Registered Nurse - Critical Care Unit; CCU - EDRP is authorized

Summary

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a Registered Nurse - Critical Care Unit (CCU) in Dallas - TX. The ideal candidate has current ICU experience. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). See Duties section for additional information.

• English Language Proficiency:
  In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Education:
  
  Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• Individuals attending a master’s level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.
• Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program.
• (Reference VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6)
• In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing - possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program.
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher than associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
• License:
  Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States - or the District of Columbia.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception:
  Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements - but do not possess the required licensure - may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case basis).
  
  NOTE:
  
  Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Two years of Intensive Care Unit experience (recent within 1‑2 years), Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN), Telemetry experience.
• Grade Determinations:
  The following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade (details for each grade and level are available online).
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I:
  Delivers fundamental knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. Nurse I - Level II:
  Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex needs. Nurse I - Level III:
  Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning, self‑directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. (Additional grade/level distinctions follow the same pattern with required education and experience levels.)
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Moderate lifting – 15‑44 pounds;
  Light lifting – under 15 pounds;
  Moderate carrying – 15‑44 pounds;
  Light carrying – under 15 pounds;
  Pulling hand over hand – 8‑12 hours;
  Pushing – 8‑12 hours;
  Reaching above shoulder;
  Use of fingers;
  Both hands required;
  Walking – 8‑12 hours;
  S…