CMG - 0610 Critical Maternal Management Guidelines

0610 - Nurse
0610 - Nurse
The guide for this occupational series is for informational/developmental purposes only. Please
note:
 This resource does not supersede any existing HHS policy;

 The information provided should not be used to evaluate individual job performance;
and
 The attainment of the specified knowledge, skills, experiences and training does not
automatically qualify you for promotion.
The guide is for the education of employees on available career opportunities available within
the Agency. It provides a means for exploring your professional options and to identify a career
path that best matches your specific needs and interests.
The Enterprise Workforce Development and Performance (EWDP) website at

http://www.ewdp.hhs.gov/ also provides guidance on the knowledge, skills, and work
experience that will prepare you for progression within your chosen career path.
A. INTRODUCTION
This series covers positions that require a professional knowledge of nursing. Incumbents
provide care to patients in hospitals, clinics, occupational health units, homes, schools and
communities. They administer anesthetic agents and supportive treatments to patients
undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. They promote better health practices; teach;
perform research in one or more phases of the field of nursing; or consult and advise nurses
who provide direct care to patients.
B. POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
The Nurse Series performs a range of duties according to grade level:
1. GS-0343-09, Nurse:
Performs primary care assessment, diagnosis, and implementation of treatment plans
according to authorized medical standing orders (MSO) and standardized medical
protocols for occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses. Referrals to
physicians are made when the scope of the diagnosis and treatment are beyond the
authorization of the MSO or realm of safe nursing practice.
Provides acute care services that include medical emergencies where the employee is
given the attention required to prevent loss of life or limb or to relieve suffering until he/she
can be transferred to a treatment facility. Treats minor injuries, offers first aid or palliative
treatment as needed. If this is a non-occupational injury, treatment is given to enable the
employee to complete his/her work shift before consulting with his/her physician.
Recognizes hazardous/toxic exposures and initiation of treatment and follow-up. These potential
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health hazards encompass a broad spectrum including: chemical, airborne, and

physical agents.
Works closely with building managers; advises them of unsafe or hazardous conditions.
Attempts are made to improve the situation.
Removes foreign bodies that may be embedded anywhere on the body. Initiates
treatment or referral and follow-up are done as indicated.
Provides primary nursing care for illnesses occurring in the workplace including: nursing,
assessment, diagnosis and implementation of treatment plan according to MSO and
standardized medical protocols of the occupational and non-occupational illness of
which the employee would not reasonably be expected to seek the attention of his/her
personal physician, or to enable the employee to complete his/her current work site
before consulting his/her personal physician.
Conducts the preliminary portion of all physical examinations completed in the main
occupational health unit that includes taking occupational, and medical histories. knowing
the physical requirements for specific jobs, performs the required vision tests and
audiograms, recognizes deficiencies, counsels the employee and calls this to the
examining physician's attention.
Performs the specialized health screening procedures audiograms, vision performance

tests, blood glucose levels, and cancer screenings. Plane, schedules employees and
supervisors for the phlebotomist with the contract laboratory, Interprets whether the
results are within normal limits, consults with the physician, and based on procedures,
makes appropriate recommendations to the employee.
Initiates appropriate laboratory tests and x-rays according to written protocols. This
determination is made from the occupational health history which indicates past and
present exposure. Examples of appropriate laboratory tests include: blood chemistries,
complete blood count, heavy metal screens, and chemical screens.
Reviews medical records and physical examinations for completeness and

accomplishment of appropriate follow-up and health teaching. The medical records are
maintained in accordance with quality assurance and Federal and local protocols.
Works in preventive health education programs and counseling aimed at prevention of

disease and promote health maintenance. This may include individual counseling to
promote and improve existing chronic health conditions: hypertension, diabetes, physical
fitness, or weight control. Makes physical assessments, and obtain medical histories
which may elicit new abnormal health conditions or concerns. Appropriate counseling
referral and follow-up are initiated by the OHN.
Provides services to pregnant employees and makes them aware of the services
available to them.
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Makes appropriate referrals to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Provision of

assistance to management and involved employees in resolution of conflicts by
appropriate referrals to the EAP. Counsels employees about potential hazardous/toxic
work exposures and how these may affect the employee.
Administers appropriate immunizations required for anti-flu campaigns

recognizing the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and initiation of appropriate
treatment.
Provides comprehensive nursing and preventive health care to individuals. Maintains

adequate supply of current information, available from community resources, i.e., American
Cancer Society; American Diabetes Association, etc.
Maintains an orderly health unit which includes reviewing medical records for
completeness and to make certain they are maintained in accordance with quality
assurance and protocols, keeping records to obtain occupational and non-occupational
statistics and epidemiological data, preparing and maintaining required reports such as
daily logs, monthly morbidity and occupational health reports, and semi-annual reports,
maintaining and safeguarding all health records, assigned professional and office
equipment, and health care facilities according-to appropriate guidelines and
protocols. Providing individual and group consultation and training of employees to
ensure the employee is aware of Federal and Departmental requirements related to
specific hazards or substances.
Educates and informs the employee regarding compliance and cooperation in job
related medical evaluations, participating in continuing medical and nursing education
programs.
Performs other duties as assigned that are directly related to this position.
2. GS-0343-11, Nurse:
Develops, and interprets health program policies relative to HHS programs such as nursing
home surveys, quality of care studies, coverage, eligibility, and payment issues and the
assessment of new medical technologies. Recommends guidelines and procedures for
determining whether patients are receiving reasonable and necessary services. Provides
recommendations regarding health issues on matters of importance, reflecting clinical services.
Provides clinical nursing and program perspectives in the assessment of the impact of legislative
and administrative proposals on existing payment safeguard activities and operations. Conducts
analytical studies and evaluates the effectiveness of policies by gathering, organizing, and
interpreting clinical data. Makes recommendations to HHS managers supported by facts and
background information.
Prepares issue papers, specifications for regulations, issuances, manuals, Reports to Congress,
and correspondence for assigned health policy area.
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Makes presentations at meetings and seminars with government and non-government officials
concerning health policies, projects, and data related to medical necessity and payment error
issues. Provides professional consultation to quality improvement staff within the Department.
Researches background information, the origin of laws, and the intended impact in order to
effectively interpret health care policies and provide recommendations and guidance for
recovery of overpayments, program abuse, and potential fraud cases. Applies various
implications of enforcing program requirements/policies and utilizes clinical judgment skills to
determine the viability and feasibility of large-scale recovery audits.
Collaborates with various HHS components and audit, claims processing, medical review, and
appeals contractors to ensure consistent and accurate implementation of program policy.
Interviews and screens eligible patients to establish whether they meet the criteria for entry
into approved protocols. Completes medical histories and comprehensive assessments, and
administers complex ratings and evaluations. Collects data, identifies clinical problems, and
processes research specimens. Evaluates the impact of research protocols on patients and
makes recommendations.
Works on committees to revise medical and administrative policies and procedures. Establishes
and maintains a system to implement new or revised clinical nurse regulations, guidelines,
policies, and procedures concerning the review, evaluation and disposition of clinical research
protocols.
Promotes working relationships with external agencies, community resources, and/or the
general public. Seeks sources for the referral and screening of prospective research subjects
and develops new patient recruitment initiatives. Provides clinical and administrative direction
of emergency patient management procedures, and works with bioethics and legal staff on
nursing-related issues.
Implements program outreach/recruitment initiatives. Reviews outreach/recruitment plans and

develop implementation strategies based on thorough review of program data, organizational
planning themes and initiatives, and needs of the organization. Reviews protocols and makes
specific suggestions regarding the target audiences, wording of print materials, and recruitment
strategies. Works with others in meetings for the purpose of developing recruitment plans for
protocols.
Works with staff physicians, members of the nursing staff and other individuals involved in
direct patient care to ensure that the requirements of research protocols are carried out;
contributes to overall team strategies, contributes ideas and suggestions for modifying and
improving methods or techniques; demonstrates comprehensive understanding of research
objectives.
Provides appropriate evaluation and management of treatment plans, suggests alternative

