agency.


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  Accompany patient as a medical attendant as needed.
  
  D. Maintain an Immunization Clinic for Routine and Travel Immunizations:

  
  


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  Assess each new patient’s immunization needs and make recommendations.

  
  


• Follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines for immunization.


• Maintain logs and/or databases with Federal Requirements for record keeping of administered vaccines.


• Budget, order, and rotate vaccine stock.


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  Maintain current knowledge of recommended immunization schedules and management/reporting of adverse events.
  
  E. Serve as point of contact for Regional Medical Officers/Medical Providers and Office of Medical Services:

  
  


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  Coordinate transmission of prescriptions with RMO/MP.

  
  


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  Regular communication with RMO/MP.
  
  F. Maintain an occupational health clinic during assigned work hours:

  
  


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  Maintain custody and proper internal controls for the Health Unit. This includes ordering and inventory control of medical supplies and medications.

  
  


• Utilize the nursing process in providing patient care (assessment, nursing diagnosis, plan, intervention, and evaluation) to employees (US Direct Hire, Locally Employed Staff, any eligible beneficiary).


• Evaluate and assess patients within the scope of training and expertise by means of health history, observation, interview, physical examination, and other selected diagnostic measures. Interpret, review, and record history and clinical findings.


• Select appropriate action and initiates treatment or referral if indicated according to the nurse’s scope of practice. This will include triage.


• Maintain an overseas medical record (paper or electronic) of all employee visits to the Health Unit.


• Dispense medications according to protocols approved by the RMO.


• Render first aid and emergency treatment to the sick and injured anywhere on the embassy compound as appropriate.


• Perform periodic sanitation inspections as directed by the RMO/MP or the Management Office.


• Test and maintain emergency equipment and safe haven materials in coordination with the Regional Security Officer (RSO).


• Conduct workplace health and safety surveys with the Post’s Occupational Safety and Health Officer (POSHO).


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  Maintain accident log and/or accident reporting documents per MED/Safety Health Environmental Management (SHEM) guidelines.
  
  G. Maintain current working knowledge and U.S. license/credentials:

  
  


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  Maintain good communication and working relationship with staff in Health Unit.

  
  


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  Participate in staff meetings.
  
  H. Must be available outside of normal embassy working hours:

  
  


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  Participate in Embassy medical duty call rotation as appropriate.

  
  


• Respond to urgent telephone requests for medical information from the duty officer during off-duty hours.


• May be required to travel as a medical attendant during a medical evacuation.


• Attend continuing medical education conferences held outside of country as scheduled.


• May be required to make visits during off-duty hours to monitor an individual’s care.


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  Available to respond to the embassy on an emergency basis.
  
  I. Reporting requirements:

  
  


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  Monthly Statistics Report for Washington and in conjunction with RMO/MP provides input to:

  
  


• Post Medical Capability Database


• Annual Update of Health and Medical Information Guide with distribution to MED


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  Maintain or contribute to an Accident Report Log
  
  J. Health Promotion Program

  
  


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  Write health promotion/education articles for the embassy newsletter.

  
  


• Provide health promotion and safety activities at the embassy.


• Conduct health education programs to include first aid, CPR, HIV/STD, smoking cessation and weight control.


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  Document health promotion activities on State Department health promotions flow sheet.
  
  K. Additional Administrative Duties:

  
  


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  Regular use and update as appropriate of State Department medical regulations as delineated in 16 Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).

  
  


• Serve on other committees as appointed.


• Maintain written or electronic record of policies and procedures for the Health Unit.


• Assist Department and MED in obtaining medical information and completing documentation for local Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) claims when necessary.


• Other duties and training as assigned by RMO/MP.
  
  Other requirements include worldwide availability, tolerance of intensive world travel, living away from family, and working and living in difficult and/or isolated conditions.

Level IV English ability (fluent) is required. Successful applicants must also consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness).

Education Requirements

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited Nursing program with a minimum of an Associate degree.

Applicant also must have:

• Current and active license as a Registered Nurse in a state, the District of Columbia or a territory of the United States, and


• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  
  Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet federal job requirements for this position if the applicant provides an international education evaluation certifying the degree earned is equivalent to education received in the United States. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence when applying for federal jobs. For more information, please view How Foreign Education is evaluated for Federal Jobs: http://careers.state.gov/downloads/foreign-education

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HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Medical Credentialing & Indemnification

Applicants are subject to a Medical Credentialing process conducted by the Quality Improvement Staff of the Office of Medical Services. The Medical Credentialing process includes queries of the American Nurses Association. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act.
To preview questions please click here.

BENEFITS:

You can review our benefits at: http://careers.state.gov/work/benefits

Health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave, and an unprecedented chance to see the world and experience different cultures. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas. Not all benefits are available to LNA positions. Student Loan Repayment and Language Incentive Pay (If language is a hiring prerequisite) programs are not included under the LNA program.

