Student Nurse Trainee (Rolling Intake)

About the US Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare, benefits, and support services to veterans of the U.S. military and their families. It oversees a vast network of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve. Additionally, the VA administers various benefits programs, such as disability compensation, education assistance, and home loans, to help veterans lead fulfilling lives after their service.

Your role

VA STEP is a program that provides opportunities for outstanding students in nursing who have completed the final semester of their junior year in a nationally accredited baccalaureate nursing program to develop competencies while at VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) an approved VA facility. Opportunities include didactic and classroom experiences, competency-based clinical practices with a qualified preceptor, and participation in specialty-focused clinical conferences.

Duties:

• The incumbent will develop a competency-based clinical practice with a qualified Registered Nurse (RN) preceptor supervising all aspects of practice.
• The VA-STEP student is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing direct patient care.
• This includes Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care based on age-specific components.
• The incumbent assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient transition through the continuum of care, patient and family education, patient self-management at discharge, and supporting factors that impact customer satisfaction.
• The incumbent considers all characteristics of the patient, including age and life stages, state of health, race and culture, values, family, and previous experiences.
• Under direct supervision, the VA-STEP student may administer medications and conduct procedures per established policies and guidelines.
• The VA-STEP student influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in unit/program level quality improvement processes and initiatives as well as customer service programs.
• As a temporary, intermittent employee you will not be entitled to benefits (retirement, life insurance, health insurance or leave accrual).

The VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) provides nursing care in accordance with the duties, knowledge, and skills identified in this functional statement. The VA-STEP Student Nurse Technician (SNT) administratively reports to the Student Nurse Trainee Coordinator. The VA-STEP SNT functions under the direct supervision of the RN preceptor, as assigned by the Nurse Manager of the unit where the VA-STEP SNT student is stationed. The VA-STEP SNT is currently enrolled in a nationally accredited School of Nursing recognized by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Delivers safe care to assigned patients, while developing technical competencies based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice, VHA Directives, and local policies.
• Formulates a plan of care based on nursing assessments, using the nursing process, based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice.
• Demonstrates appropriate and consistent critical thinking skills.
• Documents the nursing process.

Training & development

Interns are matched with mentors for guidance and learning at the agency, encouraging questions and feedback for growth. Networking is key in Federal internships, with chances to meet professionals and explore career paths through events and interviews. The program promises exceptional training and development, enhancing skills and knowledge in your interest area.

Salary & benefits

The salary for this role ranges from $66,372 annually.

In addition to the salary other benefits include:

• Skill development and training
• Real-world application of academics
• Progressive responsibility
• Work alongside employees of a higher grade
• Mentorship and guidance
• Learn about different agencies
• Exposure to a variety of tasks
• Exposure to public service
• Flexible work arrangements

Career progression

Federal internships can be a direct path to full-time employment, offering a unique advantage in the job market. Completing at least 640 hours can grant interns non-competitive eligibility, speeding up the hiring process for Federal jobs. Essentially, these internships serve as a critical stepping stone, providing valuable experience and skills for a smooth transition from academia to professional life.

Work-life balance

The work schedule in the Federal Government can be consistent, where an employee works the same set hours and days every week, such as a traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule from Monday to Friday. Alternatively, work schedules can be flexible, changing from one week to the next or even from day to day. Thus, allowing employees to plan their personal lives around their work hours easily. However, the work schedule for this role is Intermittent.

Culture & vibe

At the US Department of Veterans Affairs, interns play a key role in a mission dedicated to serving the American people, especially focusing on honoring and aiding those who have served the nation. Their hard work and dedication are vital in providing essential services, upholding citizens' rights, and enhancing veterans' health and well-being. This compassionate and collaborative culture fosters a purpose-driven environment, deeply committed to improving the lives of America's heroes.

About you

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; 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 the 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)
• 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.

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: 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.
• Enrolled in a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-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). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Will have completed the final semester or quarter of the junior year in an accredited Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing program.
• Transcripts (official or unofficial)

Education:

Important: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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. 

How to apply

To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, and assessments and submit all required documentation as specified. Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• va.gov/
• usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/pay-and-leave/work-schedules/
• opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/
• opm.gov/intern/current-interns/
• youtube.com/user/DeptVetAffairs