treatment regimens when appropriate, and is skilled in the use of emergency procedures.
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Recruits and screens new patients, assessing their eligibility for available clinical trials. Discusses
with patients and healthy volunteers and families the basis of clinical trials, roles of various
team members, roles and responsibilities of clinical trial subjects, protocol specifics and
anticipated schedule of events for trial subjects. Maintains contacts with physicians outside the
organization to recruit for patients and healthy volunteers.
Provides patient with pre-and post-procedure instructions and counseling; informs research
physician of observations, problems or health concerns relative to patient.
Interviews patients to obtain medical history, history of use of medication, previous related
symptoms and non-related diseases, documents all information and observations.
Assesses patients to determine the need for medical attention and orders special screening and
developmental tests and lab tests; provides specialized nursing care before, during and post-
procedure, keeping accurate records and informing physician of patient's status.
Reviews and interprets laboratory and other diagnostic test data and documents in patient
chart or record; actively participates in all clinical rounds and conferences; educates patients
and families about diseases, and identifies normal, abnormal findings on history, physical exam,
and lab studies.
Works with the development of new clinical research protocols providing expertise in
experimental design relevant to practical patient care.
Operates, maintains, and -calibrates specialized laboratory equipment maintaining a high level
of quality assurance; assists physician during research procedures.
Practices and enforces responsible safe clinical and laboratory practices; follows established
safety guidelines and disseminates safety standards to all staff.
Studies and evaluates literature related to laboratory clinical projects, incorporates new
techniques as they become available; participates in continuing education activities and
maintains necessary credentialing through required continuing education to maintain nursing
licensing.
3. GS-0343-12, Nurse:
Provides clinical nurse tasks for a specified patient population, within the state where work is
being performed and appropriately consulting medical staff colleagues. Assesses acute and
non-acute clinical problems and toxicities and recommends options to address the issues.
Performs and documents physical assessments and patient histories. Predicts and analyzes
trends in patient conditions and develops a patient management plan in response to the data
obtained. Documents in-depth progress notes and dictation summaries that become a part of
the case history. Communicates and collaborates with the multidisciplinary research team to
ensure that patient management strategies are successful in meeting patient care and/or
research needs.
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Independently provides patient and family counseling and health education, to a diverse and
complex patient population, with consideration of the patient’s learning needs, learning
readiness and impediments to the process. Serves as a patient advocate along with other
health care professionals. Collaborates with the patient, family and significant others in
developing plans that consider and respect the patient’s cultural background, level of
understanding, and available resources and support systems.
Comprehensive patient management services may include the following if appropriate: 1)

writing admission, transfer, and discharge orders; 2) ordering and interpreting appropriate
laboratory and diagnostic studies; 3) ordering appropriate medication and treatments; 4)
referring patients for consultation when indicated; 5) documentation through in-depth progress
notes and dictation summaries; 6) Provides skillful monitoring of patients for possible adverse
reactions to drugs or procedures that may require emergency treatment or revision of the
prescribed regimen; 7) Performs emergency management procedures on unstable patients
exercising sound judgment in initiating emergency measures and interpreting observations to
physicians.
Conducts patient care rounds and conferences. Presents patient cases and topics for patient
care conferences for the express purpose of improving patient and research processes and
outcomes. Provides specialty consultative services to colleagues in nursing, medicine and other
disciplines.
Works with medical team in designing and implementing specific protocols and manages
selected populations. May serve as an associate or principal investigator for specific protocols.
Collaborates with nursing colleagues in the development and implementation of nursing
research studies that validate standards of practice and delineate nursing care requirements.
Collaborates with other disciplines in obtaining and maintaining informed consent/assent.
Interviews and screens patients for entry onto protocols.
Provides consultation to the healthcare team related to implementation and evaluation of

specific protocols. Monitors and documents response to therapy and communicates findings to
principle investigators with recommendations for appropriate intervention. Analyzes data and
participates in the publishing and presentation of findings.
Acts as a preceptor to graduate students and nurse practitioners new to the organization.
Performs clinical practice peer review and develops multidisciplinary quality improvement
programs and projects. Collaborates with peers and other multidisciplinary team members to
analyze and evaluate current systems of health care delivery and to identify and implement
new practice patterns as appropriate.
Works in outside activities which enhance personal and professional growth and development.
Demonstrates expertise in data management and computer skills. Reviews patient’s charts to
collect relevant clinical data. Analyzes trends in patient responses. Recognizes patient issues
that demand physician’s immediate attention. Maintains and analyzes computerized data and
independently develops charts, graphs, and statistical analyses from clinical data. Directs and
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performs quality assurance and quality control activities as they relate to protocol adherence,
protocol monitoring, data collection, data abstraction and data analysis.
4. GS-0343-13, Nurse:
Provides independent diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic nursing and medical services for
patients of varying complexity and advanced nature utilizing advanced clinical and analytical
skills.
Makes a diagnosis by: utilizing critical thinking in the diagnostic process; synthesizing and
analyzing the collected data; formulating a differential diagnosis based on the history, physical
examination, and diagnostic test results; establishes priorities to meet the health and medical
needs of the individual, family, or community.
Utilizes national standards of care and nationally accepted clinical guidelines within an
evidence-based framework for managing patient care. Provides comprehensive patient
management services which may include the following if appropriate: 1) writing admission,
transfer, and discharge orders; 2) documenting patient histories; 3) ordering appropriate
laboratory, radiologic and other tests and procedures necessary for patient assessment and
diagnosis; 4) ordering appropriate medication and treatments; 5) obtaining necessary clinical
consultation when indicated; 6) documenting through in-depth progress notes and dictation
summaries; 7) providing skillful monitoring of patients for possible adverse reactions to drugs or
procedures that may require emergency treatment or revision of the prescribed regimen; 8)
performing emergency management procedures on unstable patients; 9) exercising sound
judgment in initiating emergency measures and interpreting observations to physicians; 10)
predicts and analyzes trends in patient conditions and develops a patient management plan in
response to the data obtained; 11) communicates and collaborates with the multidisciplinary
team to ensure that patient management strategies are successful in meeting patient care
and/or research needs; 12) exercises responsibility and accountability for health promotion and
patient education.
Maintains a process for systematic follow-up by; determining the effectiveness of the treatment
plan with documentation of patient care outcomes, reassigns and modifies the plan with the
patient and family as necessary to achieve health and medical goals. Together with the patient
and family, establishes evidence based, mutually acceptable, cost-effective plan of care that
maximizes health potential. .
Counsels patients and families in health education, for a diverse and complex patient
population, with consideration of the patient’s learning needs, learning readiness and
impediments to the process. Serves as a patient advocate along with other health care
professionals. Collaborates with the patient, family and significant others in developing plans
that consider and respect the patient’s cultural background, level of understanding, and
available resources and support systems.
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Acts as a preceptor to graduate students and nurse practitioners new to the organization.
Performs clinical practice peer review and develops multidisciplinary quality improvement
programs and projects. Collaborates with peers and other multidisciplinary team members to
analyze and evaluate current systems of health care delivery and to identify and implement
new practice patterns as appropriate. Works in outside activities which enhance personal and
professional growth and development.
Demonstrates expertise in data management and computer skills. Reviews patient’s charts to
collect relevant clinical data. Analyzes trends in patient responses. Recognizes patient issues
that demand physician’s immediate attention. Maintains and analyzes computerized data and
independently develops charts, graphs, and statistical analyses from clinical data. Directs and
performs quality assurance and quality control activities as they relate to protocol adherence,
protocol monitoring, data collection, data abstraction and data analysis.
C. SUCCESS FACTORS
Success factors provide guidance on how you may maximize performance and career success as
you progress through career stages in Nursing. These success factors represent advice from
subject matter experts based on their experience in the Nursing field. Note that many of the
success factors indicated in this Guide do not tie to any particular specialty area or grade level.
Also, these statements do not tie to any specific competency or developmental experience.
After reading through the success factors, you should seek clarification from your supervisor on
how best to implement some of the suggestions:
 Actively participate on a team.

