Registered Nurse (Assistant Nurse Manager)

About the role

The Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) supports the Nurse Manager with supervisory duties and responsibility and accountability for the 24/7 operations of their designated units. The ANM has responsibility and accountability for the direction and supervision of specific orientation, training, development of staff, and provides input into the evaluation of individual staff performance. They function as a role model, educator, practitioner, and supervisor providing leadership to the team.

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 proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Education: Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of program completion.
• Alternative Education Pathways:
  • Individuals in a master's level bridge program who have completed coursework equivalent to a BSN may become registered with a state licensing board prior to program completion; upon licensure, may be appointed temporarily and later converted to permanent upon graduation.
  • Graduates of foreign nursing schools: possession of a current, full, active, unrestricted registration meets the requirement for graduation from an approved school for entry-level/associate degree equivalency. Credit for higher foreign nursing education requires formal degree equivalency validation from a VA-accepted evaluator (e.g., International Consultants of Delaware).
• Licensure: Current, full, active, unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates meeting education requirements but lacking licensure may be appointed at the entry step as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment (extendable up to two years case-by-case) while pursuing licensure.
• Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA 0610 series performing described duties on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including education and licensure/certification.

Grade Determinations

Scope, Education, and Dimension criteria must be met for grade assignment. Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed in the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13099358

• Nurse I – Level I: Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care while developing technical competencies. Education: ADN or Diploma in Nursing; no additional experience required.
• Nurse I – Level II: Integrates biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills, technically competent practice for basic or complex clients. Education: ADN/Diploma + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse I Level I; OR BSN with no additional experience.
• Nurse I – Level III: Proficient practice based on conscious, deliberate planning; self-directed goal setting for complex situations. Education: ADN/Diploma + 2 years experience (1 year equivalent to Nurse I Level II); OR BSN + 1 year experience equivalent to Nurse I Level II; OR MSN with no additional experience; OR Master's in related field with BSN and no additional experience.
• Nurse II: Leadership in delivering/improving holistic care through collaborative strategies. Education: BSN + 2 years experience equivalent to Nurse I Level III; OR MSN + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse I Level III; OR Master's in related field with BSN + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse I Level III; OR Doctoral in Nursing with no experience; OR Doctoral in related field with BSN and no additional experience.
• Nurse III: Executes responsibilities demonstrating leadership, experience, creative approaches to management of complex care beyond immediate setting. Education: MSN + 2 years specialized experience (1 year equivalent to Nurse II) meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements; OR Master's in related field with BSN + 2 years specialized experience (1 year equivalent to Nurse II) meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements; OR Doctoral in Nursing + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse II meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements; OR Doctoral in related field with BSN + 1 year specialized experience equivalent to Nurse II meeting all Nurse III dimension requirements.

Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Preferred Experience

• Leadership and Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated ability to supervise, evaluate, and develop staff, including providing orientation, training, and performance feedback.
• Process Improvement and Evidence-Based Practice: Experience applying evidence-based practice and research to enhance quality of care and resource utilization.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication: Strong skills collaborating with interdisciplinary teams (physicians, social work, clinical, HR, fiscal staff); ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, foster teamwork across departments.
• Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation: Familiarity with maintaining departmental readiness for internal/external surveys and adhering to policies, directives, and SOPs.
• Professional Development and Mentoring: Commitment to ongoing professional growth, including participation in educational activities, mentoring, precepting, supporting staff development; encourages pursuit of leadership and educational opportunities for self and others.

Reference: VA Qualification Standards

Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

Responsibilities

• Supports work priorities and monitoring of OCC Clinicians to achieve program and system goals
• Demonstrates ability to communicate through role modeling and instruction of positive communication skills to promote an environment of acceptance, openness, and feedback
• Provides supervision and timely written evaluation of assigned staff
• Collects and reports database documentation – daily, weekly, and monthly
• Prioritizes and consistently addresses customer concerns
• Monitors workload and manages staffing based on workload needs; reports significant information to Service Chief as necessary
• Provides overall management of department staff's time and attendance
• Manages staff in delivering nursing care/services
• Demonstrates sound administrative judgment in making decisions
• Promotes professional development and motivates employees to work at optimal efficiency
• Develops policies, protocols, and guidelines for staff related to work within the department
• In collaboration with the Third-Party Administrator, ensures compliance with contract provisions
• Ensures compliance with VHA, system policies, TJC, and other regulatory bodies and standards of operation
• Monitors performance metrics and implements performance improvement and systems redesign projects to address areas of concern
• Improves quality of care coordination between VA and community providers
• Assigns responsibility and delegates authority to effectively meet system objectives
• Demonstrates responsibility for performance improvement activities; utilizes information to enhance quality of patient care and ensures staff participation
• Compiles and submits required reports timely (performance appraisals, proficiencies, performance improvement reports, certified time, other workload and patient care data)
• Completes special assignments; contributes as member of Department and system councils and committees as assigned by Service Chief
• Counsels/disciplines staff members as indicated by performance or attitude; documents according to prescribed procedures; maintains objective relationship with staff