Registered Nurse Transition to Practice - RNTTP Program

Summary

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Program - a structured 12‑month residency designed for entry‑level Registered Nurses during their first year of practice. This program supports the transition from academic preparation to competent – independent clinical practice through a combination of classroom instruction – hands‑on clinical experience – and professional development.

• Basic Requirements:
  • 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
  • Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant:
    The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • OR 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)
  • OR 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)
  • 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
  • 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
  • The Dimension requirements (Practice – Veteran/Patient Driven Care – Leadership – Professional Development and Evidence‑Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Questionnaire/
  • Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I – Level I:
    Delivers fundamental – knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
  • • An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing – with no additional professional nursing required
  • Nurse I – Level II:
    Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts – cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
  • • An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 1; OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
  • Nurse I – Level…