 Volunteer to participate in a highly visible project.
 Learn about the agency where you work.
 Learn new technologies (e.g., through self-study, seminars).
 Study technical writing as it applies to your work role.
 Attend conferences, meetings, or seminars.
 Join an industry or professional association.
 Read technical publications to keep up-to-date on new development in your field (e.g.,
books, professional newsletters, trade journals).
 Build an informal network of peers through which you can exchange ideas and discuss
issues relevant to technical advances in your field.
 Learn from others on the job (e.g., obtain on-the-job training, ask others for guidance).
 Find a mentor for technical and/or career guidance.
 Study lessons learned from reviews of failed and successful projects.
 Work with your supervisor and assist with the development of an Individual
Development Plan.
 Actively participate on a team such as with other co-workers or internal focus groups, to
assist in accomplishing projects or in ensuring the success of the projects goals.
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D. POTENTIAL CAREER MAP

The following pyramid graphic shows a bird’s eye view of how an individual’s career path
progresses potentially upward in grade and proficiency stage levels in the Nurse series, GS-
0610. The GS Grade Levels are 9, 11, 12; 13. The Proficiency Levels are Intermediate,
Intermediate to Advance, Advance to Expert; Expert.
*A supervisory role may start at a GS-12 or 13 grades. To determine if you are in a

management or supervisor role review the position description.
GS Grade and Proficiency Levels Key: 9 = Intermediate, 11= Intermediate to Advance, 12 =

Advance; 13 = Expert
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E. PROFICIENCY LEVEL DISTINCTIONS FOR BASELINE COMPETENCIES

Proficiency Level Baseline Competencies
5 = Expert  Applies the competency in

exceptionally difficult situations.
 Serves as a key resource and advises
others
4 = Advanced  Applies the competency in

considerably difficult situations.
 Generally requires little or no guidance
3 = Intermediate  Applies the competency in difficult

situations.
 Requires occasional guidance.
2 = Basic  Applies the competency in somewhat

difficult situations.
 Requires frequent guidance.
1 = Awareness  Applies the competency in the

simplest situations.
 Requires close and extensive
guidance.
Table 1: Proficiency Level Distinctions for Baseline Competencies
F. BASELINE COMPETENCIES BY GRADE LEVEL

BASELINE COMPETENCIES GS-7 GS-9 GS-11 GS-12 GS-13
Clinical Knowledge and Skills N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Collaboration and Partnering N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Leveraging Technology N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Communication N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Data Analysis and Interpretation N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Organizational Awareness N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Mentoring N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Honesty 5 5 5 5 5
Planning and Prioritization N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Public Health Knowledge N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Results Orientation N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Customer Service N/A 3 3-4 4 5
Table 2: Baseline Competency Information
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1.Clinical Knowledge and Skills- Maintains basic level of biomedical/scientific knowledge and
understanding of areas of research conducted and/or supported by the organization.
Professional Levels Key Behaviors
All Levels  Possesses knowledge of biomedical/scientific fields

 Understands areas of research conducted and/or supported by
the organization
1=Awareness Occasionally demonstrates clinical knowledge and skills, but may avoid
or miss opportunities
2=Basic Sometimes displays proficiency with clinical knowledge and skills
3=Intermediate Normally exhibits strong clinical knowledge and skills
4=Advanced Normally ensures that clinical knowledge and skills is at the forefront of
all work activity
5=Expert Models, leads, trains, and motivates multiple levels of personnel to be

excellent in clinical knowledge and skills
Table 3: Clinical Knowledge and Skills
Proficiency Levels by Grade

Grade Level GS-7 GS-9 GS-11 GS-12 GS-13
Proficiency Scale N/A 3 3-4 4 5

Table 4: Proficiency Levels by Grade
2. Collaboration and Partnering – Is open to working with others, forming strategic

alliances/partnerships, and learning from their experience.
All Levels  Develops networks and builds alliances Supports new ideas,
systems, and procedures
 Collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships
and achieve common goals.
1=Awareness Occasionally is open to partnerships; may avoid or miss opportunities to

form new partnerships or alliances
2=Basic Sometimes is open to partnering, takes steps to understand reasons for

partnerships
3=Intermediate Normally operates well with newly formed alliances and partnerships
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4=Advanced Usually ensures that regular partnering occurs based on the needs of the
project or individual, listens well

excellent in partnering and working with others
Table 5: Collaboration and Partnering


3. Leveraging Technology– Demonstrates a depth of judgment, knowledge and technical skill

important for the position.
All Levels  Applies knowledge of basic techniques and concept

 Uses good judgment to handle basic issues and problems
 Keeps informed about the technical field
 Acquires and applies new skills as necessary to keep current in
field
 Tracks new advances and cutting-edge developments in the
technical field
 Acts as a technical resource and transfers the most current
knowledge and skills to others
 Exercises excellent judgment in all aspects of the execution of job
duties
 Modifies and creates new methods and techniques in response to
changing technology
1=Awareness Occasionally leverages technology appropriately; may avoid or miss

opportunities to successfully make use of existing technologies
2=Basic Sometimes is adept at leveraging technology
3=Intermediate Normally leverages technology sufficiently and makes of resources that

are available
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations is able to leverage the technologies
available to deliver the best products
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excellent in leveraging technology
Table 7: Leveraging Technology


4. Communication – Delivers clear, effective communication and takes responsibility for

understanding others.
All Levels  Organizes and expresses ideas clearly orally and in writing
 Keeps manager and others informed of the status of projects and
activities
 Ensures that regular communication occurs based on the needs of
the project or the individual
 Clarifies the meaning and intent of others’ communication when
it is unclear
1=Awareness Occasionally is attentive to communication, but may avoid or miss

opportunities to deliver effective communication or take responsibility to
understand others.
2=Basic Sometimes uses appropriate grammar and choice of words, organizes

and expresses ideas clearly, and keeps others informed of the status of
projects.
3=Intermediate Normally ensures that regular communication occurs based on the needs
of the project or individual, listens well, clarifies the intent of others’
communication, tailors communication to the level of the audience, and
utilizes creative methods such as analogies and visuals to communicate
complex ideas.
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that regular communication
occurs based on the needs of the project or individual, listens well,
clarifies the intent of others’ communication, tailors communication to
the level of the audience, and identifies creative methods such as
analogies and visuals to communicate complex ideas
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excellent in attention to communication
Table 9: Communication

5. Data Analysis and Interpretation– Analyzes data effectively to manage and achieve results.
All Levels Analyzes charts, graphs, and other data in order to make
comparisons and draw conclusions
 Establishes budgets based on the historical data of an
individual or department’s past performance
 Uses established financial models for analyzing quantitative
data
 Uses quantitative data to make daily decisions and monitor
business performance
 Uses marketplace and industry resources to track the
performance of competitors and industry trends
 Identifies key performance issues and establishes cause and
effect relationships to solve complex financial problems for
the business
 Makes necessary decisions with incomplete, conflicting, or
ambiguous quantitative data
 Understands the implications of quantitative data on overall
business performance and makes recommendations
1=Awareness Occasionally is attentive to communication, but may avoid or miss
opportunities to deliver effective communication or take responsibility to
understand others.
2=Basic Sometimes uses appropriate grammar and choice of words, organizes

and expresses ideas clearly, and keeps others informed of the status of
projects.
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3=Intermediate Normally ensures that regular communication occurs based on the needs
of the project or individual, listens well, clarifies the intent of others’
communication, tailors communication to the level of the audience, and
utilizes creative methods such as analogies and visuals to communicate
complex ideas.
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that regular communication
occurs based on the needs of the project or individual, listens well,
clarifies the intent of others’ communication, tailors communication to
the level of the audience, and identifies creative methods such as
analogies and visuals to communicate complex ideas

excellent in attention to communication
Table 11: Data Analysis and Interpretation


