Department of Veterans Affairs | An Equal Opportunity Employer ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING COLLABORATIVE INNOVATIVE CLINICIANS VA CAREER OPPORTUNITIES VA – The career you want, the future you deserve The Best Care | The Best Careers WHY VA? THE BEST CARE VA – Keeping the Promise to Those Who Served The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest, most technologically advanced health care systems in the United States. Our employees work at 154 medical centers, 875 ambulatory and community-based outpatient clinics, 136 nursing homes, and many other facilities, such as domiciliaries and readjustment counseling centers. More than a century ago, President Lincoln made a promise to America's servicemen and women, pledging the care and concern of a grateful Nation for the sacrifices they made to preserve freedom. Since 1930, VA's mission has been to keep that promise. THE BEST CAREERS VA and Advanced Practice Nursing The nationwide service and health care complexity of the VA system provides our Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) with an unparalleled range of practice settings and practice areas. No matter where they work in the VA system, our APNs – both nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists – deliver patient-centered care through their dedication to direct care, research, education, and leadership. As direct care providers, VA APNs enjoy autonomy within their defined scopes of practice. They also have unequalled support from nursing peers, a wealth of professional resources, a computerized patient record system that is unsurpassed, and exceptional collaboration within the framework of interdisciplinary care teams. As health care researchers, VA APNs conduct research impacting nursing issues and outcomes of care. Master’s and doctorally prepared nurses have the opportunity to be the principal investigators of research projects, as well as translate their findings into practice. As one of the largest research organizations in the U.S., VA offers funded research opportunities and encourages nurse researchers and clinicians to disseminate their findings in literature and through presentations. As educators, VA APNs have the opportunity to guide the future generation of nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. VA provides clinical experiences to one out of every four professional nurses in the U.S. through affiliations with nursing schools. As a result, VA APNs play an important role in nursing students’ development. Some VA APNs hold university faculty positions. As health care leaders, VA APNs shape policy, facilitate access to VA health care, and impact resource management. They have a strong voice within VA, both locally and nationally. Many attend VA conferences and may be members of the APN Advisory Group, the Nursing Research Advisory Group, and other local, regional, and national committees and task forces. Additionally, all APNs are encouraged to be active in professional nursing organizations. Consider an APN career at VA. In return for your commitment to quality nursing care for our Nation's Veterans, VA offers competitive salaries, first-rate employment benefits, extensive tuition reimbursement programs, nationwide job transfer opportunities, a wide range of practice settings, and ample paid leave. THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES VA APNs have the opportunity to work in a variety of practice arenas, including but not limited to: Primary Care Providers • Primary Care • Preventive Care • Patient and Family Education • Geriatrics • Home Based Primary Care • Psychiatry/Mental Health Services • Women’s Health Sub-Specialties • Anesthesiology • Cardiology • Care Coordination • Case Management • Critical Care • Endocrinology • Dermatology • HIV • Occupational Health • Nursing Home/Long-Term Care Units • Oncology • Orthopedics • Pain Management • Palliative Care • Polytrauma • Psychiatry/MentalHealth Services • Rehabilitation • Spinal Cord Injury • Surgery THE BEST SYSTEM VA fosters a culture of excellence for both Veterans and its nursing staff. It does so through a range of initiatives, such as: • VA nursing staff are key participants in system-wide advancements for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) 5 Million Lives Campaign and the Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) projects. • APNs’ system-side influence is maximized by the implementation of the unit-based Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role. • The VA Nursing Outcomes Database (VANOD) Program is building a national database of nursing-sensitive indicators to support strategic decision making through benchmarking for all care across the continuum. • VA has embraced MagnetTM principles, which supports the achievement of Magnet designation at VA