Registered Nurse - Chief Nurse, Medicine

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.

The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Nurse IV: Scope: Executes leadership that is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care.

Education

Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Dimensions: Leadership. Leads health care delivery by leveraging evidence-based practices, industry-leading research, and innovative care models. Drives a shared vision and successfully leads change to improve performance and attain measurable outcomes at the program or service level. Business Acumen. Transforms health care by implementing new processes, technology, informatics, and data analytics using business models and fundamental concepts of resource management at the program or service level.

Inspiring an Industry-Leading Lifestyle. Employs an industry leading, shared decision-making lifestyle. Cultivates a workforce that serves Veterans, families and caregivers of all backgrounds and builds trust, lifestyle competencies and catalyzes dynamic teams at the program or service level. Communication and Relationship Management.

Directs the effective use of relationship management principles to achieve positive customer service experiences that are consistent with professional organizational values, beliefs and practices at the program or services level. Professional and Social Responsibility. Operationalizes a lifestyle of holistic care, health advocacy and health equity. Applies ethical principles in decision-making at the program or service level.

Advances nursing knowledge through health science research and the translation and dissemination of evidence into practice to maximize the value to Veterans and the community.

Preferred Experience

1. Masters degree in nursing or related field 2.National certification in Advanced Nursing Administration strongly preferred. 3. Progressive leadership experience at the Chief Nurse Level 4. Three or more years of Nurse Manager Experience 5. Nurse Manager and/or RN experience in the specialties this position will have oversight and supervision to include ICU, Hemodialysis (inpatient and outpatient) Hematology/Oncology, Medical Specialty Outpatient Clinics, Emergency Department, and Occupational Health 6. Chief Nurse or equivalent experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements

This position may include a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by nurses such as direct patient care, and potentially long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling. Examples may include but are not limited to: Significant time standing assisting Veterans Utilization of safe patient handling and mobility protocols

The Nurse IV is responsible for administrative functions of their assigned nursing units/programs. Functions as an administrator, educator, and consultant utilizing management theory in collaboration with Patient Care Service and other services. The Chief Nurse (CN) executes leadership that is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross services and/or discipline lines and influence the organizational healthcare mission.

Duties include but are not limited to: Providing direct supervision to the Nurse Managers of patient care programs that promote quality nursing care and effective utilization of personnel within the area of Medicine Services Prior experience with successful accreditation surveys. Strong leadership and mentorship skills, strategic vision, and effective communication and relationship management abilities.

The Chief Nurse supports the integration and collaboration of nursing with other professional disciplines and functional areas in the mutual achievement of patient-centered and organizational goals. Deep clinical expertise in specialties within areas of responsibility, critical thinking, decision-making, and business acumen in healthcare economics and operations are also crucial. Commitment to patient safety, quality care, emotional resilience, stress management, and technological proficiency are also important.

Key desired traits include integrity, ethical conduct, flexibility, adaptability, self-awareness, initiative, passion for healthcare and patient advocacy, and a dedication to continuous learning. Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff, patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Business Acumen: Understanding of financial management, strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation within a healthcare context.

Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining emotional strength and decision-making capabilities. Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in oneself and others. Other duties as required.

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, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, 80 hours per pay period (2weeks).

Hours may be rotated or extended based on the needs of the Medical Center and our Veterans. Telework: Ad-hoc Only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Incentives authorized for highly qualified for highly qualified applicants Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized