Job Description
Registered Nurse - Student and VA Step Program Director is listed by Veterans Health Administration in Cleveland. The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting a full-time Registered Nurse to serve as the Student and VA Step Program Director within Nursing Education in Cleveland, OH.
This role is responsible for coordinating the Student Nurse Technician/Graduate Nurse Technician/VA STEP Program, with a primary focus on developing, implementing, teaching, and evaluating the program and its employees.
The director collaborates with facility entry-to-practice program coordinators to ensure the program contributes to the pipeline of new graduate registered nurses. This position requires leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex program situations.
The director will develop and administer a formal, data-driven plan for appraising program effectiveness and disseminating outcomes. In collaboration with leadership, stakeholders, academic affiliates, and participants, the director promotes the transition from academia to clinical practice and integration into the organization.
The post is open only to current, permanent VA Northeast Ohio employees.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $82,275 - $151,235 per year.
Qualification
To qualify, you must be a current, permanent VA Northeast Ohio employee. Basic requirements include English proficiency, graduation from an approved nursing school (ACEN or CCNE accredited), and a current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license.
Preferred experience includes an MSN or Doctorate, 5 years of nursing experience, 3 years of education experience, certification in Nursing Professional Development or Nursing Education, and experience working with nursing students.
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English per 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
- 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.
- Individuals attending a master's level bridge program who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Nursing may be appointed temporarily upon state licensure, then converted to permanent after bridge program completion.
- Graduates of foreign nursing schools must have a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized evaluation service (e.g., International Consultants of Delaware).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
- Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who meet education requirements but lack licensure may be appointed as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment (extendable up to two years) while pursuing licensure.
- Preferred Experience: MSN or Doctorate, 5 years nursing experience, 3 years education experience, certification in Nursing Professional Development or Nursing Education, and experience working with nursing students.
- Grandfathering Provision: Current VHA employees in the 0610 series performing duties as described in the qualification standard on 1/29/2024 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held.
- Grade Determinations: Based on education, experience, and five dimensions of nursing (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, Evidence-Based Practice/Research).
- Nurse I, Level I: ADN or Diploma in Nursing, no additional experience required.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordinate the Student Nurse Technician/Graduate Nurse Technician/VA STEP Program.
- Develop, implement, teach, and evaluate the program and its employees.
- Collaborate with facility entry-to-practice program coordinators to ensure the program contributes to the pipeline of new graduate registered nurses.
- Execute position responsibilities demonstrating leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex program situations.
- Develop, maintain, and administer a formal, data-driven, systematic plan for appraising the effectiveness of the SNT/GNT/VA STEP Program and disseminate program outcomes.
- Promote the transition from academia to clinical practice, integration into the organization, and socialization into the professional nurse role in collaboration with leadership, stakeholders, academic affiliates, and program participants.
Conditions & Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
- Subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
- Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Must complete an online onboarding process.
- Acceptable form of identification required (REAL ID compliant driver's license or state-issued ID effective May 7, 2025).
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- May be required to serve a probationary period.
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Your application, resume, CV, and supporting documentation will be verified.
- Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining grade and salary.
- Experience as an RN will be evaluated on five dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research.
- Volunteer work and unpaid experience may be credited.
- Pre-employment reference checks may be conducted.
- After the announcement closes, applications are reviewed for qualification and eligibility.
- A referral certificate is issued, and applicants are notified of status by email.
- Referred applicants may be contacted for an interview.
Required Documents
- CV or Resume (include month and year for previous employment).
- Transcripts for conferred nursing degree(s) – must show 'awarded' or 'conferred'.
- Copy of RN License.
- SF-50/Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable).
- DD-214 or proof of service (if prior military) – must show character of discharge.
- Disability Letter (Schedule A or VA) if claiming preference.
- OF-306 (if applicable).
- Professional Certification (if applicable).
- Performance Appraisal (if applicable).
- Separation Notice (RIF) if applicable.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with regular salary increases and potential for performance awards.
- Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (includes annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
- Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and Thrift Savings Plan.
- Eligibility for benefits depends on position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
How to Apply
- To apply, open the official application portal and with your the official application portal/Login.gov account. Complete the full occupational questionnaire and attach your federal resume and all required documents (transcripts, license, SF-50, etc.). Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/11/2026. Ensure your responses and documentation are submitted before the closing date. You may opt in …
Additional Information
- This job is open to current, permanent VA Northeast Ohio employees only (includes CBOCs and permanent VCS employees).
- First area of consideration: facility employees.
- Veterans' preference applies; eligible veterans should claim preference in the questionnaire.
- Active duty service members within 120 days of separation must submit documentation reflecting dates and character of service.
- Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
- Wearing a face mask is required if an exemption to influenza vaccination is granted.
- HCP in violation of the influenza directive may face disciplinary action up to removal.
- Agency contact: Florence Jeffries-Watford, Phone (216) 791-3800 X42133, Email [email protected].
- Address: VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106 US.
About Company
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing care to over 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, headquartered in Cleveland, OH, operates multiple facilities including the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and community-based outpatient clinics. This role is within Nursing Education, supporting the development of future nurses through the Student and VA STEP Program.
The VHA offers a complete total rewards package including competitive pay, paid time off, and federal benefits. As a federal employer, the VA is committed to serving those who have served our country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.