facilities. • The Safe Patient Handling and Movement Program focuses on preventing musculoskeletal injuries to nursing staff. • VA has invested in the cutting-edge technology needed to support its nurses and the entire patient care team, including a Bar Code Medication Administration system, a computerized patient record system, wireless handheld connectivity, telehealth, and more. • Many VA facilities offer flexible work schedules. NBC News “The VA health care system now offers what several surveys show to be the best medical care in the country.” National Committee for Quality Assurance “VA outperforms America's best private hospitals in all 17 performance criteria we measure.” Washington Monthly “VA provides the best care anywhere. Today, they're producing the highest quality care in the country ... [VA] points the way toward solving America's health care crisis.” Did you know that VA: • Is the largest employer of APNs in the Nation, with more than 3,700 nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists on staff • Is the largest employer of nursing staff in the Nation, with more than 61,000 RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and nursing assistants • Offers many APNs the opportunity to serve as primary care providers in inpatient and nursing home units • Has APN-run clinics dedicated to improving health care delivery in specialty areas, including pain management and geriatrics • Requires one active, unrestricted state license to practice anywhere in the U.S. and Puerto Rico • Serves a population of more than 7.8 million Veterans, providing inpatient care to about 600,000 Veterans and managing more than 57 million outpatient visits each year • Has facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories • Provides medical care backup to military hospitals during national emergencies, and operates command centers to coordinate services through the National Disaster Medical Service during major disasters “My nurse managers encouraged me to become a nurse practitioner. Now I have a passion for helping other nurses advance their careers within VA. As Lead NP at our facility, I serve as a preceptor and mentor to both undergraduate and graduate nurses. I also serve as adjunct faculty at local nursing schools. I feel greatly blessed that I am a part of this amazing VA culture.” — Lakshi AldredgeRN, MSN, ANP-C Adult Nurse Practitioner BENEFITS VA’s mission is to provide the best possible care for America’s Veterans. In return for helping VA achieve this goal, VA offers extensive employment benefits. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS • VA APNs earn 26 days of paid annual (vacation/personal) leave and may accumulate up to 85 days. This leave begins to accrue immediately and can be used as it is earned, with supervisory approval. • APNs earn 13 days of sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation. • There are 10 paid Federal holidays. • The Family and Medical Leave Act and the Family Friendly Leave Act allow employees to balance their work and family lives by taking reasonable amounts of leave for medical reasons, for the birth or adoption/foster care of a child, and for the care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health problem. • The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program allows Federal employees to donate annual leave for specific medical circumstances involving fellow employees or their family. • Military leave is authorized up to 15 days a year for active reservists and National Guard members. HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE • VA offers a wide variety of health insurance plans with premiums partially paid by the Federal Government. You may change plans yearly to fit your situation and need. • VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to set aside tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan. • Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government. • Long-term care insurance is available as an option. RETIREMENT VA APNs are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tier retirement plan composed of Social Security benefits, FERS basic benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer up to a fixed dollar amount each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. The Federal Government also provides a basic contribution and matching, depending on the amount of the employee contribution. For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension. Retirement health care insurance is also available. MOBILITY AND LICENSURE Where can a nursing career at VA take you? How about anywhere you’d like to live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. An employee may seek employment at any VA location where there is a vacancy and, if hired, transfer without loss of benefits. Only one active, unrestricted state license is required to practice in a VA facility in the above locations. LIABILITY PROTECTION As Federal employees, VA nurses are protected by the Federal Government in instances of alleged malpractice or negligence resulting from the performance of their duties in or for the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The United States Government accepts responsibility and liability for its employees' negligent or wrongful acts or omissions during the exercise of their official duties. This applies when employees' actions are in accord with the policies of the institution in which they are practicing. AWARDS AND HONORS VA bestows both monetary and honorary recognition for overall superior performance and special or unique achievements. Annual VA nursing award programs include the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing, the Secretary’s Award for Advancement of Nursing Programs, the Office of Nursing Services Innovation Awards, and National Nursing Awards. In addition, monetary awards can be earned through participation in VA’s Employee Suggestion Program. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS • Free parking at most facilities • Fitness centers at some facilities • Smoke-free and drug-free • Compensation for job-related workplace illness and injury • Child care at some facilities • Credit unions • Uniform allowance • Dining facilities and retail stores • Employee associations • Public transit subsidies at some facilities • Annual physical examination • Employee wellness programs EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES VA is committed to extending educational opportunities that enhance APNs’ knowledge and, in turn, improve care. In addition to extensive orientation programs for all newly hired APNs, VA offers APN in-service education courses, leadership courses, and National Employee Education Services courses. VA also leads the industry in providing educational assistance and incentive programs that help nurses repay their loans and obtain advanced degrees. Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – The EDRP allows VA to provide education loan repayments for recently appointed health care professionals. The education loan(s) must be for courses that led directly to qualifying for the appointed position. This program covers principal and interest on debts, up to $49,585 over five years. National Nursing Education Initiative (NNEI) – The NNEI scholarship is awarded to permanent full- and part-time registered nurses who have worked for VA for at least one year to cover tuition costs and related educational expenses for courses in which they are currently enrolled. Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP) – This program provides VA employees with scholarships to further their education and obtain degrees qualifying them for health care positions for which recruitment and retention is difficult. Tuition Support Program – Employees in health care disciplines that have been identified as VA shortage categories may be eligible for funding to enroll in job-related courses, continuing education courses, and conferences. Upward Mobility Training Programs – These programs offer, on a competitive basis, opportunities to advance to higher-level positions. “Since starting my career at VA 25 years ago, my clinical practice has evolved much the same as the role of nurse practitioner: increased independence and autonomy. VA has been supportive over the years in providing me with the time, clinical training and other educational opportunities to enhance my skills and specialty knowledge. As a veteran myself, it is both an honor and a privilege to care for this patient population.” —Charles Tevebaugh, APN Gerontological Nurse Practitioner HIRING POLICIES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Minimum qualifications for appointment as a VA APN are: • U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be hired on a temporary basis when qualified citizens are not available) • Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse practitioners (NP) must possess a master’s degree from an academic program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE, and must maintain full and current certification as either a CNS or NP from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. • Certification must be in the specialty for which the individual is being appointed or selected. • Current licensure from any U.S. State, Commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or Territory (e.g., Puerto Rico) • Evidence of successful performance • Personal interview • Satisfactory physical examination (may include drug screening) • English language proficiency SALARY INFORMATION • VA APNs are compensated according to a Locality Pay System (LPS) that ensures they are paid competitive