6. Organizational Awareness - Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its
social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this
includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
All Levels  Knowledge of key roles and responsibilities across organizational

functions
 Makes major recommendations concerning significant internal
and external policy issues
1=Awareness Occasionally demonstrates organizational awareness, but may avoid or

miss opportunities
2=Basic Sometimes exhibits traits that are indicative of an organizationally aware

personality
3=Intermediate Normally exhibits a strong sense of organizational awareness, proficient

with basic features of the organization.
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4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, exhibits a solid sense of

organizational awareness, thus is deeply knowledgeable regarding the
organization’s mission and function.

excellent in organizational awareness
Table 13: Organizational Awareness


7. Mentoring – Mentoring includes participating in discussions with colleagues and peers in

areas of expertise to aid in professional development.
All Levels  Take the initiative to identify those who need mentoring.
 Participate in formal meetings with colleagues, peers, and
subordinates.
 Mentor others on professional development.
1=Awareness Occasionally is attentive to mentoring for the good of the organization
but may avoid or miss key details
2=Basic Sometimes uses mentoring to effectively accomplish organizational goals

and assist colleagues
3=Intermediate Normally ensures that mentoring is utilized to achieve the desired results
of the organization
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that mentoring is effectively
employed

highly proficient in mentoring and helping others
Table 15: Mentoring
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8. Planning and Prioritization – Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource
requirements
All Levels  Determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve

them;
 Coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization
to accomplish goals;
 Monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
1=Awareness Occasionally is attentive to planning and evaluating but may avoid or
miss opportunities to perform the necessary work when applicable
2=Basic Sometimes uses planning and evaluating skills to perform work
3=Intermediate Normally ensures that planning and evaluating is solid and the skills are
employed to properly perform job duties
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that planning and evaluating
techniques are fully utilized

excellent in planning and evaluating
Table 17: Planning and Prioritization

9. Public Health Knowledge – Includes knowledge of different approaches to improving

population- or individual-based health.
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All Levels  Describe types of health promotion, disease and injury prevention,
behavioral and social interventions, control programs, and policies.
 Describe relevant government partners (e.g., international, federal,
state, local, tribal, and territorial) to implement interventions and
policies.
 Describe non-government (e.g., private, non-profit, and academic)
entities used to implement interventions and policies.
 Discuss health status of populations.
 Identify likely determinants of health and illness.
 Identify factors contributing to the success or failure of health
promotion and disease prevention.


of the organization
employed

Table 19: Public Health Knowledge


10. Public Health Knowledge - Includes the ability to use scientific information and engage
policy makers at all levels.
All Levels  Includes the ability to use scientific information and engage policy
makers at all levels.
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1=Awareness Occasionally is in tune with ethics indicative of high integrity and

honesty, but may avoid or miss opportunities
2=Basic Sometimes employs integrity/honesty to further the organization’s goals
3=Intermediate Normally ensures that all actions are imbued with integrity and honesty;
results occurs based on the needs of the project or individual
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that information is

gathered, organized, analyzed

excellent in information management


11. Flexibility – Responds quickly to change and easily considers new approaches.
All Levels  Is open to new ideas, perspectives, structures, strategies, or

positions.
 Supports new ideas, systems, and procedures.
 Takes steps to understand reasons for change in environment or
tasks.
 Promptly switches strategies or tactics if the current ones are not
working.
 Maintains work efficiency and responds positively to a changing
environment.
 Responds immediately to changing situations by coming up with
creative ideas and actions.
 Is willing to reconsider even the most strongly held ideas.
 Operates well in situations when the consequences of decisions and
actions are unclear.
1=Awareness Occasionally solves problems effectively and efficiently, but often fails to
do so because key steps in the problem solving process are not done well
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2=Basic Sometimes breaks down problems into their fundamental parts,

identifies their root causes, analyzes costs, benefits, risks, and chances
for success of potential solutions, and creatively attacks problems in
ways that lead to innovative solutions.
3=Intermediate Often breaks down problems into their fundamental parts, identifies
their root causes, analyzes costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success
of potential solutions, and creatively attacks problems in ways that lead
to innovative solutions.
4=Advanced Even in the most complex situations, breaks down problems into their
fundamental parts, identifies their root causes, analyzes costs, benefits,
risks, and chances for success of potential solutions, and creatively
attacks problems in ways that lead to innovative solutions.

excellent at problem solving.
Table 23: Flexibility

12. Customer Service – Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or
receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public,
individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government)
to assess their needs.
All Levels  Provide information or assistance

 Resolve their problems
 Satisfy expectations
 Knows about available products and services
 Committed to providing quality products and services
1=Awareness Occasionally is attentive to the needs of the customers and colleagues
but may avoid or miss opportunities to perform the necessary work
when applicable
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2=Basic Sometimes uses customer service skills to perform work
3=Intermediate Normally ensures that customer service is solid and the skills are
employed to properly perform job duties
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that customer service is
employed

excellent in providing customer service
Table 25: Customer Service


13. Mentoring – Mentoring includes participating in discussions with colleagues and peers in
areas of expertise to aid in professional development.
All Levels  Take the initiative to identify those who need mentoring.
 Participate in formal meetings with colleagues, peers, and
subordinates.
 Mentor others on professional development

of the organization
employed

Table 27: Mentoring
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14. Honesty – Infused with principles and ethics that are valued by the organization.
All Levels  Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization;

 displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the
impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and
others;
 is trustworthy.
1=Awareness Occasionally is in tune with ethics indicative of high integrity and

honesty, but may avoid or miss opportunities
2=Basic Sometimes employs integrity/honesty to further the organization’s goals
3=Intermediate Normally ensures that all actions are imbued with integrity and honesty;
results occurs based on the needs of the project or individual
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that honesty is at the
forefront of all work-related activity

excellent in honesty and integrity
Table 29: Honesty

Proficiency Scale 5 5 5 5 5
15. Public Health Knowledge – Includes knowledge of different approaches to improving

population- or individual-based health.
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All Levels  Describe types of health promotion, disease and injury

prevention, behavioral and social interventions, control
programs, and policies.
 Describe relevant government partners (e.g., international,
federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial) to implement
interventions and policies.
 Describe non-government (e.g., private, non-profit, and
academic) entities used to implement interventions and
policies.
 Discuss health status of populations.
 Identify likely determinants of health and illness.
 Identify factors contributing to the success or failure of health
promotion and disease prevention.
1=Awareness Occasionally is attentive to public health for the good of the organization
2=Basic Sometimes uses public health to effectively accomplish organizational

goals and assist colleagues
3=Intermediate Normally ensures that public health is utilized to achieve the desired
results of the organization
4=Advanced Even in the most difficult situations, ensures that public health is
effectively employed

highly proficient in public health and helping others


16. Results Oriented - Focuses on desired results and sets and achieves challenging goals.
All Levels  Sets and achieves challenging goals

