Registered Nurse (Progressive Care)

Veterans Health Administration • San Antonio, TX

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Progressive Care Registered Nurse provides comprehensive, evidence-based nursing care to acutely ill Veterans who are moderately stable but at increased risk for deterioration. The role includes patient assessment, care planning, medication administration, clinical monitoring, patient education, and care coordination. The nurse collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, promotes patient safety, supports professional development, and participates in quality improvement initiatives.

The position encompasses duties and qualification levels from Nurse I, Levels 1–3, through Nurse II and Nurse III. Depending on grade and level, the nurse provides care under close or general supervision or independently; manages complex patient needs; exercises clinical judgment and prioritization; coordinates and leads nursing activities; mentors and educates colleagues; and leads quality, safety, and evidence-based practice initiatives. The work supports Veterans requiring intensive monitoring and intervention and may extend from the immediate practice setting to broader programs or services.

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; the announcement also describes a Graduate Nurse Technician temporary-appointment exception for eligible candidates pursuing licensure.
• Education and experience appropriate to the grade and level sought: Nurse I Level I requires an ADN or nursing diploma; Nurse I Level II requires an ADN/diploma plus one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I Level 1, or a BSN; Nurse I Level III requires one of the stated combinations of nursing education and professional nursing experience; Nurse II requires one of the stated BSN, master's, or doctoral degree and experience combinations; Nurse III requires one of the stated master's or doctoral degree and specialized experience combinations.
• Meet the grade-specific scope, education, and dimension criteria, including applicable practice, Veteran/patient-driven care, leadership, professional development, and evidence-based practice/research criteria.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Selected applicants are subject to pre-appointment drug testing, background/security investigation, onboarding, and other stated employment conditions; seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• A physical examination may be required depending on organizational needs.
• Physical ability to meet the listed demands, including lifting and carrying up to 44 pounds, pushing, pulling, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, climbing, hand use, visual and hearing requirements, coordination, and mental and emotional stability.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of ICU or Step Down experience.
• A BSN or higher degree.
• Relevant training or certification.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients, plan and deliver nursing care, administer medications and treatments, and evaluate patient responses.
• Provide direct, evidence-based care to acutely ill Veterans, including patients with complex needs who require intensive monitoring and may be at risk for deterioration.
• Coordinate treatment and continuity of care with interdisciplinary teams and support safe care transitions.
• Educate Veterans and caregivers about treatment plans, self-management, and health maintenance.
• Perform nursing procedures, delegate appropriate tasks, and oversee nursing support personnel as appropriate to the role and level.
• Use clinical judgment and prioritization to manage competing demands and address clinical concerns.
• Promote patient safety, incorporate patient preferences, advocate for patients, and support Veteran satisfaction.
• Serve as a charge nurse or team leader and coordinate nursing staff and interdisciplinary care as appropriate to the grade and level.
• Provide clinical guidance, mentorship, precepting, feedback, and education to colleagues, students, and nursing personnel.
• Participate in or lead quality and performance improvement initiatives, evidence-based practice, and efforts to improve outcomes, processes, and resource utilization.
• Support professional development through orientation, continuing education, and development of clinical competency.
• At higher grades, lead interdisciplinary initiatives, influence policies, and improve care across programs or services.

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.
• Federal 401K 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