Nurse Practitioner- Only Open to Current Permanent Employees of South Texas VA HCS

Summary

This Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) is only open to Current Permanent Employees of the South Texas VA Health Care System.

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.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Overview

* Accepting applications
* Open & closing dates

05/07/2024 to 05/06/2025


* Salary

$104,251 - $227,148 per year

Salary may vary based on position and location


* Pay scale & grade

VN 00


* Help

Locations

* Balcones Heights, TX


* Kerrville, TX


* San Antonio, TX


* Victoria, TX




* Remote job

No


* Telework eligible

No


* Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.


* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No


* Appointment type

Permanent -


* Work schedule

Full-time -


* Service

Excepted


* Promotion potential

None


* Job family (Series)

0610 Nurse


* Supervisory status

No


* Security clearance

Other


* Drug test

Yes


* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk


* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness


* Announcement number

CAZM-12408902-24-NS


* Control number

790203700



Help

This job is open to

* Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.



Clarification from the agency

This Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) is only open to Current Permanent Employees of the South Texas VA Health Care System.

Videos

Help

Duties

This is an Open Continuous Announcement for current, permanent employees of VA SouthTexas Health Care System for consideration when vacancies occur for Nurse Practitioners.

Applications will expire after 90 days. Employees using this announcement must update their applications every 90 days.

As the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, you will use professional standards of care and practice to evaluate self, programs, and service activities. You will maintain knowledge of current techniques, trends, and professional issues. You will use group process to identify, analyze, and resolve care problems. Duties of the position include but are limited to:

* Initiate/participate in Patient Safety activities that result in improved outcomes.
* Implement an educational plan to meet changing program or service needs.
* Educate colleagues and serve as a preceptor and/or mentor on patient safety initiatives and standards.
* Support and enhance client self-determination.
* Serve as a resource for clients and staff in addressing ethical issues.
* Participate in ethics consultations.
* Collaborate with others in research activities to improve care.
* Identify and assess resource utilization and safety issues, taking appropriate action.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Work Schedule: Varies based on specific positions.

Compressed/Flexible: May be available but is position-specific, may not be available for all positions

Telework: May be available but is position-specific, may not be available for all positions

Virtual: May be available based on specific positions

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be available but is position-specific, may not be available for all position and is dependent on availability of funds at the time of selection.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Bargaining Unit Status: This position is part of the bargaining unit.

Help

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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.

Qualifications

Applicants 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.
* Education. A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner.
* Education Accreditation Requirement. Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant:
* The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. The ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate, masters/post-master's certificate, baccalaureate, associate and diploma nursing education programs. (NOTE: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013 ACEN's website may be utilized to verify accredited programs using automated inquiry processes; however, for verification of any nursing program's accreditation prior to 1998, an automated inquiry cannot be used and ACEN must be contacted directly via their email contact information on the ACEN website to verify.); OR,
* The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 7, Washington, DC 20001. The CCNE is an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and accredits nursing education programs at the bachelor and master's level.
* Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Candidates with equivalent Nurse Practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.


* License. All APNs (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted APN license to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
* Basic Certification. All APNs (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following:
* The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC);
* The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB); or
* Other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.



The certification must be in specialty for the specific position.

Grade Determination. In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of an APN (NP) is based on a combination of education and experience. Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination for appointment, advancement and promotion will be based on the following specific requirement for an APN (NP). The level of practice at which an APN (NP) may perform is based upon a combination of many factors. Beyond the minimum educational requirements, grade determination, upon appointment and advancement, is dependent upon aspects such as continued professional development (formal and/or informal education), clinical performance, judgment, outcomes (at the service level and beyond), leadership and interpersonal skills that influence, inspire and motivate others within their program/service or beyond. As the APN (NP) acquires the knowledge, skills and judgment that accrues with experience, the privilege of increased authority for patient care and service in administrative roles is expanded as applicable.

APN (Nurse Practitioner) II.

(a) Scope. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others

(b) Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required.

(c) Dimension Requirement. APNs (NPs) at level II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:

* Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
* Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.
* Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care.
* Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice.
* Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.

APN (Nurse Practitioner) III.

(a) Scope. Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care.

(b) Education and Experience Requirement.

* Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP).

AND

* One year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.

(c) Dimension Requirement. APNs (Nurse Practitioners) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:

* Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
* Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations.
* Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population or program.
* Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility.
* Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Determined by position.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the appropriate State agency and accredited by either: a) The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); or b) The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here:

* ACEN - http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
* CCNE - https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE-Accreditation/CCNE-Accredited-Programs
* U.S. Department of Education - http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Note: If your school was accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the ACEN or CCNE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Additional information

Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This 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

* Benefits

Help

A 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 benefits

Eligibility 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 Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other 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' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.