I am feeling frustrated with the entire VA NPSB proficiency process. At my hospital, it is a good old boys system in which board members promote their friends and the other managers and shut the door on others. I am a staff RN with a MSN and years of experience. I applied for my nurse III after completing a hospital wide project and doing other work that met the 9 dimensions.
This whole process has me frustrated beyond words. My profIciency has been lost by HR multiple times. My initial NPSB review said I didnt meet 7 of the 9 dimensions. Before submitting my proficiency, I had it reviewed by 3 former board members who all said I would meet for a 3. I submitted a request for reconsideration after the initial denial, and suddenly I met 6 out of 9 dimensions. I am now appealing my denial to VACO. Has anyone ever done this? What was he outcome, and how long did your appeal take to be answered after it was sent off?
I have been repeatedly been told by my own manager "you cannot get a 3 without working in management" and "it takes multiple submissions to get approved". I do not think this is correct. It may be harder to find the time and get approval for a project, but staff RNs cannot be essentially "blocked" from promotion. The dimensions are black and white, yet a subjective system is used to approve or deny proficiencies. It seems so unfair at my hospital. I've seen other nurses get promoted who were friends with board members, while other truly deserving RNs who meet the dimensions and make lasting changed within the hospital are shut out.
Any guidance and other nurses experience with this would be greatly appreciated. I love working with our Vets, but the good old boys club and the oppressive bureaucracy had me ready to bash my face into something. I feel defeated. Thanks all
I’m on boarding now. Seeking advice as I got a low offer, making less than I made 5 years ago. So I told them that and they asked for paychecks. I’ve not been asked for anything but a resume. Do they do proficiency for onboarding?
Also, can I get proficiency information emailed to [email protected]
Yes. My recrutier gave me the proficency outline for nurse III. This was after the intial HR paperwork. And at the same time as they had me put info in VETPRO. 5 days later they called with the salary offer and set up physical and fingerprints. Which im doing mondau
The nurse recruiter told me the best way to address them was to give examples so I did but I knew that I'd lack in any kind of mgmt/organizational wide activities. I have leadership type roles to draw on though. so I wasn't surprised to get a nurse II, step 4. Its only a little more, but because its a 40 hr week i will make more.
I went to a proficiency training today. They stressed to utilize the Nurse 3 guidelines and use the language that is provided when answering how you met the goal. Also to make sure you wrap the section up with how it benefitted the organization/facility. Along with data or % of change/improvement.
I submit again next year and we will see if it helps. I'm involved in everything from policy updates, nursing note creation to nurses week. I'm exhausted ?
Hello everyone I am a 15 year veteran of the VA system. In May I will be maxed out as a Nurse II step 12. In August I will have worked 2 years as an ANM in the Psych ER. Does anyone have any Nurse III proficiencies that I could take a look at to help guide me that are also fellow ANMs in mental health or related areas?
i am a nurse 3 step 3 now. I work as a UR nurse at the mid south consolidated patient account center.
I am a BSN, MSN, i came in as a 2 step 2 with 8 years and an MSN. I am more than happy to send you my proficiency that got my promotion to Nurse 3. I don't know how i just basically figured out you need key words. Send me a PM and I will send you anything. IT ALL SUCKS my leadership SUCKS. but my pay is great where I work in south texas.
canchaser, BSN, RN
447 Posts
I’m on boarding now. Seeking advice as I got a low offer, making less than I made 5 years ago. So I told them that and they asked for paychecks. I’ve not been asked for anything but a resume. Do they do proficiency for onboarding?
Also, can I get proficiency information emailed to [email protected]
thanks so much.