AddressSummary The VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) Student Nurse is a Baccalaureate Nursing student who have successfully completed their Junior year of Nursing school. They will under the direct supervision of a VA registered nurse preceptor are responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing direct patient care. Must be able to complete a minimum of 400 hours as a VA-STEP student. Responsibilities The VA Student Trainee Experience Program is a Student Nurse who delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned Veterans while developing the technical competencies required for the specific practice setting under the direct supervision of an RN preceptor. The VA-STEP student begins in an observational mode with an RN preceptor and gradually, as they and their preceptor assess their abilities and comfort levels, the student assumes greater levels of responsibility. This guided and mentored experience is intended to strengthen confidence, critical thinking abilities, time management skills, and prioritization and delegation of care. The VA-STEP student must work with their preceptor and nurse manager to identify and select a leadership project that meets the needs of VA as well as affording the student an opportunity to develop leadership skills. VA-STEP students are expected to attend staff meetings, unit based and facility wide educational offerings. The practice of each VA-STEP nursing student is based on skill, experience, and research, and has a direct and indirect impact on Veteran outcomes for the assigned area and the Health Care System as a whole. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Delivers safe care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies based on ANA Standards of Practice, VHA Directives, and local policies. Recognizes overt abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patient condition and responds appropriately. Implements physicians'/providers' orders in a timely and complete manner. Implements nursing interventions/orders in a timely and complete manner. Requests assistance from co-workers when needed; knows when to ask for help. Formulates a plan of care based on nursing assessments, using the nursing process based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice. Completes initial assessment of patient condition and response to treatment and initiates follow-up as needed. Includes the patient and family/significant other in developing the initial plan of care and establishing goals. Updates plan of care with assistance as needed. Assesses patient's learning needs, learning preference, and readiness to learn. Work Schedule: Full time for 10 weeks, 400 hours, not to exceed graduation date. Schedule to be determined during interview Requirements Conditions 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 evaluation 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: Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Must have completed the final semester or quarter of the junior year with anticipation of graduation within on year of entry to the STEP Program in an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) accredited baccalaureate or generic equivalent nursing program Program: Must be able to complete minimum 400 hours as a VA-STEP student. Physical Requirements: The position requires the incumbent to have visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The incumbent must be mature, flexible, and sensible, capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. This position requires limited periods of standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, walking, and be able to lift up to 35 pounds. Transferring patients and objects may be required. This position also requires sitting for long periods typing on computer keyboard, looking at computer monitor, and using the telephone. The incumbent maybe exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials requiring the incumbent to don protective clothing and equipment in isolation situations or during invasive patient procedures. The incumbent may be exposed to patients who are combative or aggressive related to neurologic or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must meet the required screening/testing and be medically cleared by Employee Occupational Health as a condition of employment. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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/. Additional Information 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.