 Focuses on desired results
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1=Awareness Occasionally demonstrates strong results orientation skills
2=Basic Sometimes displays strong results orientation skills
3=Intermediate Normally sets and achieves challenging goals
4=Advanced Normally ensures that results orientation is a priority

excellent in results orientation
Table 33: Results Oriented


G. BASELINE JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PROFICIENCY DEMONSTRATIONS,

BY GRADE
1. GS-0610-07, Nurse
a) Baseline Job Requirements

Professional skills and knowledge of established concepts, principles and practices to
perform professional nursing assignments of moderate difficulty requiring training
equivalent to a bachelor's degree. Additional training or experience in assessing the
conditions of patients, in providing nursing care, and in advising on health care needs, with
consideration of mental, emotional, cultural, social and physical factors.
b) Proficiency Demonstrations
Work consists of several sequential procedures. Factors and conditions requiring
consideration are readily apparent or explained in advance. Variations within each kind of
assignment are limited and are intended to provide professional growth. There are slight
differences in the work. Nurse assignments involve the use of knowledge, skills and
judgment in performing complex functions that differ by patients. Must recognize and
respond appropriately to deviations from normal. The work involves identifying and
analyzing conditions.
c) Education Requirements
Completion of a professional nursing program
OR
1 full year of graduate education or bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement
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2. GS-0610-09, Nurse

Professional skills and knowledge of established concepts, principles and practices to
perform professional nursing assignments of moderate difficulty requiring training
equivalent to a bachelor's degree. Additional training or experience in assessing the
conditions of patients, in providing nursing care, and in advising on health care needs, with
(1) Community Health Nurse

At this grade level, knowledge of:
 Nursing concepts, principles, and practices to perform professional nursing
assignment of moderate difficulty to assess the condition of patients, in
providing nursing care and in advising on health care needs, all with full
 Established and up-to-date professional nursing, public health
nursing, and public health theories, principles, practices, and
procedures required to provide nursing services in clinics, homes,
schools, and community environments.
 Physical assessment, disease process and appropriate interventions,
including knowledge of age-specific aspects of care.
 Proper practice and procedures in emergency situations including
the implementation of life-saving procedures.
 Human behavior enabling incumbent to provide counseling, guidance,
and health instruction in order to create and maintain a positive
healing experience for both patients and their families.
 Public health principles, including population-based services,
evidence-based services, prevention, and community assessment; the
availability and use of community resources utilized in public health nursing;
and knowledge of regulatory agencies and documentation
requirements.
 Various cultural customs of different ethnic groups and the ability to
incorporate and appreciate their effects on the delivery of health care.
 Current computer software applications, including: Word processing,
spreadsheets, electronic documentation, and computerized health
records.
At this grade level, this position requires the ability to:

 Treat chronic health problems such as hypertension and diabetes in
clinic or home environments. Take medical histories, conduct physical
examinations, and communicate results of laboratory tests.
 Provide preventive care to healthy individuals including guidance in
nutrition, common illnesses, child growth and development.
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Occupational Health Nurse

 Basic knowledge of the concepts and principles of both occupational
nursing and medical procedures and practices and Federal policies and
procedures as they relate to areas of responsibility.
 Certification and state licensure as a Registered Nurse is required.
 Professional knowledge in a wide range of occupational health, health
hazards, and environmental health concepts, procedure, and
practices through education, training, and experience.
 Ability to apply technical analytical occupational health nursing
knowledge to work assignments.
(2) Proficiency Demonstrations

Nurse Assignments involve the use of knowledge, skills and judgment in performing
complex functions that differ with the needs of the patient. Nurses must recognize and
respond appropriately to deviations from normal. The work involves identifying and
analyzing conditions.
Community Health Nurse

The position provides the patient with an understanding of nursing and public
health nursing principles involved. Recognizes patient and family psychological
reactions to an altered physical and emotional state and provides for
continuing support. The work covers a range of nursing services from
assessment through counseling, teaching and treating minor illnesses. It
requires the application of nursing and public health practice, service, and
education along with an understanding of the inter-relationship of these
elements. Gathering, analysis, and interpretation of complex data and
application of numerous and diverse methods and processes applied to
a broad range of situations affecting the patients and families.

The work consists of wide range of duties involving difficult occupational health
processes, methods, and procedures. The duties of the incumbent involve the
differing needs of employees (patients), managers, and/or supervisors:
all of which must be taken into account when coordinating and providing
occupational health care.
b) Education Requirements
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's or equivalent
degree.
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3. GS-0610-11, Nurse

Professional knowledge of a wide range of nursing concepts, principles, and practices to
perform highly specialized nursing assignments of advanced nature and considerable
difficulty requiring extended specialized training and experience.

At this grade level, this position requires knowledge of:
 Established and up-to-date professional nursing, public health
nursing, and public health theories, principles, practices, and
procedures required to provide nursing services in clinics, homes,
schools, and community environments.
 Physical assessment, disease process and appropriate interventions,
including knowledge of age-specific aspects of care; knowledge of
proper practice and procedures in emergency situations including the
implementation of life-saving procedures; and knowledge of and ability to
treat chronic health problems such as hypertension and diabetes in clinic
or home environments.
 Human behavior enabling incumbent to provide counseling, guidance,
and health instruction in order to create and maintain a positive healing
experience for both patients and their families
 Nursing and public health practice, service, and education along with an
understanding of the inter-relationship of these elements.
 Public health principles, including population-based services,
evidence-based services, prevention, and community assessment; the
availability and use of community resources utilized in public health nursing;
and knowledge of regulatory agencies and documentation requirements.
 Current research methods in order to conduct epidemiological surveys,
field investigations, and research studies, including knowledge of
statistical and research methods.
 Hospital policies and procedures relating to infection control.
 The pharmacology of various medications and their therapeutic and adverse
reactions
 Various cultural customs of different ethnic groups and the ability to
incorporate and appreciate their effects on the delivery of health care.
 Current computer software applications, including: Word processing,
spreadsheets, electronic documentation, and computerized health
records.
At this grade level, this position requires the ability to:

 Take medical histories, conducts physical examinations, and communicate
results of laboratory tests
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 Provide preventive care to healthy individuals including guidance in

nutrition, common illnesses, child growth and development
 Certification and State licensure as a Registered Nurse is required.

 Knowledge of the concepts and principles of both occupational nursing
and medical procedures and practices and Federal policies and
procedures as they relate to areas of responsibility.
 Certification and state licensure as a Registered Nurse is required.
 Professional knowledge in a wide range of occupational health, health
hazards, and environmental health concepts, procedure, and
practices through education, training, and experience.
 Ability to apply technical analytical occupational health nursing
knowledge to work assignments, regardless of level of difficulty.
(2) Nurse Consultant

 Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and processes applicable to the
administration of the HHS health programs.
 The application of a wide range of analytical and evaluation methods and
techniques for the assessment and improvement of clinical program efficiency
and effectiveness.
 Project management and program/administrative analyses, including developing
a range of proposals for addressing challenging program issues and developing
viable solutions to complex problems.
 Skill in coordinating, developing, evaluating, and implementing
recommendations for improving or modifying clinical aspects of the medical
review program. A qualified Registered Nurse is required.
At this grade level, this position requires these skills:

 Planning, organizing, and coordinating projects and other activities associated
with error rate initiatives to include developing solutions and alternatives to
program vulnerabilities.
 A high degree of tact and diplomacy in resolving problems and gaining
acceptance and cooperation of others.
 Presenting recommendations and clinical conclusions based on sound analysis
and evaluation in the form or manner most useful to operating or management
officials.
 Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with, and gaining
the cooperation of managers and co-workers, and individuals outside the
Government, on complex or controversial clinical issues related to preventing
improper payments.
 Effective negotiation and communication, both oral and in written.
(3) Nurse Practitioner
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 A wide range of nursing concepts, principles, and practices to perform highly
specialized nursing assignments of advanced nature and considerable difficulty
requiring extended specialized training and experience. The scientific process
including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of complex and
subtle patient needs and interventions.
 Currently accepted and state of the art nursing, medical, and research practice to
a specific patient population.
 Current path physiology and/or psychopathology, diagnostic evaluation
procedures, therapeutic modalities including pharmacokinetics, nursing
management, and rehabilitative processes in the areas of specialization.
 Patient teaching/learning principles in relation to self-care, illness, intervention
and research. Knowledge of scientific principles and foundations of theory based
nursing practice and advanced nursing practice.
 Relevant ethical and legal aspects of the nurse practitioner’s role in providing
healthcare to patients in a research environment.
 The research process, the importance of adherence to protocols, and the
accuracy needed in collection and documentation of research data. Ability to
manage and operate current medical technology used in direct patient care.

