Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain active for 6 months after the 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.
Summary
***THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT***
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain active for 6 months after the 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.
The incumbent will provide prescribed medical treatment and personal care services to ill and injured veterans. Duties include documenting observations, assessments, and changes in patient's condition; collaborating with health team members to facilitate positive patient care outcomes; providing a full range of nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavior problems; and accountable for meeting and maintaining the qualification standards and functional statements of assigned grade.
VA Northern Indiana Health Care System is seeking innovative Registered Nurses to become part of our Healthcare Team. This is an open and continuous posting in which you will identify the areas in which you are interested in working. Areas include inpatient and outpatient areas to provide care to our Nation's Veterans. The incumbent will provide prescribed medical treatment and personal care services to ill and injured veterans. Duties include documenting observations, assessments, and changes in patient's condition; collaborating with health team members to facilitate positive patient care outcomes; providing a full range of nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavior problems; and accountable for meeting and maintaining the qualification standards and functional statements of assigned grade.
This announcement covers multiple areas within VA Northern Indiana Health Care System. Eligible applicants will be referred based on answers assessment in regard to preferred location/specialty combination.
Specialties include:
Emergency Room
ICU
Med/Surg (Inpatient)
Surgery/OR
Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)
Specialty Clinics
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Behavioral Health
Community Living Center
Home Based Primary Care
Care in the Community
Work Schedule: Schedule will vary based on the current vacancy being filled. Specific work schedule will be discussed during the interview process.
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Designated and/or random drug testing required
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 a background/security investigation
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Must pass pre-employment physical examination
Qualifications
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible
to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
English Language Proficiency. RNs appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
Graduation from School of Nursing. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant : The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), an accrediting arm of the National League for Nursing located at 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10006 or call (800) 669-1656 extension 153. The NLNAC accredits all levels of nursing programs. Additional information may be obtained from the NLNAC web site; or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The CCNE accredits bachelors and masters degree programs, and is located at One Dupont Circle N.W., Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036 or call (202) 463-6930. Additional information may be obtained from the CCNE web site. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. In these programs, students are given a certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX and should submit this certification to VA prior to appointment. Students do not earn a BSN, but receive a MSN degree upon completion of course work. A copy of the MSN transcript must be provided to VA. Bridge programs that confer a masters degree also fully meet the education requirement, even though a Bachelors Degree is not awarded. OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active, and unrestricted registration (see paragraph 2a(3)) will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.
Condition of Employment. A registered nurse (RN) will have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the U.S. or in the District of Columbia.
The Four Dimensions of Nursing are:
1. Practice
2. Professional Development
3. Collaboration
4. Scientific Inquiry
Within the Four Dimensions of Nursing, nine criteria define the performance requirements for RNs at each grade and/or level in the Nurse Qualification Standard. These requirements listed below, are based on the American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards of Care and Standards of Professional Performance.
1. Practice. Extent to which the RN effectively uses the nursing process components of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation in varied practice settings.
2. Quality of Care. Extent to which the RN systematically evaluates and improves the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice and health care delivery.
3. Performance. Extent to which the RN evaluates his/her own nursing practice as well as the performance of others.
4. Education/Career Development. Extent to which the RN acquires and uses current knowledge for self and others.
5. Collegiality. Extent to which the RN contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.
6. Ethics. Extent to which the RN makes decisions and takes action in an ethical manner.
7. Collaboration. Extent to which the RN collaborates with clients, significant others, and other health care and service providers.
8. Research. Extent to which the RN uses research in practice.
9. Resource Utilization. Extent to which the RN considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering care.
The above criteria are conceptualized within the Four Dimensions of Nursing as follows:
1. Practice (Practice, Ethics, Resource Utilization)
2. Professional Development (Education/Career Development, Performance)
3. Collaboration (Collaboration, Collegiality)
4. Scientific Inquiry (Quality of Care, Research)
Grade Determinations. In addition to the Basic Requirements specified in paragraph a above, the following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. With regard to the "dimension" requirements, the requirements for all "dimensions" at a particular grade/level must be met in order for a RN to be qualified at that particular grade/level.
Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelors degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience.
Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelors degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Masters degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.
Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelors degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Masters degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
Nurse III - Masters degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree.
References: VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G6, Nurse Qualification Standard which is available in your local Human Resources office.
