Summary PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will remain on file through December 31, 2024. Eligible applicants will be referred each month as vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. **Amended to update the salary range to match the new 2024 pay scales and qualifications. Responsibilities In compliance with VA Policy & union requirements/recommendations for Title 38 clinical positions, internal facility employees must receive first consideration prior to hiring managers making selections externally to other applicants. So, this internal announcement ensures this is met by posting all positions internally to facility employees throughout the year. This announcement does not signify that a vacancy exists at this time. Should a true vacancy become available in this occupation/specialty, applicants will be reviewed & referred to hiring managers for consideration at that time. You will receive notification when/if your application progresses to the next stage of recruitment. Some positions/specialties are eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If selected, you will be notified if your specialty is eligible for EDRP or not. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. This announcement may be used to fill various positions. You must choose which duty location and specialty you wish to be considered for. You may select multiple duty locations and specialties, but you must select at least one when you apply. You will be considered for the duty location(s)/specialties that you select when you apply. Note that there may not be any current vacancies at the time of this announcement, however, applicants may be considered for future vacancies that become available until the announcement closes. As a Licensed Independent Provider, the Nurse Practitioner practices autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. The incumbent provides a wide range of health care services, including the diagnosis and management of acute, chronic and complex health problems; health promotion; disease prevention; health education; and counseling to individuals, families, groups and communities. Must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Providing high-quality care, increasing access & improving outcomes for Veterans. Obtaining and evaluating medical histories; performing physical examinations; performing therapeutic and diagnostic procedures; and ordering laboratory studies, radiographs, electrocardiograms, and other special examinations. Making arrangements for further care if appropriate (e.g., by entering consults) and serving as a consultant to other providers. Working collaboratively with all levels of staff including trainees (e.g. medical students, NP/RN students, PA students, interns, residents, etc.) and a multidisciplinary staff in a fast-paced educational, and collegial environment. Developing and implementing evidence based nursing protocols and organizing educational activities targeted toward staff training and development. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Various work schedules available. May require rotating call coverage, weekdays, nights, weekends and/or holidays. The supervisor will determine the actual work schedule (FT, PT, Intermittent & the hours worked) upon selection based on the needs of the organization. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen. English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner approved by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant (Transcripts Required): The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)- formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) -OR- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). -OR- In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD), possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. Licensure: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license as an APN to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as a permanent Nurse Practitioner (NP) staff employee on January 29, 2024 or earlier (and are currently employed in this series) that are also performing the duties are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certification: Must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a NP in a State and maintain full and current certification as a NP from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. The certification must be in specialty for this position. (Copy of Certification Required) Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: APN (Nurse Practitioner) II: Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required. APN (Nurse Practitioner) III: (i) Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP) AND (ii) One year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level. NOTE: The post-master's certificate is formal education awarded from an acceptable school of professional nursing and is not considered board certification. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is APN (NP) III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of APN (NP) II to APN (NP) III. Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health. This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, hands and legs, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking & standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing and able to hear whisper. The incumbent must be physically, emotionally and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.