 Communicate orally with patients to provide nursing care and information on
procedures; counsel patients on physical and emotional health problems; and
exchange, provide and obtain information using great tact and sensitivity.
 Communicate effectively in writing to prepare abstracts, manuscripts, major
presentations and other types of professional writing with minimal assistance.
 Use of information technology associated with patient care, research
information management and professional publishing.
(4) Nurse Specialist

requiring extended specialized training and experience. A Registered Nurse is
required.
 The scientific process including assessment, planning, implementation and
evaluation of complex and subtle patient needs and interventions.
 Relevant ethical and legal aspects of the nurse’s role in providing healthcare to
patients in a research environment.
accuracy needed in collection and documentation of research data.
 Current therapeutic approaches used in various treatment regimens. Ability to
apply this knowledge in order to avoid potential adverse reactions, recognizes
and interprets untoward effects, and applies appropriate interventions.
29 DHHS
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 Use of information technology associated with patient care and research
information management.
The nurse performs independent assignments. The assessment of patient conditions
includes, for example, interpreting physical examination and laboratory reports, developing
nursing plans and evaluating need for improved health care. The work requires making
decisions concerning the implementation of data, planning and refining methods.

The position provides comprehensive and complex public health nursing care,
focusing on the patient as a whole. Recognizes patient and family
psychological reactions to an altered physical and emotional state and provides
for continuing support. The work covers a range of nursing services from
assessment through counseling, teaching and treating minor illnesses. Work
includes the gathering, analysis, and interpretation of complex data and
application of numerous and diverse methods and processes applied to
a broad range of situations affecting the patients and families. Makes
judgments related to assignments, workload coverage, and nursing
interventions. Teaches less experienced staff to provide competent care
and organize work. Works with the community in planning, developing and
evaluating their local health care system.
(2) Occupational Health Nurse

The work consists of wide range of duties involving independent and difficult
occupational health processes, methods, and procedures. The duties of the
incumbent are aimed toward the accomplishment of occupational health care
objectives. It considers the differing needs of employees (patients),
managers, and/or supervisors: all of which must be taken into account
when coordinating and providing occupational health care.

Assignments require the ability to conduct studies of an extensive range of subjects
which are may be clinically diversified. Typical assignments require developing detailed
plans, goals, and objectives which support the long-range implementation and
administration of major segments of the programs administered by the Agency.
Decisions about planning, organizing, and conducting projects are often complicated by
conflicting program goals and objectives which may occur due to changes in legislation,
policy, and program demands. The incumbent recommends to various levels of
30 DHHS
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management new approaches designed to effect desirable changes in health care

administration and operation.

includes, for example, interpreting physical examination and laboratory reports,
developing nursing plans and evaluating need for improved health care. The work
requires making decisions concerning the implementation of data, planning and refining
methods.

The work includes varied duties requiring many different and unrelated processes and
methods applied to a broad range of activities or substantial depth of analysis.
Decisions are made in consultation with higher graded nurses or medical staff. This may
include major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, or interpretation and
evaluation processes resulting from such elements as continuing changes in nursing
programs, technological developments in the nursing or medical field, unknown
phenomena, or conflicting requirements.
Completion of all requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) or 3 full years of
progressively higher level graduate education
4. GS-0610-12 Nurse
a) Baseline Job Requirement

Professional knowledge of a wide range of nursing concepts, principles, and practices to
perform highly specialized nursing assignments of advanced nature and considerable
difficulty requiring extended specialized training and experience.

At this grade level, this position requires in-depth knowledge of:
 The principles and theories of clinical practice and health care services delivery.
A registered nursing license is required.
 The scientific process as applied to individuals and groups of patients
participating in biomedical research.
 Relevant ethical and legal aspects of nursing care and clinical trials.
 The research process, the mechanics of protocol development, implementation,
evaluation and dissemination of findings, interpretation and recommendations.
 Protocol management, project and program management
 The application of a wide range of analytical and evaluation methods and
techniques for the assessment and improvement of program efficiency and
effectiveness.
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 Project management and program/administrative analyses, including developing

a range of proposals for addressing challenging program issues and developing
viable solutions to complex problems.

 Planning, organizing, and coordinating projects and other activities associated
with initiatives to include developing solutions and alternatives to program
vulnerabilities and exercise a high degree of tact and diplomacy in resolving
problems and gaining acceptance and cooperation of others.
 Presenting recommendations and clinical conclusions based on sound analysis
and evaluation in the form or manner most useful to operating or management
officials.
 Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with, and gaining
the cooperation of managers and co-workers, and individuals outside the
Government, on complex or controversial clinical issues related to recovery
audits.
 Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
 Coordinating, developing, evaluating, and implementing recommendations for
improving or modifying program recovery operations
 Negotiating and resolving conflicting clinical/recovery audit operational issues.

requiring extended specialized training and experience. State licensure as a
Registered Nurse is required.
 Currently accepted and state of the art nursing, medical, and research practice to
a specific patient population.
 Current physiology and/or psychopathology, diagnostic evaluation procedures,
therapeutic modalities including pharmacokinetics, nursing management, and
rehabilitative processes in the areas of specialization.
and research.
 Scientific principles and foundations of theory based nursing practice and
advanced nursing practice.

 To manage and operate current medical technology used in direct patient care.
32 DHHS
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 Use of information technology associated with patient care, research
information management and professional publishing.

requiring extended specialized training and experience. A Registered Nurse
license is required.
 Relevant ethical and legal aspects of the nurse’s role in providing healthcare to
patients in a research environment.
 Manage and operate current medical technology used in direct patient care.
 Current therapeutic approaches used in various treatment regimens. Ability to
apply this knowledge in order to avoid potential adverse reactions, recognize
and interpret untoward effects, and apply appropriate interventions.

 Use of information technology associated with patient care and research
information management.
includes interpreting physical examination and laboratory reports, developing nursing plans
and evaluating need for improved health care. The work requires making decisions
concerning the implementation of data, planning and refining methods. The work includes
varied duties requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods applied to a
broad range of activities or substantial depth of analysis. Decisions include major areas of
uncertainty in approach, methodology, or interpretation and evaluation processes resulting
from such elements as continuing changes in nursing programs, technological
33 DHHS
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developments in the nursing or medical field, unknown phenomena, or conflicting

requirements. The work requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or
developing new information.

Typical assignments may include developing, evaluating, and implementing heath care
coverage and/or payment policies. The ability to analyze the clinical aspects of health
care and project the impact upon the Medicare program is a complexity factor. The
incumbent must think logically and have knowledge of clinical issues and requirements
relative to pertinent subject areas. Typical assignments require the incumbent to utilize
nursing expertise to develop detailed plans, goals, and objectives which support the
long-range implementation and administration of major segments of the programs
administered by the Agency. Decisions about planning, organizing, and conducting
studies and projects are often complicated by conflicting program goals and objectives
which may occur due to changes in legislation, policy, and program demands. The nurse
consultant recommends new approaches designed to effect desirable changes in health
care delivery and administration to various levels of management.

methods. The incumbent functions in a complex and dynamic system and in a highly
specialized area of nursing practice utilizing extensive cognitive abilities, judgment,
decision making capabilities and clinical expertise. The incumbent utilizes considerable
judgment, knowledge and skill in performing complex patient care functions. This
involves identifying, evaluating, analyzing and interpreting patient’s conditions and
making alterations in treatment and diagnostic regimens. Patients may have unique
emotional and physical disorders and are participants in sophisticated and intricate
research protocols.

methods applied to a broad range of activities or substantial depth of analysis.
Decisions regarding what needs to be done include major areas of uncertainty in
approach, methodology, or interpretation and evaluation processes resulting from such
elements as continuing changes in nursing programs, technological developments in the
nursing or medical field, unknown phenomena, or conflicting requirements. The work
requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new
information.
34 DHHS
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progressively higher level graduate education.
5. GS-0610-13 Nurse
Mastery of nursing to apply experimental theories and new developments to the solution of
complex health care problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods; or to
make decisions or recommendations significantly changing, or developing, important public
policies or programs; or equivalent knowledge and skill.