OTHER INFORMATION:

The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam

For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the FS Selection Process, please visit: http://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference-

No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all of its employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department at ReasonableAccommodations@state.gov as soon as practicable. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

HOW TO APPLY:

Steps to Apply:

1. Register on USAJOBS at www.usajobs.gov.


2. Create an online federal resume. Your online resume may be typed or you may cut and paste an existing resume into the space provided. Your resume must include your work history for the last 10 years or since completing formal education, whichever is the shorter period.


3. From the announcement, select the Apply Online button. This button will transfer you to Gateway to State.


4. Follow the instructions at Gateway to State and answer self-assessment questions for the specific job to which you are applying, complete the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest in the online application.


5. Your application is automatically saved as you proceed through it. You may interrupt your application process and return to it until you submit it. As specified in the announcement, upload or fax required or supporting materials.


6. As specified in the announcement, upload or fax required or supporting materials.

• For those uploading or faxing documents, multiple pages must be sent as a single document. Only the most recently uploaded documents will attach to your application and will replace previously uploaded documents.


• If faxing, you will be prompted to print out a fax coversheet once you have successfully completed your application. It is essential that you use this coversheet for all faxes, because it is bar-coded to link your fax to your application.


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  Complete, review, and submit.

  
  


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  After you complete and submit the above including attaching all required documents, this becomes your online application and will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this career.

  
  


• You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process and successfully upload or fax any required documentation outlined in this announcement.


• Application packages must be complete and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.


• You should submit your application early, and may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement. We strongly recommend that you go back into your application and verify that your documents are attached. Due to the volume of applications, fax lines can become jammed and documents may not successfully attach to your application on the final days/hours of the announcement.

If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm Eastern Time.

For more information on the FSS hiring processes, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs. If you have any questions regarding FS LNAs, please visit our Careers.State.Gov site and post your question(s) on the appropriate Forum in the Connect section: http://careers.state.gov/connect/forums

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is fully completed before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.

1. Completed online application which contains the completed required Accomplishment Questionnaire and Statement of Interest.


2. Transcripts or other educational documents for the requirements as stated in the Educational Requirements section.


3. Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted for the application process. It is essential that your transcript include your name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded. A transcript missing any of the key elements above will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will be ended.


4. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level.


5. Additional required documents such as certifications or professional licenses as stated in the Qualifications Required section.


6. Copy of all current professional licenses as a Registered Nurse in a state, a territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.


7. Current Professional Liability Insurance fact sheet.


8. Standard ECFMG certificate (if applicable).


9. Application Form, VA-10-2850A (Complete Items 1 through 17c and 30 through 39). This form can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs website: Application Form, VA-10-2850A. Upon completion you will need to save a copy to upload or print out and fax with the appropriate system generated fax sheet. (All documentation submitted under this vacancy announcement on the Veterans Affairs forms will be reviewed and verified by Department of State personnel only.)


10. If claiming a 5 pt. veteran’s preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214. If claiming a 10 pt. veteran’s preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214.

Accomplishments Questionnaire

The required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming an FSS. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. The information you give may be used in your oral assessment should you be invited and is an important factor in the competitive evaluation of applicants. Responses are limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters) for each item. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as an FSS is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

These items must be completed in the online application, not as attachment.

Clinical skills: Describe a specific complex clinical case which demonstrates your skills in diagnosing and treating patient mental health problems.

Crisis management skills: Describe an example in which your skills significantly contributed to the positive outcome of a complex or difficult clinical crisis situation.

Organizational skills: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary mental health team or practice.

Leadership and teamwork skills: Discuss your abilities to participate as a team member working toward a common goal, as well as examples of your ability to lead a team in the accomplishment of a goal.

Public speaking and teaching skills: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.

Statement of Interest

Required narrative Statement of Interest equivalent to two-to-three pages typed and no more than 5000 characters, which discusses your:

• Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,


• Comments about your work experience: Please include in your Statement special skills (e.g. computer), current licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position, and


• Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in U.S.
  
  The Statement of Interest must be completed inside the online application, not as an attachment.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Medical Services Office

Phone: 202-663-1084

Fax: 000-000-0000

Email: medhr@state.gov

Agency Information:

U.S. Department of State

2201 C St NW

SA-1 – Room L-216

Attn: MED PERSONNEL

Washington, DC, DC

20520

US

Fax: 000-000-0000

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once submitted, your application status on USAJobs will change from “received” to “referred to hiring agency only” after the close of the announcement. After the announcement’s closing date, all “referred” applicants will be notified via e-mail from the U.S. Department of State of the status of their applications.

Please note that the “referred” status on USAJobs will not be updated throughout the entire evaluation process.

Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.

We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.

Job Title: Foreign Service Registered Nurse – Limited Non Career Appointment (RNLNA)

Department: Department Of State

Agency: Department of State – Agency Wide

Control Number: 426271100

Job Announcement Number: RNLNA-2016-0001

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