Qualifications

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. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written & spoken English
• Graduate of school of professional nursing approved by appropriate accrediting agency & accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at time the program was completed by 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 bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of bridge program
• Upon achievement of a State license, individual may be appointed on temporary basis & later converted to permanent appointment upon successful completion & graduation from bridge program
• (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6)
• OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active, & 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, & unrestricted registration 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 basic education requirements, but do not possess required licensure, may be appointed at entry step of the grade & 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 2 years on case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series & performing duties as described in the qualification standard on effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for grade held including positive education & licensure/certification
• Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education & Dimension criteria must be met in determining grade assignment of candidates, & if appropriate, level within a grade
• The Dimension requirements are detailed for each grade & level within online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12875727 Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
• Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required
• Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills & technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
• ADN or Diploma in Nursing & 1 year 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 & deliberate planning
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• ADN or Diploma in Nursing & 2 years professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2
• OR a BSN & 1 year professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2
• OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) & no additional professional nursing experience
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN & no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering & improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
• BSN with 2 years professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3
• OR an MSN with 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN & 1 year 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 & creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond immediate practice setting
• MSN & 2 years specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN & 2 years specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with & 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN & 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Preferred Level of Education: BSN Full performance level of this vacancy is Nurse III
• The actual grade applicant may be selected to is Nurse I - Nurse III
• Reference: VA Regulations, VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard
• This can be found in the local Human Resources Office
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• This position requires potentially long periods continued walking, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands & legs & repeated bending
• Heavy lifting (45 lbs & over) Heavy Carrying (45 lbs & over) Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours) Pushing (up to 4 hours) Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (up to 8 hours) Standing (up to 8 hours)
• Repeated bending (up to 8 hours) Both legs required
• Ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously
• Specific visual requirement: Read typed Chapters
• Correctable vision 20/40 in one eye
• Ability to distinguish basic colors & shades of colors
• Hearing (aid permitted)
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders
• Emotional & Mental Stability: 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/testing, as condition of employment.