 The principles and theories of nurse practices and health care services and their
delivery. A registered nurse license is required.
 The laws and regulations governing HHS programs, as well as a fundamental
knowledge of health program policy background material.

 Analyze critical clinical issues and recommend solutions, identifying all possible
variables.
 Assume a leadership role in the planning and execution of a wide variety of
projects and to make authoritative decisions requiring considerable technical
and administrative judgment.
 Analyze, develop, and clearly express complex clinical issues both orally and in
writing.
 Negotiate effectively with Government and/or private sector officials on a wide
range of complex and sensitive issues. The incumbent must possess and utilize
extreme integrity when performing these duties.

 Management of increasingly complex patients. A Registered Nurse is required.
 Identifying gaps in care, including access to care, and acts to address those gaps
to include establishing school based clinics, telemedicine clinics and specialty
clinics in remote communities.
 Identifying factors that adversely impact health status and are not susceptible to
treatment by accepted methods. Examples include nurse led initiatives
addressing interpersonal, gender violence and sexual assault on vulnerable
populations, complex historical trauma, community suicide clusters, and
substance abuse.
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 As clinical experts, nurse practitioners work with tribal, state and federal entities
to develop common policies, standards of practice, best practices and or other
methods to improve the health of patients.
 Currently accepted and state of the science of nursing, medical, and research
practice to a specific patient population.
 Current physiology and/or psychopathology, diagnostic evaluation procedures,
therapeutic modalities including pharmacokinetics, nursing management, and
rehabilitative processes in the areas of specialization.
and research.

 To manage and operate current medical technology used in direct patient care.
 Use information technology associated with patient care, research information
management and professional publishing.
methods applied to a broad range of activities or substantial depth of analysis. Decisions
regarding what needs to be done include major areas of uncertainty in approach,
methodology, or interpretation and evaluation processes resulting from such elements as
continuing changes in nursing programs, technological developments in the nursing or
medical field, unknown phenomena, or conflicting requirements. The work requires
originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new information.

Assignments require the ability to analyze and conduct studies on an extensive range of
subjects which may be clinically complex and diversified. Typical assignments may
include developing, evaluating, and implementing heath care coverage and/or payment
policies. The ability to analyze the clinical aspects of health care and project the impact
upon the health program is a complexity factor. The incumbent must think logically and
have knowledge of clinical issues and requirements relative to pertinent subject areas.
36 DHHS
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Typical assignments require the incumbent to utilize nursing expertise to develop

detailed plans, goals, and objectives which support the long-range implementation and
administration of major segments of the programs administered by the Agency.
Decisions about planning, organizing, and conducting studies and projects are often
complicated by conflicting program goals and objectives which may occur due to
changes in legislation, policy, and program demands. The nurse consultant
recommends to various levels of management new approaches designed to effect
desirable changes in health care administration

methods. The incumbent functions in a complex and dynamic system and in a highly
specialized area of nursing practice utilizing extensive cognitive abilities, judgment,
decision making capabilities and clinical expertise. The incumbent utilizes considerable
judgment, knowledge and skill in performing complex patient care functions. This
involves identifying, evaluating, analyzing and interpreting patient’s conditions and
making alterations in treatment and diagnostic regimens. Patients may have unique
emotional and physical disorders and are participants in sophisticated and intricate
research protocols.
progressively higher level graduate education.
37 DHHS
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H. RECOMMENDED TRAINING FOR QUALITATIVE / QUANTITATIVE

ANALYSIS
Proficiency Levels Recommended Training Potential Vendor(s)
Basic Mathematics
Practical Statistics
Customer Service
Communication and Listening

Skills USDA Grad School
Entry (1) or Intermediate (2) Group Processes and

Teamwork
HHS Learning Portal
Microsoft Office Training
Presentations and Briefings
Intermediate (2) or Introductory Statistics I

Intermediate to Advanced (3)
Team Building HHS Learning Portal
Technical Writing OPDIV Training Center
Project Management USDA Grad School
Management Theories and

Practices (TQM, Six Sigma,
Balance Scorecard)
Introduction to MS Project
2003
38 DHHS
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Evaluation under OMB
Program Assessment Rating
Tool (PART): An Introduction HHS Learning Portal
Intermediate to Advanced (3) Survey Design and Collection OPDIV Training Center
COTR Training USDA Grad School
Regulatory Training
Food and Drug Law
Biologics Law
New Reviewers Training
Intermediate to Advanced(3) Introductory Statistics II Management Concepts

or Advanced (4)
Scientific Course Seminars and USDA Grad School
Workshops
OPDIV Universities
Decision Support: Building
New Analytical Skills HHS Learning Portal
Communicating Analysis
Results
Data Collection and Analysis
Intermediate MS Excel 2003
39 DHHS
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Advanced Data Analysis Management Concepts
Techniques and Strategies
Advanced (4) OPDIV Universities
Analytic Techniques –
Advanced HHS Learning Portal
Budget Fundamentals
Budget Formulation and

Execution
Business Systems
Table 7 Recommended Training for Qualitative / Quantitative Analysis
I. DEVELOPMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
To Strengthen Your General Competencies:
 Actively participate on teams
 Seek or self-nominate for detail assignments
 Seek shadowing opportunities through your supervisor
 Develop mentoring relationships
 Self-assign targeted literature reviews
 Gain collaborative workgroup assignments
 Seek assignment to Special Projects (e.g. process flow chart development; benchmark
reports, etc)
 Volunteer to participate in a high-visibility project.
 Take advantage of the wide variety of written and intranet materials that provide
information about HHS and the scope of its mission and operations
 Learn new technologies (e.g., through self-study, seminars)
 Study technical writing as it applies to your work role
 Attend conferences, meetings, or seminars
 Join an industry or professional associations
 Read technical publications to keep up-to-date on developments in your field (e.g.,
books, professional newsletters, trade journals)
 Build an informal network of peers through which you can exchange ideas and discuss
issues relevant to technical advances in your field.
 Learn from others on the job (e.g., obtain on-the-job training, ask others for guidance).
 Find a mentor for technical and/or career guidance
 Study lessons learned from reviews of failed and successful projects.
To Strengthen Technical Competencies:

 Work with your supervisor and assist with the development of an Individual
Development Plan.
 Conduct interviews or informational sessions with senior analysts to gain insight into the
skills critical for success.
40 DHHS
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 Actively participate on a team with co-workers or internal focus groups, to assist in

accomplishing projects or to enhance the success of the projects goals.
J. DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Training is only one option, other developmental ideas include:
 Reading/Studying
 Developing SOPs
 Specific assignments/On the job training
 Rotations with customers
 Completing/Leading special project(s)
 Membership in professional organizations
 Participating in committees
 Shadowing
 Mentoring (Become a mentor!)
 Volunteering
 Peer coaching
 Cross-Training (Also Intramural vs. Extramural)
 Leading Teams
K. ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES:

1. SkillSoft Training Courses in the HHS Learning Management System (LMS)
The Learning Management System has thousands of free online training courses for all HHS
employees on topics such as IT programming and certifications, MS Office Programs,
Business, Live learning, Legal information, and Federal programs:
2. Microsoft Office Training

