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 a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency & 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 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 the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis & later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion & 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, & 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 as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, 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 & 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 a case-by-case-basis.)
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series & 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 & licensure/certification.
Preferred Experience:
- Minimum 2 years successful nursing experience.
- Prior experience caring for patients Gastroenterology/Intensive Care Units.
- Demonstrated experience to manage patients using conscious sedation.
- Demonstrated outcomes in working effectively with interdisciplinary team in outpatient setting & ability to function independently, be flexible & project effective communication with Veteran population.
- Demonstrated leadership activities evident by having a charge nurse role and/or participating in unit or hospital based committees.
Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education & Dimension criteria must be met in determining grade assignment of candidates, & if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements are detailed for each grade & level within the online assessment:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12768237.
| 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 & technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. |
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing & 1 year specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR 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. |
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing & 2 years professional nursing experience in which 1 year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN & 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR Master's degree in nursing (MSN) & no additional professional nursing experience; OR 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. |
A BSN with 2 years of 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 Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR 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 the 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 Master's degree in *related field with BSN & two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II & meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR Doctoral degree in Nursing with & 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN & 1 year of 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:
Preferred Certifications:
- BLS
- ACLS
- Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse
- Moderate Sedation
Full performance level of this vacancy is Nurse III. The actual grade an applicant may be selected for is Nurse I to Nurse III.
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: See
VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, both 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 a condition of employment.