The Nurse IV - Associate Chief Nurse (ACN) for RLTC provides executive leadership with substantial, ongoing responsibility for population groups and integrated programs across services and disciplines. This role shapes the healthcare mission and serves as advisor, administrator, educator, consultant, and mentor, drawing on broad experience and strong leadership skills.
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. The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Nurse IV: Scope: Executes leadership that is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care. Education: Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Dimensions: Leadership. Leads health care delivery by leveraging evidence-based practices, industry-leading research, and innovative care models. Drives a shared vision and successfully leads change to improve performance and attain measurable outcomes at the program or service level. Business Acumen. Transforms health care by implementing new processes, technology, informatics, and data analytics using business models and fundamental concepts of resource management at the program or service level. Inspiring an Industry-Leading Lifestyle. Employs an industry leading, shared decision-making lifestyle. Cultivates a workforce that serves Veterans, families and caregivers of all backgrounds and builds trust, lifestyle competencies and catalyzes dynamic teams at the program or service level. Communication and Relationship Management. Directs the effective use of relationship management principles to achieve positive customer service experiences that are consistent with professional organizational values, beliefs and practices at the program or services level. Professional and Social Responsibility. Operationalizes a lifestyle of holistic care, health advocacy and health equity. Applies ethical principles in decision-making at the program or service level. Advances nursing knowledge through health science research and the translation and dissemination of evidence into practice to maximize the value to Veterans and the community. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Preferred Experience: Preferred 1 year minimum nursing leadership experience and graduate level education Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental Requirements: Working closely with others; Working alone.
Vancouver, Washington sits on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across from Portland, Oregon. The Pacific Coast is less than 90 miles to the west. The Cascade Mountain Range rises on the east. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Mt. Hood are less than two hours away! Get out and enjoy nature along the Columbia River! The Columbia River provides wonderful opportunities to take in the evergreen forests, agriculture and vast wildlife. It is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. You can visit the Columbia River Gorge and the Vancouver Waterfront Park Vancouver Waterfront Park which is approximately 7.3-acres. From hiking or biking trails, Vancouver's best fall foliage to history, Historic Sites, dance and art festivals Arts & Culture Vancouver WA has a lot to offer. If you want to enjoy a plethora of family filled activities you can enjoy a mix of a major metropolitan area with a small-town charm, this is the place to call home. General Description of Assigned Duties: Serves as the Associate Chief Nurse (ACN) for the Residential and Long-Term Care (RLTC) programs, providing senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative operations. Reports directly to the Deputy Director for Patient Care Services (DDPCS) and collaborates closely with the Chief of Staff. Supports the integration and collaboration of nursing with other professional disciplines and functional areas to achieve patient-centered and organizational goals. Champions the principles of a High Reliability Organization (HRO) by fostering a culture of safety grounded in systems thinking, collective mindfulness, and prevention-focused solutions. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members and program/service leaders at both the facility and VISN levels to ensure coordinated, high-quality care. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of VA staff nationwide. Engages effectively with Veterans, families, community partners, and internal stakeholders to promote excellence in care delivery. Assists the DDPCS in overseeing healthcare operations and fulfilling leadership responsibilities within the RLTC programs. Contributes to the development and refinement of standards of care, policies, and strategic objectives to enhance nursing practice and patient outcomes. 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: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): PCS allowances will be authorized.