The official training site of the Microsoft Office suite covers many topics and has separate
pages for 2003, 2007 and 2010 versions.
3. OPDIV IT Training
Free training programs taught by IT Specialists focused on basic IT programs and data
tracking systems.
4. OPDIV Training Centers

Provides training for Administrative Professionals at the OPDIV level who are responsible for
providing comprehensive administrative support. Such incumbents may serve as principal
advisors to important agency organizations. They may participate in the development and
implementation of management policies, the planning of organizational needs, and the
preparation of plans, goals, objectives, or criteria for management processes. These
positions require knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for
41 DHHS
0610 - Nurse
the development and management of major administrative programs, demonstrated

analytical ability, and strong written and verbal communications skills.
5. OPDIV Library Resource Training

OPDIV Libraries offers training on how to effectively find, appraise and manage information
using an array of electronic library resources. Topics include: how to search the biomedical
literature, access online journals, order and receive articles via email, set up a research
update service, use bibliographic management software to manage a personal library
collection, and format bibliographies.
6. Pathways Program
The Management Intern Program offers outstanding HHS employees the opportunity to
explore different administrative career fields, gain invaluable insight into the DHHS, and to
prepare for future administrative or leadership positions.
7. HHS Mentoring Program

The HHS mentoring program was created to help federal employees develop their
knowledge, skills, and abilities. Build a year-long relationship as either a mentor or a
mentee, and participate in HHS and NIH program events, activities, and resources to
facilitate personal and professional growth.
8. OPDIV Videocasting and Podcasts

Watch OPDIV Conferences and Seminars that are recorded live and then archived within:
The HHS Learning Portal
The Leadership Development Channel
L. FREE CLASSES AND LECTURES

1. Excel is Fun
YouTube has over 1600 instructional videos about Microsoft Excel. There are playlists
dealing with Excel basics, pivot tables, finance and statistical functions, and much more.
2. Leadership Resources
Twenty-five free online leadership resources can be found at:
http://people-equation.com/25-free-leadership-resources/
3. iTunes University
A powerful distribution system for everything from lectures to language lessons, films to
labs, audiobooks to tours — this is an innovative way to get educational content into
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everyone’s hands. More than 350,000 free lectures, videos, films, and other resources —
from all over the world.
4. Open Courseware Consortium

The Open CourseWare Consortium is a worldwide collaboration of higher education
institutions and associated organizations creating a broad and deep body of open
educational content using a shared model. You can search for courses based on keywords,
language, and source, or visit university homepages to find more courses.
5. TED
TED is a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most
inspired and articulate thinkers. The site houses free lectures by scientists, physicians,
philosophers, professors and more. Topics include: Science, Technology, Business, Design
and Global Issues.
6. OPDIV Acquisition Management Training Resource Center

The site contains information about NIH/HHS acquisition certification requirements, training
options, FAQs, and additional acquisitions resources.
M. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
1. American Sign Language Online
ASL University is an online American Sign Language curriculum resource center. ASLU
provides free self-study materials, lessons, and information.
2. Free Language Lessons

Learning a language can sharpen your mind and broaden your horizons. This page has sites
that will help you get started learning any of 40 different languages.
3. Free Books
a) Books 24x7
Thousands of Free online books, concise summaries of today's foremost business
books, live and on demand videos of preeminent thought leaders and business
gurus, best practices from leading senior executives of Fortune 5000 companies.
Available in the HHS LMS:
b) Learn Out Loud

Learn Out Loud offers a wide selection of free audio books, lectures, speeches, and
interviews on different subjects.
43 DHHS
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c) PubMed
PubMed comprises more than 21 million citations for biomedical literature from
MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-
text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
d) The National Library of Medicine

Bookshelf provides free access to over 700 texts in life science and healthcare. A
vital node in the data-rich resource network at NCBI, Bookshelf enables users to
easily browse, retrieve, and read content, and spurs discovery of related
information.
e) Your Public Library
N. FREE CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS

1. DDM Seminar Series
The DDM Seminar Series offers the NIH community engaging presentations that provide
meaningful insights into leadership and management concepts, challenges, and solutions. The
seminars provide NIH employees with the opportunity to advance their knowledge of best
practices in a variety of leadership and management areas.
2. Management Seminar Series

The Management Seminar Series (MSS) provides an opportunity for administrative and
scientific staff to obtain or enhance management skills through discussions and presentations
addressing core management issues and NIH-related matters.
44 DHHS

CMG - 0610 Critical Maternal Management Guidelines

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 This resource does not supersede any existing HHS policy;

The Enterprise Workforce Development and Performance (EWDP) website at

health hazards encompass a broad spectrum including: chemical, airborne, and

Performs the specialized health screening procedures audiograms, vision performance

Reviews medical records and physical examinations for completeness and

Works in preventive health education programs and counseling aimed at prevention of

Makes appropriate referrals to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Provision of

Administers appropriate immunizations required for anti-flu campaigns

Provides comprehensive nursing and preventive health care to individuals. Maintains

Implements program outreach/recruitment initiatives. Reviews outreach/recruitment plans and

Provides appropriate evaluation and management of treatment plans, suggests alternative

Comprehensive patient management services may include the following if appropriate: 1)

Provides consultation to the healthcare team related to implementation and evaluation of

 Actively participate on a team.

D. POTENTIAL CAREER MAP

*A supervisory role may start at a GS-12 or 13 grades. To determine if you are in a

GS Grade and Proficiency Levels Key: 9 = Intermediate, 11= Intermediate to Advance, 12 =

E. PROFICIENCY LEVEL DISTINCTIONS FOR BASELINE COMPETENCIES

5 = Expert  Applies the competency in

4 = Advanced  Applies the competency in

3 = Intermediate  Applies the competency in difficult

2 = Basic  Applies the competency in somewhat

1 = Awareness  Applies the competency in the

Table 1: Proficiency Level Distinctions for Baseline Competencies

F. BASELINE COMPETENCIES BY GRADE LEVEL

Professional Levels Key Behaviors

All Levels  Possesses knowledge of biomedical/scientific fields

2=Basic Sometimes displays proficiency with clinical knowledge and skills

3=Intermediate Normally exhibits strong clinical knowledge and skills

5=Expert Models, leads, trains, and motivates multiple levels of personnel to be

Proficiency Levels by Grade

Proficiency Scale N/A 3 3-4 4 5

2. Collaboration and Partnering – Is open to working with others, forming strategic

Professional Levels Key Behaviors

1=Awareness Occasionally is open to partnerships; may avoid or miss opportunities to

2=Basic Sometimes is open to partnering, takes steps to understand reasons for

Professional Levels Key Behaviors

5=Expert Models, leads, trains, and motivates multiple levels of personnel to be

Proficiency Levels by Grade

Proficiency Scale N/A 3 3-4 4 5

3. Leveraging Technology– Demonstrates a depth of judgment, knowledge and technical skill

Professional Levels Key Behaviors

All Levels  Applies knowledge of basic techniques and concept

1=Awareness Occasionally leverages technology appropriately; may avoid or miss

2=Basic Sometimes is adept at leveraging technology

3=Intermediate Normally leverages technology sufficiently and makes of resources that

Professional Levels Key Behaviors

5=Expert Models, leads, trains, and motivates multiple levels of personnel to be

Proficiency Levels by Grade

Proficiency Scale N/A 3 3-4 4 5

4. Communication – Delivers clear, effective communication and takes responsibility for

Professional Levels Key Behaviors

1=Awareness Occasionally is attentive to communication, but may avoid or miss

2=Basic Sometimes uses appropriate grammar and choice of words, organizes

Professional Levels Key Behaviors

5=Expert Models, leads, trains, and motivates multiple levels of personnel to be

Proficiency Levels by Grade

Grade Level GS-7 GS-9 GS-11 GS-12 GS-13