The VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) serves as a first step to gain employment within the VA after graduation and licensure. The student is employed as a trainee earning a salary while they learn to develop understanding, confidence, and competencies in the care of our nations Veterans at your local Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System. To apply to this job announcement click Applicant Registration - VA AMS.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Currently attending a College or University and be in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program approved by the appropriate State-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). Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The CGPA must be computed on post-secondary academic work taken within the past 3 years, or; based on academic work accepted for credit towards the clinical laboratory science degree While a student may have a grade "C" in a specialty course, the cumulative GPA for their specialty courses may not be less than a 3.0. Only data on official transcripts should be used for determining grade qualifications Be able to complete a minimum of 400 hours as a VA-Step Student in a VA Facility Not be under a service obligation to any Federal, State, or Private Institution, or be a recipient of any Federal scholarship that incurs a service obligation to another organization Currently in a Good Academic Standing (as defined by the school the student is attending) leading to graduation and NCLEX certification Not obligated to work somewhere outside the VA after graduation Undergo a Background/Suitability Investigation Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The Student Nurse Technician may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The Student Nurse Technician may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The Student Nurse Technician must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.
The VA-Step (VA Student Trainee Experience Program) Student Nurse Technician is designed to attract academically successful students of nursing programs to VA Medical Centers. The Nursing VA STEP focuses on individual growth and development in practice with increased levels of self-direction. The practice of each Nursing VA Step is based on skill, experience, and research and has a direct and indirect impact on client outcomes for the assigned area. Works on the preceptor's assignment of care for the day; does not carry an independent patient care load. Clinical duties include: Provides direct patient and family teaching. Resolves patient care problems and evaluates care given to assigned patients. Reassesses nursing actions for effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes and communicates changes in patient's progress. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and shares information regarding the patient and their care needs. Manages workload as assigned, organizes, and completes assignments in an efficient and appropriate manner. Documents care provided, observations, and patient responses to interventions. Incorporates patient preferences into shared care delivery decisions. Establishes a therapeutic relationship, allowing the patient to attain, maintain, or regain optimal function through assessment and treatment. Engages patients, families, and other caregivers to incorporate knowledge, values, and beliefs into care planning without judgement or discrimination. Functions in a safe manner including but not limited to infection control and operating of equipment. Utilizes nursing research and literature in daily practice. Provides care appropriate to the age-related needs of the adult and geriatric patients served in the assigned service area. Seeks opportunities to learn new skills. Attends all mandatory in-services as well as shares knowledge gained from school with staff. Knowledgeable of ethical issues related to professional nursing practice and follows established policies of the practice setting. Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers. NOTE: Submit a letter from the Dean or Director of the school to the designee of the chosen VA Medical facility. The letter should include a nomination of the student to the program, verification of enrollment as a full-time student (as defined by the school), verification of a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and successful completion (or within one semester of completion) of the Junior year. Additionally, students must submit a reference from a current faculty member. Work Schedule: Variable Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.