This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/30/2022. 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. Graduate of a school of professional nursing 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). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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. 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. Preferred Experience: 4 - 5 years of nursing practice/experience; Masters in Nursing Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (6 hours); Pushing (6-10 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (6-10 hours); Standing (6-10 hours); Kneeling (1 hour); Repeated bending (4 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted). ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards This is an open continuous announcement; applicants will be reviewed and referred on a bi-weekly basis; the announcement will remain open until the positions are filled. Duties:\nThe Associate Chief Nurse of Hospital Services continually evaluates efficacy of existing programs and introduces necessary changes when indicated. Initiates new programs to further the goals and performance measures of Service. Provides executive leadership and assist with supervision to the nurse managers assigned to Hospital Services. Associate Chief Nurse is a developmental leadership position that is characterized by mentoring and training in preparation for future substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross service and/or discipline lines, influence organizational mission and health care. Functions as an administrator, educator, and consultant utilizing management theory in collaboration with the Chief Nurse of Acute Care with Patient Care Service and other services. Must establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of medical center personnel and relate effectively with customers, families, and the community as well as program and service leaders at the local and network levels. Key relationships with staff are needed to (1) Assist nurse managers and advanced practitioners to carry out the functions and activities expected of them, (2) Contribute ideas and recommendations for the establishment of standards of care, policies, and objectives for the enhancement of nursing organization-wide, (3) Assist in policy-making activities as related to customer service and the overall functioning of administrative and clinical programs, and (4) Collaborate with other health care staff to establish and maintain programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care. The Associate Chief Nurse of Acute Care Services works collaboratively with the Chief Nurse of Acute Care and continually evaluates efficacy of existing programs and introduces necessary changes when indicated. Initiates new programs to further the goals and performance measures of Service. Responsible for assessing and recommending the allocation of human and material resources, in determining staffing levels using NHPPD or other modes in areas not yet under NHPPD, managing overtime, and plays a significant role in the recruitment and retention of nursing staff in collaboration with the Chief Nurse of Acute Care. Ensures competency assessment is completed on each nursing employee annually. Reviews EPRP, VASQUIP, IPEC, SAIL performance Measures, and other data for trends and early intervention; formulates follow-up plans. Leads/participates in patient flow activities such as consult management, screening patients/residents for admission, working collaboratively with the designated HCS staff for these processes. Supports, Joint Commission, OSHA standards, National Patient Safety Goals, Service wide Performance Measures, and evidence-based practice in the clinical setting to ensure optimal care outcomes. Promotes veteran and family education surrounding care issues and seeks their active involvement in the care delivery process. Systematically evaluates and leads change in clinical practice/standards to effect positive change, develops action plans, and monitors for needed modifications. Routinely identifies the patient, customer's situation properly and performs the task required to resolve the patient, customer's questions/issues accurately and in a timely manner. Follow up as necessary, to ensure a satisfactory resolution and keeps the Chief Nurse of Acute Care advised of status. Demonstrates the ability to adjust the change or work pressure in a pleasant and constructive manner. Handles differences of opinion in a businesslike fashion. Functions as an effective team member through active participation in working towards team objectives and assisting the group effort whenever possible. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm Subject to change based on Agency Needs\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Remell.Wilson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]