Registered Nurse - Transition to Practice Program Resident

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Louis, MO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Resident program supports new graduate nurses in developing clinical competence, professional competency, and increased independence through guided practice over a 12-month period. Residents apply foundational nursing knowledge and strengthen critical-thinking skills while providing patient care. The position is based at John Cochran Medical Center, with occasional travel to other VA Saint Louis Health Care System sites. The tour of duty varies throughout the program and may include weekdays, weekends, and rotating shifts; scheduling may change based on healthcare-system needs. The position is not virtual, and telework is not available.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing, or qualifying education under the stated bridge-program or foreign-education provisions.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a Graduate Nurse Technician exception may apply while pursuing licensure.
• Meet the education and experience qualifications for the assigned nurse grade and level.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Selected applicants are subject to pre-appointment drug screening, background/security investigation, onboarding requirements, and applicable identification requirements.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including extended walking, standing, and sitting; lifting and carrying 45 pounds or more; walking or standing for up to eight hours; kneeling and repeated bending; and using protective clothing when exposed to infectious patients or contaminated materials.
• Ability to perform effectively in stressful situations and adapt priorities to patient needs.

Nice To Haves

• Recent nursing graduate with less than one year of professional RN experience, or a nursing student expecting to graduate within the next year.

Responsibilities

• Provide fundamental, knowledge-based nursing care while developing technical proficiency.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate patient care.
• Coordinate care with emphasis on patient education, self-management, and satisfaction.
• Administer medications and procedures in accordance with established policies.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes.
• Apply the nursing process with supervision, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Support Veteran-centered care, patient experience, and safety initiatives.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively as part of the interprofessional team.
• Use educational resources and self-evaluation to support professional growth.
• Demonstrate awareness of evidence-based practice to improve care quality and resource use.
• Interact with Veterans, families, visitors, and staff courteously and respectfully.
• Participate actively in all RN Transition to Practice Program learning activities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential performance awards.
• 50 days of paid time off per year: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree