SummaryThis position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

02/21/2024 to 09/27/2024* Salary$64,916 - $162,801 per year* Pay scale & grade

VN 00

* HelpLocations Many vacancies in the following locations:

• Beaumont, TX
• Conroe, TX
• Galveston, TX
• Houston, TX
• Show more locations (8)
• Humble, TX
• Katy, TX
• Lake Jackson, TX
• Lufkin, TX
• Richmond, TX
• Sugar Land, TX
• Texas City, TX
• Tomball, TX
• Remote job

No* Telework eligibleNo* Travel RequiredNot required* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent -* Work scheduleFull-time -* ServiceExcepted* Promotion potentialNone* Job family (Series)0610 Nurse* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceOther* Drug testYes* Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk* Trust determination processCredentialingSuitability/Fitness* Announcement number

CBST-12320730-24-SLH

* Control number777508500HelpThis job is open to* Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.Clarification from the agencyOpen to current, permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and US Citizens (1st Area of Consideration - current, permanent employees of the Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston, TX and associated CBOC employees; 2nd Area of Consideration - current, permanent VA Employees)VideosHelpDutiesThis is an open continuous announcement until September 27, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Applicants will remain active for 3 months after their initial application is received and/or updated. After that time, you must update your application through your USAJobs account if you would like to be made active again for possible consideration during the open period.VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total RewardsThe RN will perform clinical duties as directed by the Associate Director for Patient Care Services through the Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services/Acute Care, Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services/ Long Term Care, designated Associate Chief of Nursing Service and Head Nurse (or designee).The RN will demonstrate leadership when providing nursing care and serve as a role model when assigned as team leader or charge nurse under the supervision of the Nurse Manager or designee. The Registered Nurse is responsible for managing and delivering care for complex patients care. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Implements nursing orders in a timely and accurate manner for patients with complex nursing care needs.
• Implements physician's orders in a timely and accurate manner, initiating resolution if impeded.
• Includes patient/family/significant other/health care provider in establishing realistic, measurable goals related to health education and treatment plan, seeking assistance as needed.
• Meets individual learning and discharge preparation needs by using appropriate resource personnel and approved educational materials.
• Documents nursing process including patient/family/significant other education and discharge planning in a timely manner.
• Assess/documents the patient's response to nursing intervention, anticipates potential changes in patient condition and response to treatment, initiating appropriate action and revising the care plan accordingly.
• Updates assessments on a continuum by recognizing changes in patient's needs and reestablishing priorities for care.
• Demonstrates competency/proficiency using the nursing process in providing care for patients with complex nursing care needs.
• Guide and directs others who provide care.
• Participates in established quality improvement studies and/or activities.
• Conducts self-assessment of performance and identifies own learning needs.
• Implements an ongoing educational plan to support own professional development.
• Refers to, consults with, and makes provision for continuity of care with other health care providers.
• Uses a body of research to validate and/or change own professional practice.
• Delegates care in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
• Assists patients in identifying and securing appropriate services.
• All other duties dictated by patient care.

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awardsPaid 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 VAInsurance: 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 territoryWork Schedule: Various SchedulesVirtual: This is not a virtual position.EDRP Authorized: Contact Ms. Demetrius Roberts at Demetrius.Roberts@Va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn morePermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedFinancial Disclosure Report: Not requiredHelpRequirementsConditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 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 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 achieve the level in their education in which they have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing and are registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. 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 appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associate degree level Nursing education program. Note: In order to grant credit towards an appointment based on foreign nursing education higher than the associate degree level, formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency accepted by VA must be provided.
• 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.

Preferred Experience: Medical Surgical Nurses 3A, 3B, 3C, 2A, 5E, 5B- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licenseOncology Nurses 4B- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN license- Chemotherapy certificationICU Nurses MICU, CCU and SICU- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licenseGerontology Nurses 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D, 4D- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licenseStepdown/IMU Nurses 3D, 5A- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licenseMental Health Nurses 6A, 6F, 6D- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licenseSpinal Cord 1A, 1B- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licensePrimary Care Nurses- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licenseEmergency Room Nurses- 1-2 years RN experience preferred- unencumbered RN licenseCommunity Based Out-Patient Clinics (CBOCs):-1-2 years of clinical RN experienceGrade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:

• Nurse I Level I - Education and Experience Requirement: A Diploma or Associate Degree (ADN) in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
• Nurse I Level II - Education and Experience Requirement: A Diploma or ADN in Nursing and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to a Nurse I, Level 1; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience.
• Nurse I Level III - Education and Experience Requirement: A Diploma or ADN in Nursing and two years of professional nursing experience, one of which is a year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Bachelor's degree in nursing and one year of professional nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no professional nursing experience; or a Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.
• Nurse II - Education and Experience Requirement: Bachelor's degree in nursing and two years of professional nursing experience, one of which is a year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR Master's degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR Master's degree in a related field with a bachelor's degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR Doctorate degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR Doctorate degree in a related field with a master's or bachelor's degree in nursing with no professional nursing experience.
• Nurse III - Education and Experience Requirement: Master's degree in nursing with two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR Master's degree in a related field with a bachelor's degree in nursing with two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR Doctorate degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR Doctorate degree in a related field with a master's or bachelor's degree in nursing with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.
• Dimension Requirement. Nurses at Nurse III must meet ALL the following dimension requirements to qualify for Nurse III.
• i Practice. Demonstrates expertise in professional practice using the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation) with improved evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.
• ii Veteran/Patient Driven Care. Leads initiatives to improve Veteran/patient experience. Satisfaction and/or safety beyond the immediate practice setting.
• iii Leadership. Communicates and collaborates as an effective leader of the interprofessional team, at the expert level, with improved evidence-based and/or data-driven outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.
• iv Professional Development. Enhances knowledge base and practice evaluation, at the expert level, with improved outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.
• v Evidence Based Practice/Research. Leads the identification and integration of evidence-based practice/research with clinical expertise to improve quality of care and resource utilization at the expert level with improved outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting.

Reference: VA Regulations, VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.Physical Requirements: Please see education section for Physical Requirements of positionEducationPhysical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity (including depth perception), keen hearing (aide permitted), clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity in both hands. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking (2-4 hours), standing (2-6 hours), stooping, sitting, bending, pulling (1-2 hours), and pushing (1-2 hours). lifting (>50 pounds), carrying (>50 pounds). 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 be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Must be able to work closely with others, as well as protracted or irregular hours of work. Must be compliance with the use of ergonomic exercises and employee safety requirements.Additional informationThis position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Read more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.