The RNTTP Director assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the program based on established policies and guidelines. The incumbent is responsible for the quality and quantity of program-specific training and establishes program initiatives and direction within limitations of available staff and budget. In collaboration with leadership, stakeholders, academic affiliates, and the program participants.
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); 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 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/12748238. 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 and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a 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. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a 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. A 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 with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Preferred Experience: Masters in Nursing (MSN) BLS and ACLS 3 years acute care experience Experience in recent new graduate RN program within last 12 months Experience with design and implementation of educational programs Experience in Evidence Based Practice (EBP) Experience in nursing education curriculum development, program evaluation and teaching Experience in nursing education preceptor and mentor development Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.
The RNTTP Program Director assumes the following major functions/duties expected of the role Provides full coordination of the Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) educational programs and initiatives. Responsible and accountable for the development of the RNTTP Program and other Nursing Education staff development. Collaborates with multiple disciplines in the assessment, planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of an effective RNTTP Program including orientation, didactic, clinical experience, in-services, continuing education, competency assessment, validation, and evaluation. Serves as the clinical expert to staff involved in the delivery of didactic, educational, and clinical activities based on the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) standards for the RNTTP Program. Coordinates and facilitates the facility mentor and preceptor programs. Collaborates with nursing leadership to track status of facility new graduate Registered Nurse in the RNTTP program during their first year of practice. Analyzes ethical issues and appropriate theoretical principles. Analyzes resources available and identifies risk areas, including budgetary, staffing, supplies, equipment, and availability of information for development of cost-effective education of the RNTTP Program. Participates and takes a leadership role in providing input in the budgetary process for the RNTTP at the service level. Evaluates and documents clinical competencies for the RNTTP Program. Coordinates a graduation or recognition ceremony at the completion of the RNTTP Residency Program. Co-chair of the VASDHS RN Residency Advisory Committee and provides updates / outcomes about the RNTTP Residency Program. Coordinates and provides RNTTP nursing education programs and activities to other units/areas when appropriate. Mentors RNTTP nurses and VASDHS nursing staff with nursing leadership to develop leadership, mentorship, and preceptor skills. Markets RNTTP program to student nurses, nursing leadership, and staff. Incorporates evidence-based practice (EBP) and nursing research curriculum in RNTTP didactic. Utilizes and disseminates current nursing EBP and nursing research data in RNTTP Program. Participates and facilitates unit-based care using evidence-based practice. Serves as a consultant to all unit-based committees, and on other hospital-wide interdisciplinary task forces and committees as appropriate. Collaborates with nursing leadership in the selection and process for performance improvement projects. Serves as a resource and/or member to Nursing and Patient Care Services (PCS) councils, facility wide committees, network, or national workgroups as appropriate. May serve in leadership position as chair, co-chair, consultant, or facilitator. Maintains mandatory and clinical competencies of the position. Coordinates with the CNS team to provide orientation and cross-coverage for all nursing inpatient and outpatient care units when appropriate. Documents all direct care provided using CPRS, according to unit and facility policies and procedures. Completes electronic progress notes in a problem-oriented format. Provides instructions/mentoring/precepting for graduate nursing students. Acts as a mentor for evidence-based practice initiatives. Responsible for VA-Step program development and implementation, program management and oversight, and program evaluation. Facilitates student nurse and staff development in the following: Critical thinking b. Prioritization Basic skills acquisition Documentation Communication Evidence Based Practice Performs patient rounds focusing on the following when appropriate: Standards of Care Meeting patient holistic needs Patient safety Positive patient outcomes Supports programs as needed for new graduate nurses, student nurses, nursing staff, nursing leadership, and nursing faculty such as, but not limited to: RN Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Program VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) Post Baccalaureate RN Residency (PB-RNR) Program. Evidence Based Practice (EBP) Nursing research. Performs other duties as assigned 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 Compressed/Flexible: N/A Telework: N/A Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.