This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.
Basic Requirements: 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. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) 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. 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/12794934. 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/. This is a bridge program for current RN's who would like to grow into a position in the Acute Care Nursing Service, ICU. Theprogram will utilize an online learning program along with hands-on unit training. The selectees will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) acknowledging the terms and conditions of this training program at the time of job offer acceptance. Failure to complete this program will result in the employees returning to their previous position of record. 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. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent 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.
Major duties may include but not limited to: Intensive Care Unit - 16 weeks Work/Training Schedule[SKIV1] : Full Time, 40 Hours per week. Work week will include eight hours of on-line training (ECCO) in addition to other required training to unit/patient specific training with preceptor. Shift is variable, to include weekends, days, evenings, nights, and holidays are required. Pathway Student Requirements: Student must work the same schedule as preceptor(s). Student must plan on attending the entire course and not request annual leave during orientation. Emergency leave will be reviewed on a case-by- case basis. Student must continually evaluate own learning needs and communicate with Nurse Educator, Preceptor and Nurse Manager any additional needs. Student must complete required orientation classes, written, and online work by assigned due date Student must coordinate with Preceptor to set mutual goals. Student must coordinate with Preceptor to develop action plans if goals not met. Students must submit weekly goals and objective sheets and case study to preceptor, leader and educator each Monday . Student must attend all required formal weekly or bi-weekly meetings prepared with all required documentation . Student must attend annual professional development classes, or other assigned learning events . Proactively seek opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, reasoning, and practice making clinical judgments through engagement and inquiry with preceptor . Confidently seek new opportunities to practice technical skills . Student must evaluate Preceptor and training program at the end of program. Demonstrate progression from Novice to Competent Nurse throughout orientation as defined in the RN Pathway for New Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit Program. If progression is not demonstrated, enter a measurable, time limited formal Educational Action Plan with preceptor, educator, and manager of ICU. Successful and timely completion of Educational Action Plan if indicated above. Assessments: By the end of orientation, the Student will have: Successfully completed ECCO 3.0 online modules, required reading assignments, and competencies outlined in RN Pathway for New Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit Program. Turned in module certificates, tests, proof of required readings, assignments, and competencies as defined in the RN Pathway for New Nurse in the Intensive Care Program. Successfully gained knowledge, critical thinking skills, skill and proficiency outlined in the AACN Core Curriculum and Procedure Manual for High Acuity, Progressive, and Critical Care Nursing manuals, and AACN ECCO 3.0 modules, to ensure safe, thorough and independent care of the critically ill patient(s) with elevated level of care needs by the end of the 16- week orientation period as outlined in the RN Pathways for New Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit Program. This includes but is not limited to: Orientation to unit Documentation per critical care, unit, and facility standards in CPRS/PICIS/BCMA Giving and receiving report per AACN guidelines Safe and consistent room set up for the critically ill patient Operation of equipment needed when caring for the various critically ill patient types Ensuring quality measures and evidence based practices are adhered to and documented per above standards Demonstration of patient advocacy, patient centered care, and therapeutic communication Establishing intra and multi-disciplinary relationships within and out of the critical care area (ICU) Safe and efficient Intra-facility transport of critically ill patients Support and care of common critical care patient types, medications, procedures, and use of equipment Proficient in knowledge and response to Rapid Response, Code Stroke, Code Neuro, and Code Blue emergencies. Progress from Novice to Competent Critical Care Nurse VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Varies, must accept all shifts. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized