VA RN grade 2 to grade 3?

Specialties Government

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hey guys! I was interested in looking to advance from a grade 2 to a grade 3. Can anyone provide any insight or project ideas on how to achieve this. Unfortunately the VA hospital I work at makes it extremely difficult to advance in your career. I am masters prepared with my nurse practitioner and don't plan on leaving due to the benefits I need for my family. Thank you!! 

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Moving your thread to the Government Nursing area. 

If you browse through the Government threads, you will find many related to the information you want.  For example (and this is dealing with advances within Level 1 Nursing, but it's a related example):

 

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Thankyou! Much appreciated! 

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Specializes in Acute care, Management, Director, Professor.

You need to complete a hospital wide, or service line, project with sustained outcomes.  Usually have to complete over several years, to show the outcomes are indeed sustained.  Your facility should offer several resources, including what exact criteria is needed to board from a Nurse 2 to a Nurse 3.  Contact your nursing education department, or ask your supervisor for the info.

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Can you move to a program coordinator or manager or educator role? Those are all nurse 3 level roles. I've promoted people in all those categories as well as for projects that resulted in a change of practice or increased quality of care (restrains reduction, research to pilot a new sterile I'v start that got implemented in all inpatient areas.... I have a post all about how to write for you nurse 3 as well.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I've been trying for the past 7-8 months to move positions as currently I have my MSN. Looking to switch to a different role on days. I don't understand how I can pick a project and collect data. I'm not there everyday and I work nights. Also, my facility is extremely tiny and niche. It's contains 3 inpatient units (1 ICU and 2 tele floors). I'm not sure what kind of project would be good to fit this hospital. 

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Specializes in Acute care, Management, Director, Professor.

"Can you move to a program coordinator or manager or educator role?  Those are all nurse 3 level roles.".

Remember, just because you become a program coordinator, manager, or educator, you do not automatically become a nurse 3.  You still have to meet the qualifications of a nurse 3.  I know many managers with a MSN, stuck at Nurse 2.  It took me several years as a CNL and manager to get promoted to a 3.  The only grades truly dependant on position are at the Chief level (Nurse 4), and ADPCS (Nurse 5).  Another way to get a Nurse 3 is find a VISN job or Chief job, work that job for a few years, then back down to a staff nurse.  You'll then be placed in a Nurse 3 position.  Work nights and weekends, you'll make more than you did as a Nurse 4 or even a 5.

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flapjack017 said:

I've been trying for the past 7-8 months to move positions as currently I have my MSN. Looking to switch to a different role on days. I don't understand how I can pick a project and collect data. I'm not there everyday and I work nights. Also, my facility is extremely tiny and niche. It's contains 3 inpatient units (1 ICU and 2 tele floors). I'm not sure what kind of project would be good to fit this hospital. 

It really is easier to see opportunities for improvement in education roles or quality or managment, I was only able to get my 3 when I became an educator and suddenly my eyes opened to all the things in could do to improve practice. I've seen floor nurses get 3s though from hefty involvement in the falls reduction, restraint reduction, retention committees to name a few. Also from being involved in pmdb. See if you can get involved in some groups that those and get involved in their initiatives. 

azbrian27 said:

"Can you move to a program coordinator or manager or educator role?  Those are all nurse 3 level roles.".

Remember, just because you become a program coordinator, manager, or educator, you do not automatically become a nurse 3.  You still have to meet the qualifications of a nurse 3.  I know many managers with a MSN, stuck at Nurse 2.  It took me several years as a CNL and manager to get promoted to a 3.  The only grades truly dependant on position are at the Chief level (Nurse 4), and ADPCS (Nurse 5).  Another way to get a Nurse 3 is find a VISN job or Chief job, work that job for a few years, then back down to a staff nurse.  You'll then be placed in a Nurse 3 position.  Work nights and weekends, you'll make more than you did as a Nurse 4 or even a 5.

Yes I've Def seen educators who have been denied their 3s, but usually because of how they wrote their proficiencies (not using key words, references ect). The research section tends to trip people up, but it's deff easier.to achieve this goal when your in a educator or leadership position. You have more time to work on projects.

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