Assistant Chief Nurse
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Reno, NV, United States
Summary
Demonstrates the fundamental knowledge of the unit and is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing or supervising direct patient care. Ensures administrative support and guidance while providing oversight for the delivery of nursing care and management of nursing personnel and clinical resources.
Qualifications
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)
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 the 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 and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
Reference VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G6
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 than 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)
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 education and licensure/certification
Grade Determinations: The following Scope – Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates – and if appropriate – the level within a grade
The Dimension requirements (Practice – Veteran/Patient Driven Care – Leadership – Professional Development and Evidence‑Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941704
Grades and Level Education Criteria: Nurse I – Level I delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies; Nurse I – Level II demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts – cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex needs; Nurse I – Level III demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning, self‑directed goal setting for managing complex client situations
Preferred Experience – Nursing leadership experience of 2 or more years – at least one nursing certification – and strong communication skills
Physical Requirements – This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity; potentially long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing; transferring patients and objects; exposure to infected patients and contaminated materials requiring protective clothing; occasional exposure to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders; requires mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations; must complete annual Employee Health requirements – e.g., annual TB screening or testing – as a condition of employment
Duties
Complete orientation according to expected standards
Manage workload as assigned – organize and complete own assignments efficiently and appropriately
Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary care
Be knowledgeable of ethical issues related to professional nursing practice and follow established policies of the practice setting – VA – and ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses
Demonstrate positive, effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers
Participate in unit‑based activities to improve and deliver cost‑effective patient care
Demonstrate knowledge of specific unit level performance improvement activities
Incorporate patient preferences into shared care delivery decisions
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, varies – must accept all shifts
Telework: AD‑HOC Virtual – this is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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Demonstrates the fundamental knowledge of the unit and is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing or supervising direct patient care. Ensures administrative support and guidance while providing oversight for the delivery of nursing care and management of nursing personnel and clinical resources.
Qualifications
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)
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 the 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 and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
Reference VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G6
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 than 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)
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 education and licensure/certification
Grade Determinations: The following Scope – Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates – and if appropriate – the level within a grade
The Dimension requirements (Practice – Veteran/Patient Driven Care – Leadership – Professional Development and Evidence‑Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941704
Grades and Level Education Criteria: Nurse I – Level I delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies; Nurse I – Level II demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts – cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex needs; Nurse I – Level III demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning, self‑directed goal setting for managing complex client situations
Preferred Experience – Nursing leadership experience of 2 or more years – at least one nursing certification – and strong communication skills
Physical Requirements – This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity; potentially long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing; transferring patients and objects; exposure to infected patients and contaminated materials requiring protective clothing; occasional exposure to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders; requires mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations; must complete annual Employee Health requirements – e.g., annual TB screening or testing – as a condition of employment
Duties
Complete orientation according to expected standards
Manage workload as assigned – organize and complete own assignments efficiently and appropriately
Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary care
Be knowledgeable of ethical issues related to professional nursing practice and follow established policies of the practice setting – VA – and ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses
Demonstrate positive, effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers
Participate in unit‑based activities to improve and deliver cost‑effective patient care
Demonstrate knowledge of specific unit level performance improvement activities
Incorporate patient preferences into shared care delivery decisions
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, varies – must accept all shifts
Telework: AD‑HOC Virtual – this is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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