Qualifications

Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) (APN (NP))

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), 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
• Must be a 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)
• NOTE: Foreign Education
• Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
• Candidates with equivalent nurse practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment
• License
• All APN (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia
• Basic Certification
• All APN (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) OR The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) OR Other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared
• NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (NP) assignment that are also 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
• The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) IV: Scope
• Executes leadership that is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care
• Education and Experience Requirements: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP) AND Four years of APN (NP) experience, one of which is specialized experience equivalent to Nurse III
• Dimension Requirement
• APN (NPs) at Level IV must meet ALL the following dimension requirements: Practice
• Practices at an associate executive level, utilizing clinical, leadership and administrative skills, demonstrating continuing responsibility that influences the organizational mission, health care delivery and policy at the local and/or regional level
• Outcome Focus
• Leads the application of clinical/business models, incorporating research/evidence-based practices, designed to achieve and sustain excellence in the delivery of health care at the service and organization levels
• Leadership
• Creates and implements a shared vision and successfully leads change to improve organizational performance and attain measurable performance outcomes
• Professional Development
• Establishes innovative, current, and future healthcare delivery models, policy/regulation, and governance to cultivate a healthy lifestyle, improving health outcomes
• Professionalism/Collegiality
• Facilitates effective relationship management, communication, customer service experiences and negotiation across lifestyles using a broad range of technology platforms to influence, inspire and motivate others within their program/service or beyond
• Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting
• Heavy Carrying
• Straight Pulling
• Pushing
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking
• Standing
• Repeated bending
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
• Hearing (aid permitted)
• Preferred Experience: 10 + years as Mental Health provider 3+ years in leadership position