Registered Nurse Transition to Practice - RNTTP Program

Full Job Description

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Program, a structured 12-month residency designed for entry-level Registered Nurses during their first year of practice.

This program supports the transition from academic preparation to competent, independent clinical practice through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and professional development.

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/12865217.

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 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 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/.

Eligibility Requirements Eligible Participants: Entry-level nurses who have graduated from a prelicensure nursing program that is: Accredited by a U.S.

Department of Education-recognized nursing accrediting agency, or Accredited/approved by an authorized regulatory body .

Additional conditions: Entry-level nurses serving in their first nursing role are required to participate in the entry-to-practice nurse residency program.

Entry-level nurses who are not in their first nursing role may participate at the discretion of the healthcare organization and in accordance with established policies.

No more than 12 months may elapse from graduation to admission into the residency program. Exceptions may be considered for personal/family commitments or military deployment.

Participation is limited to eligible candidates as defined above.

Preferred Experience: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) strongly preferred This position involves the following physical demands: Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and heavy carrying Straight pulling and pushing Reaching above the shoulder Use of fingers; both hands required Walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, and climbing (legs only) Near and far vision correctable Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors Adequate hearing Emotional stability to perform essential job functions Major Duties:

Program Overview: The Registered Nurse Transition to Practice (RNTTP) Program is a structured, 12-month training program for post-graduate Registered Nurses (RNs) who have completed an entry-level nursing degree (Diploma, Associate, Baccalaureate, or Master's level).This program is designed to support new RNs in their transition to fully competent, independent practice.

The RNTTP curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, providing comprehensive training and professional development to ensure safe, high-quality patient care.

Role and Responsibilities: The RNTTP Resident provides competent, evidence-based nursing care to patients and may oversee Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Nursing Assistants as appropriate to the care setting.

Clinical assignments are based on organizational needs and may include acute care, behavioral health, and long-term care areas within the facility.

Program Structure: Orientation & Mentorship: Residents participate in a structured orientation under the guidance of qualified preceptors and receive ongoing mentoring in the clinical setting.

Clinical Experience: The length of clinical orientation varies based on individual progress and learning needs.

Didactic Learning: Classroom sessions are scheduled throughout the year at the OVAHCS Lake Nona Campus to support transition and build competency in essential nursing knowledge, skills, and responsibilities.

Professional Development: Residents are guided through precepting and mentoring to ensure successful integration into independent practice.

Program Design and Content Are Guided By: VHA Directive 1077: VHA Registered Nurses (RN) Transition-To-Practice Residency Program (August 21, 2025) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): Standards for Accreditation of Entry-to-Practice Nurse Residency Programs Patricia Benner's Theory: "From Novice to Expert"

Transition to Practice Nurse is expected to: Have an active, non-restricted RN license Before start of program.

Attend classes and activities as assigned Complete assignments within the required timeframe Be available to work as scheduled on assigned units.

Shifts may be 12 hours, 8 hours or a combination of both Hospital Orientation, NEON (New Employee Orientation for Nurses), and didactics are scheduled during regular daytime business hours.

Initial Nursing Unit Orientation occurs during the scheduled work shifts of the unit preceptors.

Upon completion of orientation, work shifts are scheduled according to unit needs in fulfilling the mission of caring for America's veterans.

Successful candidates must have the flexibility to work a variety of shifts as assigned, to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays Must be able to start this full-time position on or before the specified start dates as described on USA Jobs 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: Varies Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized