Summary The Assistant Chief Nurse 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, influence organizational mission and health care, and responsibility for outcomes. Responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Responsibilities Ensures administrative support and guidance while providing oversight for the delivery of nursing care and management of nursing personnel and clinical resources. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Follows procedures per established policies and guidelines, Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Provides coordination and accountability for alt regulatory and environmental surveys and adheres to mandatory response timelines. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives as well as customer service programs. The RN-Assistant Chief Nurse (ACN) II for Intensive Care Units (ICUs) & Emergency Department (ED) serves as an assistant with line authority to the ICU & ED Chief Nurse (CN) in providing leadership and direction to nursing staff. He/she is accountable for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating programs and outcomes for patients in ICUs & ED. The ACN provides daily attention to personnel management problems; participation in supervisory-level decision making and providing guidance and direction for the development and implementation of established standards of critical care nursing practice. The ACN uses lean and system redesign prlncip1es to design delivery models and innovations in critical care. The ACN has responsibility for delegated oversight of ICU & ED staffing, nursing staff productivity, and material resources. The ACN makes positive impacts on nursing recruitment, retention, and staff satisfaction; participates In research activities, and translates evidence into practice. The incumbent ensures compliance with the Joint Commission and other regulatory agencies' standards; is accountable for external and internal reviews in the specialty area and meets performance and customer service standards. The Assistant Chief Nurse functions as a self-directed clinical leader, educator, and consultant utilizing management theory in collaboration with the Patient Care Service IPCS) and other services. They establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of medical center personnel and relate effectively with customers, families, and the community as well as program and service leaders at the local and network levels. Assists the ICU /ED Chief Nurse in carrying out the functions and activities expected in their areas. Contribute ideas and recommendations for the establishment of standards of care, policies, and objectives for the enhancement of nursing organization-wide, while assisting in policy-making activities as related to customer service and the overall functioning of administrative and clinical programs. Collaborates with other health care staff to establish and maintain programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care. The ACN demonstrates leadership at the service and/or hospital level, including functioning as a nursing leader with the ability to delegate appropriately. Performs administrative functions, works with aggregate data, and participates in the budget process to plan for current, emerging, and future resource requirements for operational status. Provides leadership in determining the allocation of resources based on patient care systems that produce high-quality outcomes. Actively supports and role models patient-family-centered care concepts in patient care services. ACN engages in professional organizations to enhance leadership and career growth. They adhere to ethical principles in decision-making, fostering accountability at personal, organizational, and staff levels. They equip staff with tools for culturally competent care and promote a culture of accountability for high-quality, cost-effective outcomes. They cultivate alliances across the care continuum, building trust through active listening, engagement, and emotional intelligence. The ACN assists with the development of care delivery models and environmental design, ensuring evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and equitab1,e patient care. Ensures compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards, directives, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOP). Aligns nursing/clinical objectives with organizational strategic outcomes, participating in strategy planning and execution. They promote an inclusive workplace valuing diversity to achieve the organization's vision and mission. Demonstrate leadership in deliver¾ng and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm and extended hours 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 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. 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 Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and 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. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12564661. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Preferred Experience: (See Additional Information) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position involves lifting, moving and transporting patients, assist with transferring patients from wheelchair to to stretcher or radiology suite table and vice versa. Also assist with transferring patients to wheelchairs and/or may need to escort a patient to other areas. This position involves exposure to blood borne pathogens, fine manipulation, standing, walking, bending, crouching and reaching patients. It requires dealing with the acutely ill, with patients who may display disturbed behaviors, and with stressful situations. Moving patients and weighing patients in excess of 50 kg. or more. Wearing of a respirator may be required at times in the performance of the duties of this position. When required to use respirator, employee cannot have facial hair or any condition that interferes with the face to face piece seal or valve function of the respirator. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education Additional Information Preferred Experience: 3 years of experience as RN preferred. 2-3 years experience in an administrative position preferred. Previous Experience as RN in ICUs/ED setting, preferred. MSN Preferred. Spanish Proficiency preferred. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.