Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs seeks an Emergency Department Registered Nurse in Tampa to provide high‑quality, patient‑centered care in a fast‑paced setting. Applicants must meet VA nursing education/licensure requirements, English proficiency, and state licensure.

The role emphasizes emergency care competencies, teamwork, and adherence toVA qualification standards with opportunities for professional development and growth.

Qualifications

• Proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of an approved nursing program with licensure.
• Active RN license in a U.S. state or territory.

Skills

English Proficiency

Nursing Skills

Education

Graduate of a school of professional nursing

Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license

Job description

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.

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/13067447

• Nurse I, Level I Scope: Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. Education: An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required.
• Nurse I, Level II Scope: Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. Education: 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 Scope: Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. Education: 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 Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Education: 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 Scope: Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. Education: 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

Candidates with current Emergency Nursing Certification (CEN) are strongly preferred. Experience in high-acuity emergency care, rapid triage, and complex clinical decision-making is highly desirable.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements

Emergency Department Registered Nurses must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 45 pounds and perform frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching during patient care activities. They must be capable of assisting with patient transfers, responding rapidly in emergent situations, and performing tasks such as chest compressions and operation of emergency equipment. Adequate visual and hearing acuity, manual dexterity for clinical procedures, and the physical and emotional stamina necessary for high-stress, fast-paced environments are required. Nurses must also be able to work extended 8-12 hour shifts and meet VA-mandated health and physical standards, including vaccinations, TB screening, and respirator fit testing.