The Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) serves as a vital member of the nursing leadership and education team within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The CNE is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based educational programs that enhance clinical competence, professional development, and quality care delivery for nursing staff and interprofessional healthcare teams.
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/12751391. 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/. Physical Requirements: : See VA Handbook 5005, Part III, Chapter 2, paragraph 7, and VA Handbook 5019, Occupational Health Services. All applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the duties of the position. Must be able to lift (30 lbs or more); twisting and/or bending, standing and/or walking almost constantly during the course of the day
The Clinical Nurse Educator functions as a resource, mentor, and role model, promoting best practices in nursing care, clinical skill development, and regulatory compliance. The CNE collaborates with nursing leadership, frontline staff, academic affiliates, and other stakeholders to assess learning needs, design competency-based educational programs, and support orientation, training, and professional growth initiatives. The CNE plays an integral role in advancing nursing practice, enhancing staff engagement, and ensuring high-quality, safe, and compassionate care for Veterans. The Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) is responsible for providing expert educational support to nursing personnel and interdisciplinary teams within the VA to promote excellence in clinical practice and Veteran-centered care. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Assesses the educational needs of nursing and clinical staff through collaboration with leadership, frontline staff, and performance data. Designs, develops, and implements evidence-based educational programs, in-services, and competency assessments to support clinical excellence and regulatory compliance. Responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising staff education. Delivers a fundamental understanding of adult learning principles and a lifelong learner that can practice with flexibility to adapt or change learning strategies based on the assessment of learning needs within the healthcare organization. Coordinates, facilitates, and evaluates orientation and onboarding programs for new nursing and clinical staff, ensuring successful transition to practice. Develops, implements, and maintains competency validation processes, ensuring staff meet required clinical standards. Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on clinical skills, best practices, and practice standards for nursing staff. Utilizes adult learning principles and a variety of teaching strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of staff. Collaborates with interprofessional teams to promote clinical education, quality improvement initiatives, and performance improvement activities. Participates in policy and procedure development and provides education to support successful implementation. Supports professional development by providing guidance, mentorship, and resources for staff pursuing certification, continuing education, and career advancement. Coordinates educational activities related to regulatory readiness, accreditation standards, and VA policies. Collaborates with academic affiliates to support clinical placements and experiential learning for nursing students. Supports nurse residency programs including the development of curriculum utilizing strategic learning methodologies such as simulation, lecture case studies and virtual reality. Integrates principles of evidence-based practice, patient safety, cultural humility, and Veteran-centered care into all educational programs. Maintains accurate records of educational activities, competency assessments, and staff participation in compliance with VA standards. Participates in the development and evaluation of clinical education strategic plans and quality improvement projects to enhance nursing practice and patient outcomes. Remains current in clinical practice, education methodologies, and regulatory requirements through ongoing professional development. Preferred Experience: Master's degree in Nursing, Education, or Healthcare Administration (or active pursuit) preferred Minimum of 3-5 years of recent clinical nursing experience in an acute care hospital setting Prior experience in nursing education, professional development, or as a clinical preceptor/mentor Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for clinical staff Familiarity with adult learning principles, competency validation, and evidence-based practice Proven ability to teach, coach, and facilitate learning for diverse clinical teams .(NY 69 pay scale) 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: Based on the needs of the service Telework: AD-hoc available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized