Home → VA Spinal Cord Injury System → SCI Support Clinic/Primary Care Team in the Non-SCI Center → SCI Nurse Role

6.3. SCI Nurse Role

The SCI trained nurse must be available during scheduled clinic hours and throughout the week for triage of unscheduled needs of this population. Before the appointment with the provider, the nurse needs to review with the Veteran their existing problem list, any new or recurring issues, obtain the Veteran's weight and vital signs, and assess skin, bowel and bladder issues. The SCI nurse assists the Veteran, as needed, with transfers, undressing, and dressing. The nurse also needs to be available to assist the Veteran and VA staff, regardless of the Veteran's location (e.g. HBPC, inpatient stay, nursing home setting, etc), in troubleshooting medication and supply issues, skin care assessment, review of SCI practices and protocols, referrals to the SCI Center, SCI Telehealth visits, care planning, telephone triage, autonomic dysreflexia risks, skin care, fee basis bowel and bladder issues, etc.