This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) for the Transition to Practice residency for RN's. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available for different cohorts up until the closing date. Applications will remain active for 90 days after their initial application is received. After that, you must update your application if you would like to be made active again for possible consideration during the open period. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States in accordance with section 7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Additional Requirements: Graduate from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program within 12 months of start date, Less than one year of RN experience, and must have RN license by start date Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12604555. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The Registered Nurse Transition to Practice Program is designed for the post graduate RN nurse who has completed an entry level nursing degree at the Associate Degree, Diploma, Baccalaureate, or Master's level. This is a 12-month program designed to assist the new RN in the transition to full practice as a competent RN. It is a comprehensive developmental training program with didactic and clinical to provide the new RN opportunities to perform procedures that are performed by RNs. Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Program Resident focus is on individual growth and development in practice with increased levels of self-direction. The new graduate nurse brings principles and theory with limited application of critical thinking skills. The Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Program was developed to support post graduate registered nurses during the first year of practice in patient care areas within the facility. The post graduate registered nurse will participate in an orientation program under the guidance of a qualified preceptor. The RNTTP is expected to attended classes and activities as assigned, complete assignments within the required timeframe, be available to work as scheduled on assigned duties (shifts may be 12 hours, 8 hours, or a combination of both). Clinical experiences and didactic sessions are scheduled during the year to facilitate transition and achieve competency in key knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of a registered nurse. General Description of Assigned Duties: Delivers fundamental knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical skills. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on age-specific components. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. PRACTICE: Knowledge of professional nursing practice and the ability to apply the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation) with close supervision. Expectations: 1. Completes orientation according to expected standards. 2. Works with close supervision, is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and seeks direction from others as needed. VETERAN/PATIENT DRIVEN CARE: Knowledge of Veteran/patient driven care, patient experience, satisfaction, and safety. Expectations: 1. Establishes a therapeutic relationship, allowing the patient to attain, maintain or regain optimal function through assessment and treatment. 2. Engages patients, families, and other caregivers to incorporate knowledge, values, and beliefs into care planning without judgement or discrimination. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Incorporates educational resources/opportunities and self-evaluation for professional growth. Expectations: 1. Participates in unit based educational activities and continuing education requirements. 2. Responsible for maintaining competency to continue personal and professional growth. EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE/RESEARCH: Awareness of evidence-based practice/research to improve quality of care and resource utilization. Expectations: 1. Applies evidence-based practice/research to patient care. 2. Participates in unit-based activities to improve and deliver cost effective patient care. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: This Position supports 24/7 operations throughout the calendar year. Work is typically performed on assigned shift; however, candidate may be subject to overtime work, shift work, and/or work on rotating shifts to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work week will vary but will include nights/days/evenings with assigned preceptor. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
