Registered Nurse - Community Living Center

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EDRP eligibility and support

Nurse Total Rewards package

Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Saint Cloud, MN seeks dedicated registered nurses to join the Community Living Center team. The role emphasizes assessment, care planning, and interprofessional collaboration to support Veterans’ health, dignity, and quality of life.

Applicants must be licensed or eligible for nursing licensure with ADN/ Diploma or BSN; advanced degrees (MSN) may be considered. EDRP benefits and a comprehensive total rewards package are available.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the accrediting bodies, state-licensed or eligible for licensure.
• State license as a registered nurse is required or pursued; temporary appointment possible for licensure completion.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility and application process described in policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to Veterans in the Community Living Center.
• Perform nursing assessments including physical, psychosocial, and safety factors.
• Develop initial care plans with the interdisciplinary team and coordinate referrals.
• Collaborate with pharmacists and discharge coordinators for safe transitions home.
• Deliver treatments as ordered and participate in quality and safety initiatives.

Skills

English proficiency

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

ADN or Diploma in Nursing

BSN

MSN or related field with BSN

Foreign education degree validation

Tools

None specified

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

• 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/13072940
• 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 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 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• At our Saint Cloud VA Community Living Center - nurses are at the heart of everything we do
• Here - you'll have the unique opportunity to build lasting connections with Veterans - provide hands‑on care that truly makes a difference - and be part of a supportive - mission‑driven team
• We are seeking dedicated RNs who are passionate about delivering high-quality - evidence-based care in a collaborative environment
• Whether you're administering treatments - developing individualized care plans - mentoring support staff - or guiding patients and families through safe transitions - your work will directly impact the health - dignity - and quality of life of those who served our nation
• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Nurses in this role provide care to a designated Veteran population residing within the Community Living Center (CLC)
• Demonstrates the ability to complete nursing assessments including the Veterans risk factors
• physical – psychosocial – emotional and mental status
• medications
• environmental and safety and educational needs
• Develop an initial plan of care with interdisciplinary care team (IDT) – Veteran and family members
• Based on the assessment – referrals are made to other members of the IDT which may include Provider – Social Work – Occupational Therapy – Restorative Therapy – Dietitian – and Psychologist
• Collaborates with pharmacist through interdisciplinary team meetings – or as needed based on quarterly pharmacy review of medications
• Consults with inpatient discharge coordinators – nurses and social workers to facilitate the transition to home care
• Completes treatments as ordered – which may include catheter changes – dressing changes – and administration of injections as ordered
• Demonstrates knowledge over a wide range of job responsibilities – effectively communicating with individuals and groups to build a strong sense of teamwork and purpose
• Participate in quality improvement – safety – and customer service initiatives to enhance the Veteran experience
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary – regular salary increases – potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday-Friday various rotating shifts with rotating weekends/holidays as scheduled
• Tour of duty will be discussed in interviews
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
• You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment
• Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application
• The EDRP Coordinator(s) can be reached at [e-mail] The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.