rates within each local labor market. With this system, salary ranges vary according to facility location. Pay isreviewed periodically to ensure competitiveness with salary rates in effect in the local community. • Starting salaries and pay grades are recommended by peer review, accomplished though the Nurse Professional Standards Board, based on the nature and extent of professional education and experience. • VA offers premium pay to nurses for on-call, weekend, overtime, and holiday duty. Nurses receive 10 percent of their base hourly pay rate for night shifts, 25 percent for weekends, 50 percent for overtime, and double pay for holidays. • Accelerated increases within each grade may be awarded for length of service, enhanced qualifications or assignment, specialized skills, professional achievements, or high levels of performance. • APNs also receive consideration for promotion to higher grades with correspondingly higher salaries as administrative and professional performance qualifications are met. • Cash bonuses may be authorized for certification, exemplary job performance, or exemplary job achievement. “When we separated from active duty service as Captains in the USAF Nurse Corps, we both really wanted to pursue nursing careers dedicated to serving fellow Veterans. Although we both became certified nurse practitioners while at VA, one of us opted to remain clinically focused, while the other switched to an administrative career path. VA has provided both of us with unparalleled advancement opportunity, career flexibility, and the education necessary to fulfill our career dreams.” —Terry Terpstra, APRN BC Advanced Practice Nurse for Extended Care —Tammy Terpstra, APRN BC Chief of Extended Care Service Urban Beat | Coastal Living | The Heartland Choice NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES HOW TO APPLY VA can take you anywhere you want to live and work. We have facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. So, whether you're a confirmed urbanite, fond of the beach, or in search of peaceful Midwestern landscapes, you can explore VA nursing opportunities. Because hiring decisions are made locally, you should apply to the Human Resources Management Office at the VA health care facility where you desire employment consideration. Information about VA nursing and application procedures may be obtained from any VA facility. Employment information can also be obtained by contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs, Placement Service, 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1971, New Orleans, LA 70112. The toll-free number is 1-800-949-0002. Employment information and job applications can also be found on the Internet at www.VAcareers.va.gov. “A friend of mine told me about a new position in the emergency department at the VA hospital in Fresno and encouraged me to apply. At the time, I had young children and was not sure whether changing employers was a good idea. Taking this job was one of the best professional decisions I have ever made. My flexible work schedule has been very important to me, as I am active with my children’s school. And I am thrilled with VA’s technology.” — Vanessa Alvarado-Greer MSN, FNP, ACNP, BC Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Emergency/Pulmonary Services VA HEALTH CARE FACILITIES To gain a first-hand view of VA health care, you are invited and encouraged to visit any of our VA Medical Centers or ambulatory and community-based outpatient clinics. Please call or write to arrange an appointment. Telephone numbers are listed below for each medical center. Also, telephone numbers are listed for every VA facility in local telephone directories under “U.S. Government.” You can also address correspondence to: Human Resource Management Service, VA Medical Center, [City, State, ZIP Code] (listed below). ALABAMA Birmingham (35233) 205-933-8101 Montgomery (36109) 334-272-4670 Tuscaloosa (35404) 205-554-2000 Tuskegee (36083) 334-727-0550 ALASKA Anchorage (99508) 907-257-4700 ARIZONA Phoenix (85012) 602-277-5551 Prescott (86313) 928-445-4860 Tucson (85723) 520-792-1450 ARKANSAS Fayetteville (72703) 479-443-4301 Little Rock - Towbin (72114) 501-257-1000 Little Rock - McClellan (72205) 501-257-1000 CALIFORNIA Fresno (93703) 559-225-6100 Loma Linda (92357) 909-825-7084 Long Beach (90822) 562-826-8000 Los Angeles (90073) 310-478-3711 Palo Alto (94304) 650-493-5000 Sacramento (95655) 916-843-7000 San Diego (92161) 858-552-8585 San Francisco (94121) 415-221-4810 COLORADO Denver (80220) 303-399-8020 Grand Junction (81501) 970-242-0731 CONNECTICUT Newington (06111) 860-666-6951 West Haven (06516) 203-932-5711 DELAWARE Wilmington (19805) 302-994-2511 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washington (20422) 202-745-8000 FLORIDA Bay Pines (33744) 727-398-6661 Gainesville (32608) 352-376-1611 Lake City (32025) 386-755-3016 Miami (33125) 305-575-7000 Orlando (32803) 407-629-1599 Tampa (33612) 813-972-2000 West Palm Beach (33410) 561-882-8262 GEORGIA Augusta (30904) 706-733-0188 Decatur (30033) 404-321-6111 Dublin (31021) 478-272-1210 HAWAII Honolulu (96819) 808-433-1000 IDAHO Boise (83702) 208-422-1000 ILLINOIS Chicago (60612) 312-569-8387 Chicago - North (60064) 847-688-1900 Danville (61832) 217-554-3000 Hines (60141) 708-202-8387 Marion (62959) 618-997-5311 INDIANA Fort Wayne (46805) 260-426-5431 Indianapolis (46202) 317-554-0000 Marion (46953) 765-674-3321 IOWA Des Moines (50310) 515-699-5999 Iowa City (52246) 319-338-0581 Knoxville (50138) 641-842-3101 KANSAS Leavenworth (66048) 913-682-2000 Topeka (66622) 785-350-3111 Wichita (67218) 316-685-2221 KENTUCKY Lexington (40502) 859-233-4511 Louisville (40206) 502-895-3401 LOUISIANA Alexandria (71306) 318-473-0010 New Orleans (70112) 504-568-0811 Shreveport (71101) 318-221-8411 MAINE Augusta (04330) 207-623-8411 MARYLAND Baltimore (21201) 410-605-7000 Perry Point (21902) 410-642-2411 MASSACHUSETTS Bedford (01730) 781-678-2000 Brockton (02301) 508-583-4500 Jamaica Plain (02130) 617-232-9500 Leeds (01053) 413-584-4040 West Roxbury (02132) 617-323-7700 MICHIGAN Ann Arbor (48105) 734-769-7100 Battle Creek (49015) 616-966-5600 Detroit (48201) 313-576-1000 Iron Mountain (49801) 906-774-3300 Saginaw (48602) 989-497-2500 MINNESOTA Minneapolis (55417) 612-725-2000 St. Cloud (56303) 320-252-1670 MISSISSIPPI Biloxi (39531) 228-523-5000 Jackson (39216) 601-362-4471 MISSOURI Columbia (65201) 573-814-6000 Kansas City (64128) 816-861-4700 Poplar Bluff (63901) 573-686-4151 St. Louis (63125) 314-652-4100 MONTANA Fort Harrison (59636) 406-442-6410 NEBRASKA Grand Island (68803) 308-382-3660 Lincoln (68510) 402-489-3802 Omaha (68105) 402-346-8800 NEVADA Las Vegas - North (89036) 702-636-3000 Reno (89520) 702-786-7200 NEW HAMPSHIRE Manchester (03104) 603-624-4366 NEW JERSEY East Orange (07018) 973-676-1000 Lyons (07939) 908-647-0180 NEW MEXICO Albuquerque (87108) 505-265-1711 NEW YORK Albany (12208) 518-626-5000 Bath (14810) 607-664-4000 Bronx (10468) 718-584-9000 Brooklyn (11209) 718-836-6600 Buffalo (14215) 716-834-9200 Canandaigua (14424) 585-394-2000 Castle Point (12511) 914-831-2000 Montrose (10548) 914-737-4400 New York (10010) 212-686-7500 Northport (11768) 631-261-4400 St. Albans (11425)718-526-1000 Syracuse (13210) 315-425-4400 NORTH CAROLINA Asheville (28805) 828-298-7911 Durham (27705) 919-286-0411 Fayetteville (28301) 910-488-2120 Salisbury (28144) 704-638-9000 NORTH DAKOTA Fargo (58102) 701-232-3241 OHIO Cincinnati (45220) 513-861-3100 Chillicothe (45601) 740-773-1141 Cleveland (44106) 216-791-3800 Columbus (43203) 614-257-5200 Dayton (45428) 937-268-6511 OKLAHOMA Muskogee (74401) 918-683-3261 Oklahoma City (73104) 405-270-0501 OREGON Portland (97207) 503-220-8262 Roseburg (97470) 541-440-1000 White City (97503) 541-826-2111 PENNSYLVANIA Altoona (16602) 814-943-8164 Butler (16001) 724-287-4781 Coatesville (19320) 610-384-7711 Erie (16504) 814-868-8661 Lebanon (17042) 717-272-6621 Philadelphia (19104) 215-823-5800 Pittsburgh - Heinz Center (15215) 800-309-8398 Pittsburgh - Highland Drive (15206) 800-647-6220 Pittsburgh - University Drive (15240) 866-482-7488 Wilkes-Barre (18711) 877-928-2621 PHILIPPINES Manila (96515) (FPO AP) 011-632-833-4566 PUERTO RICO San Juan (00921) 787-641-7582 RHODE ISLAND Providence (02908) 401-273-7100 SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston (29401) 843-577-5011 Columbia (29209) 803-776-4000 SOUTH DAKOTA Fort Meade (57741) 605-347-2511 Hot Springs (57747) 605-745-2000 Sioux Falls (57117) 605-336-3230 TENNESSEE Memphis (38104) 901-523-8990 Mountain Home (37684) 423-926-1171 Murfreesboro (37129) 615-867-6000 Nashville (37212) 615-327-4751 TEXAS Amarillo (79106) 806-355-9703 Big Spring (79720) 432-263-7361 Bonham (75418) 903-583-2111 Dallas (75216) 214-742-8387 El Paso (79930) 915-564-6100 Houston (77030) 713-791-1414 Kerrville (78028) 210-896-2020 Marlin (76661) 254-883-3551 San Antonio (78229) 210-617-5300 Temple (76504) 254-778-4811 Waco (76711) 254-752-6581 UTAH Salt Lake City (84148) 801-582-1565 VERMONT White River Junction (05009) 802-295-9363 VIRGINIA Hampton (23667) 757-722-9961 Richmond (23249) 804-675-5000 Salem (24153) 540-982-2463 WASHINGTON Seattle (98108) 206-762-1010 Spokane (99205) 509-434-7000 Tacoma (98493) 253-582-8440 Walla Walla (99362) 509-525-5200 WEST VIRGINIA Beckley (25801) 304-255-2121 Clarksburg (26301) 304-623-3461 Huntington (25704) 304-429-6755 Martinsburg (25401) 304-263-0811 WISCONSIN Madison (53705) 608-256-1901 Milwaukee (53295) 414-384-2000 Tomah (54660) 608-372-3971 WYOMING Cheyenne (82001) 307-778-7550 Sheridan (82801) 307-672-3473 Learn more about our facilities at www.VAcareers.va.gov [IB 10-46 P54523 September 2007]