Nurse Practitioner

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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. 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.
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.