Registered Nurse - Transition to Practice Program Resident
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Albuquerque, NM, United States
Summary
The New Mexico VA Health Care System offers an exciting program for new graduate RNs! This Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) is for recent Diploma in Nursing - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master Degree in Nursing (MSN) graduates in their first licensed registered nurse role or with less than one (1) year of professional registered nurse experience.
Qualifications
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)
OR 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 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)
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 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, 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). NOTE: 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 positive 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/12939804
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 and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex needs
ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of 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 and deliberate planning
Self‑directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I – Level 2
OR BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I – Level 2
OR a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
OR a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
Nurse II: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3
OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3
OR a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of 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 and no additional professional nursing experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements
– Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over), Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), Straight pulling and pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking and standing up to 8 hours, Repeated bending, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Hearing aid permitted.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Residency is a comprehensive program developed to support the post graduate Registered Nurse (RN) during the first year of clinical practice in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings
The post graduate RN will participate in classes, hands‑on training, and clinical preceptorship working closely with program instructors and facility nurses throughout the program
Length of clinical orientation will vary according to assigned unit(s), learning needs, competence, and progress of the RN
Clinical experiences and didactic sessions are scheduled during the year‑long program to facilitate transition and achieve competency in key knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of a registered nurse
RN Transition to Practice Registered Nurses are required to attend all scheduled learning experiences (or an alternate assignment based on the facility level RNTTP Residency Program Directors' direction) – complete required projects and written assignments
The Registered Nurse reports to the RN Transition-to-Practice Residency Program Director with second line reporting to the Chief Nurse Academic Affairs and/or Associate Director for Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive
The RN is enrolled in a 12‑month program primarily at a facility level, including completion of program surveys, hands‑on clinical training, classroom training, simulation training, preceptorship, mentorship, shadowing experiences, and individual and/or group project assignments
Includes an evidence‑based or quality project
The RN must attend or complete alternate assignments for all trainings/activities to successfully complete the program
At completion of the RNTTP Residency Program the RN will be assigned a specific practice area based on facility need if the RN does not already have a practice area
RN delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies
The registered nurse works closely with preceptors to develop skills and judgment to utilize the nursing process in real situations
The focus is on individual growth and development in practice with increased levels of self‑direction
Provide specialized direct and indirect care to patients within a designated specialty
Observe, interview, and assess patients to identify care needs
Monitor or evaluate medical conditions of patients in collaboration with other health care professionals
Develop, implement, or evaluate standards of nursing practice in specialty areas
Plan, evaluate, or modify treatment programs based on information gathered by observing and interviewing patients – or by analyzing patient records
Document nursing interventions, therapeutic measure administered, patient’s reactions, patient teaching, and understanding
Administer therapeutic measures as prescribed by the physician to include – but not limited to – medication administration, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, treatments and maintain measures taken which are ongoing in nature
Participate in the development, updating and evaluation of standards of care and quality improvement monitoring
Collaborate with other health care professionals and service providers to ensure optimal patient care
Benefits
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: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory
Work Schedule: Full‑time – Rotating shifts – Weekends and holidays depending on unit assignment
Must be available to work all shifts – including weekends and holidays
Be available to work as scheduled on assigned units (shifts may be 12 hours – 8 hours – or a combination of both)
Work week will vary – but includes weekdays, weekends and holidays
Shifts vary – but will include nights/days/evenings.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
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The New Mexico VA Health Care System offers an exciting program for new graduate RNs! This Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) is for recent Diploma in Nursing - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master Degree in Nursing (MSN) graduates in their first licensed registered nurse role or with less than one (1) year of professional registered nurse experience.
Qualifications
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)
OR 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 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)
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 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, 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). NOTE: 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 positive 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/12939804
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 and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex needs
ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of 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 and deliberate planning
Self‑directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I – Level 2
OR BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I – Level 2
OR a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
OR a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
Nurse II: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3
OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3
OR a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of 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 and no additional professional nursing experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements
– Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over), Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), Straight pulling and pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking and standing up to 8 hours, Repeated bending, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Hearing aid permitted.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Residency is a comprehensive program developed to support the post graduate Registered Nurse (RN) during the first year of clinical practice in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings
The post graduate RN will participate in classes, hands‑on training, and clinical preceptorship working closely with program instructors and facility nurses throughout the program
Length of clinical orientation will vary according to assigned unit(s), learning needs, competence, and progress of the RN
Clinical experiences and didactic sessions are scheduled during the year‑long program to facilitate transition and achieve competency in key knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of a registered nurse
RN Transition to Practice Registered Nurses are required to attend all scheduled learning experiences (or an alternate assignment based on the facility level RNTTP Residency Program Directors' direction) – complete required projects and written assignments
The Registered Nurse reports to the RN Transition-to-Practice Residency Program Director with second line reporting to the Chief Nurse Academic Affairs and/or Associate Director for Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive
The RN is enrolled in a 12‑month program primarily at a facility level, including completion of program surveys, hands‑on clinical training, classroom training, simulation training, preceptorship, mentorship, shadowing experiences, and individual and/or group project assignments
Includes an evidence‑based or quality project
The RN must attend or complete alternate assignments for all trainings/activities to successfully complete the program
At completion of the RNTTP Residency Program the RN will be assigned a specific practice area based on facility need if the RN does not already have a practice area
RN delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies
The registered nurse works closely with preceptors to develop skills and judgment to utilize the nursing process in real situations
The focus is on individual growth and development in practice with increased levels of self‑direction
Provide specialized direct and indirect care to patients within a designated specialty
Observe, interview, and assess patients to identify care needs
Monitor or evaluate medical conditions of patients in collaboration with other health care professionals
Develop, implement, or evaluate standards of nursing practice in specialty areas
Plan, evaluate, or modify treatment programs based on information gathered by observing and interviewing patients – or by analyzing patient records
Document nursing interventions, therapeutic measure administered, patient’s reactions, patient teaching, and understanding
Administer therapeutic measures as prescribed by the physician to include – but not limited to – medication administration, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, treatments and maintain measures taken which are ongoing in nature
Participate in the development, updating and evaluation of standards of care and quality improvement monitoring
Collaborate with other health care professionals and service providers to ensure optimal patient care
Benefits
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: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory
Work Schedule: Full‑time – Rotating shifts – Weekends and holidays depending on unit assignment
Must be available to work all shifts – including weekends and holidays
Be available to work as scheduled on assigned units (shifts may be 12 hours – 8 hours – or a combination of both)
Work week will vary – but includes weekdays, weekends and holidays
Shifts vary – but will include nights/days/evenings.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
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