New Graduate Registered Nurse- Transition to Practice Nurse Residency Program

Summary

The Registered Nurse Transition to Practice Residency Program is designed to assist the new graduate RN with less than one year of experience in the transition from entry-level to competent professional RN. Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies. Area of assignment will vary. This posting is for new graduate RN's only.

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
• 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Education: Graduate of a school of professional nursing
• Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations 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)
• Nursing Bridge Programs: Nursing bridge programs are accelerated nurse education programs which rely upon existing nursing knowledge and education
• Graduates from nursing bridge programs that meet accreditation requirements specific grade level requirements in this standard must also be met in addition to the following: (a) Master's Level Bridge Program Education Appointments Prior to Graduation
• Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who achieve the level in their education in which they 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 a temporary basis for any period up to three years contingent upon full completion of the professional nursing education program, if education verification provided by the school supports the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) equivalency
• Upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program, the Nurse may be converted to a permanent appointment under the provisions of section 7401(a)(1) of title 38
• Failure to complete the bridge program on which the temporary appointment was based will result in termination of the appointment
• Foreign Education: Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing who possess a current, full, active and unrestricted registration (see paragraph 3c) will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associate degree level Nursing education program
• In order to grant credit towards an appointment based on foreign nursing education higher than the associate degree level, formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency accepted by VA such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD) must be obtained
• Degree in a Related Field
• A graduate level or doctorate degree in health care/management related fields from an institution accredited by the State and approved by the Department of Education at the time the candidate completed the program may be credited as specifically indicated in grade requirements
• The graduate level or doctorate degree and coursework must provide evidence in support of the nursing role and duties associated with the assignment and grade level
• Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Licensure and Certification: The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment
• All Nurses must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license as a Nurse to practice in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia
• Grade Determination
• In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of Nurse (any assignment) is based on a combination of education and experience
• Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination for appointment, advancement and promotion will be based on the following specific requirement for Nurses: Nurse 1, Level 1
• Education and Experience Requirement
• Diploma or associate degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience
• Nurse I, Level 2
• Education and Experience Requirement
• Diploma or associate degree in nursing and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to a Nurse I, Level 1 OR Bachelor's degree in nursing and no professional nursing experience
• Nurse 1, Level 3 Education and Experience Requirement
• Diploma or associate degree in nursing and two years of professional nursing experience, one of which is a year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2
• OR Bachelor's degree in nursing and one year of professional nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2
• OR Master's degree in nursing and no professional nursing experience
• OR Master's degree in a related field with a bachelor's degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience
• Nurse II Education and Experience Requirement
• Bachelor's degree in nursing and two years of professional nursing experience, one of which is a year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3
• OR Master's degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level OR Master's degree in a related field with a bachelor's degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3
• OR Doctorate degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience
• OR Doctorate degree in a related field with a master's or bachelor's degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience
• Nurse III Education and Experience Requirement
• Master's degree in nursing with two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR Master's degree in a related field with a bachelor's degree in nursing with two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR Doctorate degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR Doctorate degree in a related field with a master's or bachelor's degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• Dimension Requirement
• Nurses at Nurse III must meet ALL the following dimension requirements to qualify for Nurse III
• i Practice
• Demonstrates expertise in professional practice using the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation) with improved evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting
• ii Veteran/Patient Driven Care
• Leads initiatives to improve Veteran/patient experience
• Satisfaction and/or safety beyond the immediate practice setting
• iii Leadership
• Communicates and collaborates as an effective leader of the interprofessional team, at the expert level, with improved evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting
• iv Professional Development
• Enhances knowledge base and practice evaluation, at the expert level, with improved outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting
• v Evidence Based Practice/Research
• Leads the identification and integration of evidence-based practice/research with clinical expertise to improve quality of care and resource utilization at the expert level with improved outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting
• 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: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients
• There may also be extended periods of sitting.

Duties

"The Registered Nurse (RN) Transition to Practice (TTP) Resident is a post-graduate RN who has successfully completed a state board licensing examination and has less than one year of RN experience.
The RN TTP interprets the philosophy and goals of nursing service to others in the work setting; functions within established guidelines and demonstrates the ability to work effectively and develop therapeutic relationships with patients, their families, and other professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care.
The RN TTP delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies.
The RN TTP works closely with a preceptor with a goal of developing skills and judgement to utilize the nursing process in real situations.
The focus is on individual growth and development in practice with increased levels of self-direction.
The RN TTP in the Transition to Practice Nurse Residency Program will be enrolled into a 12 month program that includes hands-on clinical training, classroom training, simulation training, preceptorship, mentorship, and shadowing experiences.
The Tomah VA's RN Nurse Residency program has been developed to align with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Standards for Accreditation of Entry-to-Practice Nurse Residency Programs curriculum with the goal of improving quality of patient care across the continuum by providing additional education and support to first year RN's.
The TTP RN Resident is required to attend trainings and learning experiences to successfully complete the program.
The programs mission is to bridge nursing academic education and professional nursing practice.
It is designed to support RN Residents as they transition from an entry-level, advanced beginner nurse to a competent professional nurse with the overarching goal of safe, high-quality care for Veterans.
Program structure and content advance participants' continued development and application of knowledge, skills, and abilities within these five domains of competence: Person-Centered Care Quality and Safety Informatics and Healthcare Technologies Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development AREA OF PRACTICE The RN TTP Resident will be enrolled into the centralized program and supervised by the RN TTP Coordinator within the Education Department upon hire.
Either during or at completion of the program, the Resident may interview for available posted positions if their competencies are fully validated and documented.
The Resident will engage in four clinical rotations, (Mental Health, Acute Medical, Community Living Center, and Outpatient Clinics) throughout the first 6 months at the Tomah VA.
The TTP Coordinator will delegate and oversee the rotation assignments and ensure that each unit has a preceptor that is able to provide appropriate preceptorship to the RN TTP Resident prior to assignment to that unit.
The RN TTP Resident will be assigned a home unit upon hire and entry into the program where initial competency will be completed.
The last rotation and final six months of the 12 month program, the RN TTP Resident will be assigned back to a home unit for transition into a more autonomous and independently functioning role.
The incumbent will be assigned a preceptor throughout their respective rotations in the Nurse Residency Program.
This position requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital.
The RN must be poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational levels and varied ethnic backgrounds.
Willing to work cooperatively as a member of a team in all assignments.
Makes caring for the veteran his/her priority while in the work setting and demonstrates customer service principles in all aspects of work.
Self-motivated in the pursuit of meeting professional work standards.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) required for RNs in direct patient care positions.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required in specific specialty areas.
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: Full-Time, Various shifts available, potential Weekends and Holidays.
Shifts may include 12 hours, 8 hours, or a combination of both.
Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"