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 CCRN/SICU/MICU/ER/PACU/GI/Med-Surg./Ortho/Uro/Pain.
WOW!, just WOW!. I didn’t even mention my rebuttal getting lost for months too, or the fact that I met w/ a chair of the board & had many Nurse 3’a review mine.
Best part of all? I was asked to submit THIS year’s Proficiency even before I had my response back for LAST year’s. That’s how long it took to get a response! Yet, another reason why I’m not re-writing one or this year. (sigh)
I am a nurse 3 step 3 now. I work as a your 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.
Can I get a copy of your proficiency? I am a nurse at a VA and don't know where to start. Something to use as an example would be great!
Can someone send me a copy of their proficiency for a nurse 3? I have been denied AGAIN. I am suppose to meet with a board member next week to review. The entire process is very frustrating.
Specializes in Presently in Primary Care Clinic in Ca. also CCRN.
RN4KU- Please send you Nurse 3 proficiency for a guide. I am on a committee which has positively impacted the VISN and my manager thinks I should write for Nurse 3 but won't get it. I am Nurse 2/Step 12 for 6 years!! Almost impossible to move.
Hello, I am a NP at VA Montana and have been here as RN and NP for over 10 years and would love if anyone is willing to help with my proficiency. I have tried many times and failed as promotion really due to my wording. Thank you for anyone willing to help.
Specializes in Presently in Primary Care Clinic in Ca. also CCRN.
Hi Kayleigh,
I submitted my proficiency for Nurse 3 last week, I am a critical care nurse with my MSN & CCRN so I have the education aspect. I am on a committee for VVC and it was effective facility & VISN wide. It took me a total of 8 hours to write and a full 13 pages typed to address the dimensions. It was due end of Jan. but got it in early. Trying to max my salary to retire in 3 years. Spent 35 years in the private sector before starting in the VA in 2013. If I move to Nurse3/Step 9 I should know by March 1st, I will let you know. I watched numerous videos on the NOVA web site on how to write a proficiency for Nurse 3.
Best of luck with getting your Nurse III. My proficiency is due in April and I am working on mine currently. If you wouldn’t mind sharing yours for me to use as an example, I would sincerely appreciate it. Here is my email address: [email protected]. Thank you!
Guest1156266, BSN
5 Posts
WOW!, just WOW!. I didn’t even mention my rebuttal getting lost for months too, or the fact that I met w/ a chair of the board & had many Nurse 3’a review mine.
Best part of all? I was asked to submit THIS year’s Proficiency even before I had my response back for LAST year’s. That’s how long it took to get a response! Yet, another reason why I’m not re-writing one or this year. (sigh)