Getting NURSE II at the V.A.

Specialties Government

Published

So I currently work at the VA. I have my BSN and 5 years experience as a RN. I was brought in as a nurse I, but with a high step. I spoke to HR about it and I was told....that my opportunity to negotiate steps and/or grades for my position was when I was initially offered the salary. However, being that this is my first government job, I was not aware of this until after I got hired and started to speaking to other employees during orientation. So my question is does anyone who works for a VA have any tips on what I can do to obtain my nurse II when it is time for my eval?

Thanks 😊

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Contact one of the members of your facility's Nursing Practice Standards Board, and see if you can get input from this person.

In my experience, your Manager will fill out your review and submit it, when it is time for your annual Proficiency Review.

But then, it is up to you to write to the points/standards of the Nurse I, possibly Nurse II (look over https://www.va.gov/health/TRAVELNURSE/docs/NPSB_Presentation.pdf).

It would be nice if someone familiar with those points (possibly a member of the NPSB or your Manager, if s/he is pro-active and knowledgeable) reviewed and critiqued your Proficiency before you submit it.

What you write must support your Manager's evaluation.

I believe you are automatically eligible for advancement, and considered for such, after a certain period. I am not sure on the time frame.

Hopefully you are a member of a committee or two, and are helping to maintain high standards and evidence-based practices on your unit and possibly throughout the facility.

Do research and digging, and good luck to you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

I also work at the VA as a RN. I'm currently a Nurse I Step 6 and I only have 3 years of experience. I transferred from a med-surg floor to a ICU floor. On the med-surg floor, I was charge after six months of working there (basically only six months of experience as a RN) and if I stayed on that floor, I would have became a Nurse II. I asked my ICU Manager ans she stated that in order to become a nurse II, I would have to be able to be charge on both sides of the unit without help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I also work at the VA as a RN. I'm currently a Nurse I Step 6 and I only have 3 years of experience. I transferred from a med-surg floor to a ICU floor. On the med-surg floor, I was charge after six months of working there (basically only six months of experience as a RN) and if I stayed on that floor, I would have became a Nurse II. I asked my ICU Manager ans she stated that in order to become a nurse II, I would have to be able to be charge on both sides of the unit without help.

I don't think that's true. You have shown you are capable of charge because you did it on your previous unit. That should fulfill the Leadership part of Practice, one of the nine dimensions. Check out the examples listed in the link below. This is not my VA but I have seen this document before.

https://www.siouxfalls.va.gov/careers/jobs/HR_Holding/CLINICAL_NURSE_PATH.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

This is what she told me. Being charge on a ICU unit vs med-surg floor is two completely different than things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

I would have made Nurse II if I stayed on the Med-Surg floor but my next performance review was on the ICU and I haven't been charge so the ICU manager hasn't seen my capabilities as a charge nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That seems very wrong to penalize you bc you changed units. Can't you get your previous mgr to confirm your leadership capabilities on med-surg? I might ask my union rep about that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg., Oncology, Observational Units.

Here are some great resources on YouTube put out by NOVA the Nurses Organization of Veteran's Affairs. They are videos of how to write your proficiency towards a Nurse 2. In fact, NOVA will help you with it if you send it into them. One of the videos mentions this. I found the first one the most useful. Hope this helps!

1.

2.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello!

I am currently doing the paperwork for a VA Nurse II position and filling out the Nurse Professional Standards Board Write Up's. Has anyone else filled this out and can someone please give me some advice on what exactly they're looking for. I have my BSN with 14 years experience as an ER/Trauma nurse and 2 as a medical Case Manager so I am more than qualified for this position but don't want to be short changed based on my write ups!

Thanks!

Traci

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Has any BSN nurses successfully boarded in the VA as a Nurse II with a high step without having a MSN?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I need help with my RN 2. this process is so confusing.. anything would help. [email protected] thank you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN BSN.

Me too! [email protected]

thanks much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment