VA Proficiency Nurse III Frustration & Appeal

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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

Specializes in Revenue Utilization Review.

Some tell you there are no official caps but when almost half of your organization have what is considered management credentials but refuse to work in management, upper management take notice. I am a realistic person it is all about the budget for your particular area.

It’s true. It all boils down to the budget. There was a time that a good and earnest attempt with sound examples got you that Nurse III. Now they look closely at our salaries and how much they are already paying and weigh it against how many nurse III they already have. Now I saw mentioned that nurse IIIs take a coffee break for the rest of their time. I came in at a Nurse III and I promise you, I worked for years as hard as I could grateful for the salary and position. I tried to make a difference, tried to make it better for the nurses coming on board. And I think I succeeded, at least for a short while. But this is the government we work for and politics and money will always take precedent. If they have the money and politics is on your side, and a well-written proficiency, you will make a nurse III.

1 Votes

If there is anyone willing to share their proficiency with me as a Nurse III, I would greatly appreciate it. I have worked hard for years attempting to get my III and completed countless projects only to be denied. The board is always looking for "one more thing" and now have stated that it needs to be effective at another facility. I am completely frustrated. I have had my MSN for over 10 years now, and have been at this facility for almost 17 years. Let me end by stating this: when I completed my MSN program, I was so happy and proud. When my then manager found out, her response to me was not congrats but that "your degree is worthless here." I have worked to prove her wrong and I know that you do not necessarily need a MSN to get your III, but in the end perhaps she knew. My email address is: [email protected].

Thank you!!

1 hour ago, tl8089 said:

If there is anyone willing to share their proficiency with me as a Nurse III, I would greatly appreciate it. I have worked hard for years attempting to get my III and completed countless projects only to be denied. The board is always looking for "one more thing" and now have stated that it needs to be effective at another facility. I am completely frustrated. I have had my MSN for over 10 years now, and have been at this facility for almost 17 years. Let me end by stating this: when I completed my MSN program, I was so happy and proud. When my then manager found out, her response to me was not congrats but that "your degree is worthless here." I have worked to prove her wrong and I know that you do not necessarily need a MSN to get your III, but in the end perhaps she knew. My email address is: tlantz8089@aol.com.

Thank you!!

I have emailed u my proficiency. I understand your frustration and that is why I am more than willing to share with anyone to assist. I am a member of the NPSB at my facility and I serve as secretary on the board. This helped tremendously. The main thing for nurse 3 is to have a different example for each domain and everything must include: the problem, intervention, outcome, sustainability. All of these must be at the program or organizational level. It must be outside of your unit. I am willing to review your proficiency for you if you would like to email it to me before you submit it.

1 Votes

I am currently a Nurse II step 5. Am. Hoping to get to a III with my next proficiency. I just completed my green belt and am working on my MSN. My understanding is this is the last year you can get to a III without an MSN. Have been an RN for 14 years. Is there anyone willing to share their proficiency for a Nurse III? It would be greatly appreciated. With last years proficiency I was informed I wasn’t meeting any of the criteria which was a bit surprising. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Please email me at [email protected]

5 minutes ago, reptile2222 said:

I am currently a Nurse II step 5. Am. Hoping to get to a III with my next proficiency. I just completed my green belt and am working on my MSN. My understanding is this is the last year you can get to a III without an MSN. Have been an RN for 14 years. Is there anyone willing to share their proficiency for a Nurse III? It would be greatly appreciated. With last years proficiency I was informed I wasn’t meeting any of the criteria which was a bit surprising. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Please email me at cwhorn25@gmail.com

Sent

1 Votes

How do I PM Nurse4life81? I would appreciate a copy of Nurse III as well, please. [email protected]

Daniel ([email protected])

I appreciate your effort to throw more light in this complicated and often muddled process. I also will appreciate any proficiency sample help in my bid to be a nurse 3. I have been a nurse 2 for the past 5 years in Dallas VA. I feel that it is time to move up.

Would love a copy as well. Sitting here for 10 years. Nurse II level 7. Need to bump. should have been there a long time ago but my first 5 years didn't count for any bumps because I was intermittent! Any help would be appreciated. My email is [email protected]. Thanks for any assistance.

On 8/2/2018 at 2:27 PM, sj2002 said:

Thank you RN4KU for sending the info.

Hi is it possible you can send me the proficiency information RN4KU sent to you via my email [email protected]

Thanks

On ‎4‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:52 PM, nurse4life81 said:

That email address is coming back undeliverable

If you would be willing to share your proficiency, I can use all the help I can get. My email is [email protected] Thanks in advance if you are willing to help!!!!

On ‎4‎/‎19‎/‎2019 at 1:40 PM, damdaz said:

I am also interested if you would like to share. email is [email protected]

Thanks in advance for any and all help!!!!

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