Physical Requirements. Heavy lifting (35 pounds and over); heavy carrying (35 pounds and over); straight pulling (2-4 hours); pushing (2-4 hours); reaching above shoulders (1-2 hours); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (4-6 hours); standing (4-6 hours); repeated bending (2-4 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color; hearing (aid permitted); mental and emotional stability.
Education
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program. To participate in the program, you must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA Policy 1021 and submit your application within four months of appointment. The final award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office.
IMPORTANT:A transcript, either official or unofficial, must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must include your name as well as the name and full address of the college or university. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process.
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), an accrediting arm of the National League for Nursing located at 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10006 or call (800) 669-1656 extension 153. The NLNAC accredits all levels of nursing programs. Additional information may be obtained from the NLNAC web site; or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The CCNE accredits bachelors and masters degree programs, and is located at One Dupont Circle N.W., Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036 or call (202) 463-6930. Additional information may be obtained from the CCNE web site.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by 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: 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.
Additional information
COVID-19 VaccinationRequirement As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if after November 22. VA will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation is needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. Please contact the Human Resources Point of Contact listed at the topof the JOA.
NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
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.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
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.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
Company name and full address
Job title
Duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
If your resume does not include ALL of the above items, you may not be considered for this position.
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume and supporting documents.
Successful Nursing Practice. Documented evidence of experience as an RN that is determined to be sustained and consistently at or above an acceptable level of quality. This may include experience as a Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) provided the candidate was utilized as a professional nurse and passed the State licensing (board) examination on the first attempt, and experience as a Nurse Technician Pending Graduation provided the candidate possessed an active, current registration to practice nursing in a State and was utilized as a professional nurse (See chapter 3, section G, paragraph 5, this part). It may also include performance as a VA registered nurse that is at or above the fully satisfactory level. Professional nursing experience should be documented on the Proficiency Report, VA Form 10-2623, the VA Form 10-2850a, Application for Employment - Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists, or on a candidate's resume.
Length of Nursing Practice (Experience). The amount of time documented on VA Form 10- 2850a or on a candidate's resume. (A performance evaluation or reference covering the candidate's most recent employment as a RN is essential.) Part-time experience as a RN is credited according to the relationship it bears to the full-time workweek. For example, a RN who worked 20 hours a week (i.e., on a half-time basis) would receive one full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of such service.
Length of LPN Practice (Experience). LPN experience may be counted towards successful nursing practice for an RN at the rate of ½ credit as compared to full credit for RN experience. The amount of time that may be credited toward RN experience may not exceed 5 years. For example, LPN experience would be counted as one full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of such service. (A performance evaluation or reference covering the candidate's most recent employment as an LPN is essential.)
Degree in a Related Field. Baccalaureate and graduate degrees in fields related to nursing from a college or university which was accredited by the state at the time the candidate completed the program. Information on accredited colleges and universities is contained in Accredited Institutions of Post-secondary Education, published annually by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036 or call (202) 939-9300. Information can be obtained from the ACE web site.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
License
Resume
Transcript
VA Form 10-2850a (Application for Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists) which can be found at: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/?q=10-2850. Please be sure to select 10-2850A Application for Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists.
The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD 214
Disability Letter (VA)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
SF 15
SF 50/Notification of Personnel Action
Other
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/31/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11005186.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Applications will remain active for 6 months after the 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Northern Indiana HCS
1700 East 38th Street
Marion, IN 46953
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. As vacancies arise, applications will be reviewed to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met and a list of qualified applicants will be sent to the hiring manager for that location/specialty combination. Applicants will be notified of their qualification and referral status.
Applications will remain active for 6 months after the 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.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
License
Resume
Transcript
VA Form 10-2850a (Application for Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists) which can be found at: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/?q=10-2850. Please be sure to select 10-2850A Application for Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists.
The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD 214
Disability Letter (VA)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
SF 15
SF 50/Notification of Personnel Action
Other
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/31/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11005186.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Applications will remain active for 6 months after the 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Northern Indiana HCS
1700 East 38th Street
Marion, IN 46953
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. As vacancies arise, applications will be reviewed to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met and a list of qualified applicants will be sent to the hiring manager for that location/specialty combination. Applicants will be notified of their qualification and referral status.
Applications will remain active for 6 months after the 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.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
