The VASNHS’ program is a 12-month Post-Graduate training program designed to transition a new graduate nurse practitioner (AGNP, FNP or PMHNP) into experienced novice care providers. Evidence continues to grow in support of residency programs for new nurse practitioners stating these providers have higher self-reported scores pertaining to their competencies and confidence levels in clinical roles and skill sets. Our programs include veteran centric didactics and supervised clinical experiences with opportunities for the residents to grow in areas of interest or need. Early in the program, program faculty assist residents to identify educational needs, professional goals, and potential career paths.

In addition, residents will receive education covering the organization’s history, culture, and processes to prepare residents to navigate this complex system and provide a foundation for a potential career in Veteran Affairs. There are various didactic experiences available including Grand Rounds, peer education (case studies, educational reviews, treatment maps, evidence based practice projects), chart reviews, reflective journaling, group supervision and an APRN Portfolio. From the residents’ first day, they will be warmly welcomed by the organization and treated as important members of the VA of Southern Nevada Health System team. Primary care and mental health nurse practitioner residents interact extensively to include collaboration on clinical cases and learning activities.

The combination of activities fosters improved knowledge, enhanced leadership skills, confidence, and competence. Every aspect of the program is designed to support the residents and propel them towards success. Program faculty are committed to ensuring residents are provided with an optimal learning environment including robust professional supervision and mentorship. The position is designed for nurse practitioner graduates who hope to practice in the Veterans Healthcare System.

These programs include an educational partnership between the VASNHS and University of Nevada in Las Vegas and the University of Nevada in Reno. The Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) provides generous support for the development and administration of VA health professions clinical training programs and oversees the NPR programs in collaboration with the VA’s Office of Nursing Services

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System firmly believes that Diversity is Power and Inclusion is Strength. We serve all those who served, a diverse group of Veterans from different walks of life. We strive to acknowledge, respect, and accept the many identities our Veteran’s hold. We seek trainees who are willing to create an environment of inclusivity, who are open to the ever-evolving journey of multicultural competence. Train with us and together we can work toward a more equal, equitable, creative, diverse, and inclusive Veteran and employee experience.

Additional information about the VA’s commitment to diversity can be found at:
 www.diversity.va.gov

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, residency faculty have diligently adhered to the Veteran Affairs (VA) emergency response plan and guidelines from the CDC and Nevada Department of Health to protect the health and safety of all trainees, VA staff and the veteran population. During FY2021-2022, VASNHS policies governing teleworking were amended with provisions allowing health professions trainees (including nurse practitioner residents) to work remotely at times. Residency faculty made adaptations to the program to provide residents with engaging, uninterrupted didactic and clinical experiences. Residency faculty will continue to make every effort to protect the health of residents, Veterans, and VA staff based on available COVID-19 and policy changes by the organization and governing authorities for current and future cohorts.

Eligibility requirements:  

Application Process Forms: 

• Resources for Health Professions Trainees Coming to VA | Eligibility and Forms - Office of Academic Affiliations

1. U.S. citizenship. VA is unable to consider applications from anyone who is not currently a U.S. citizen. Verification of citizenship is required following selection. All interns and fellows must complete a Certification of Citizenship in the United States prior to beginning VA training.
2. All applicants must have a US social security number (SSN) prior to beginning the VA pre-employment, on boarding process.
3. A male applicant born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the draft by age 26 to be eligible for any US government employment, including selection as a paid VA trainee. Male applicants must sign a pre-appointment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration before they can be processed into a training program. Exceptions can be granted only by the US Office of Personnel Management; exceptions are very rarely granted.
   Selective Service System - It’s Your Country. Protect it. : Selective Service System (sss.gov)
4. Onboarding requires two source identification documents (IDs) to prove identity Documents must be unexpired and names on both documents must match. For more information visit:
   https://www.osp.va.gov/How_To_Get_A_VA_ID_Badge.asp
   States have begun issuing Secure Driver’s Licenses. Be sure yours will be accepted as a Real ID:  https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
5. Applicants who are currently licenses, or who previously held a license in the same or a different discipline, must be screened again the NPDB. Visit the site to perform a self-query and confirm you are eligible for VA appointment.
    https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov
6. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General has compiled a list of individuals excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other Federal Healthcare programs. Visit the site to confirm you are NOT on this list.
   https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/
   Information about the exclusion program is located at:
   Exclusions | Office of Inspector General | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)
7. VA conducts drug screening exams on randomly selected personnel as well as new employees. Interns and Fellows are not required to be tested prior to beginning work, but once on staff they are subject to random selection for testing as are other employees. 
   VA Drug-Free Workplace Program Guide for Veterans Health Administration Health Professions Trainees
8. As a condition of appointment, applicants must furnish evidence of satisfactory physical condition based on a physical examination in the past 12 months, have up-to-date vaccinations for healthcare workers as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
   Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers | CDC
   and have undergone baseline tuberculosis (TB) screening and testing per CDC health care personnel guidelines:
   TB Screening and Testing of Health Care Personnel | TB | CDC
   (for direct hire VA-paid Trainees, this means within 90-days of hire).
9. Fingerprint Screening and Background Investigation. HPTs will be fingerprinted and undergo screenings and background investigations. A VA Human Resources Security Specialist will determine suitability. Additional details can be found here:
   Executive Orders | National Archives
10. Additional pre-employment forms include the: See Downloadable information below for documents

11. Health Professions Trainees (HPTs) are appointed as temporary employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As such, HPTs are subject to laws, policies, and guidelines posted for VA staff members.  There are infrequent times in which this guidance can change during a training year which may create new requirements or responsibilities for HPTs. If employment requirements change during the course of a training year, HPTs will be notified of the change and impact as soon as possible and options provided. The Training Director will provide you with the information you need to understand the requirement and reasons for the requirement in timely manner.

• Official Transcripts from an accredited PMHNP, ANP, AGNP, FNP Program, Completed within the last 12 months
• National Certification through AANP/ANCC (deadline by 7/1/2023-preferred) as a PMHNP, ANP, AGNP, FNP
• State Nurse Practitioner Licensure (Nevada preferred)
• State Pharmacy License  (Nevada Preferred)
• VASNHS Trainee Application (VA 10-2850D)
• 500 Word Essay per prompt of each program
• 3 letters of reference per specifics of each program
• Curriculum Vitae versus Resume
• BLS (Basic Life Support)/CPR current American Heart Certificate required
• No previous Nurse Practitioner experience
• 3 years of RN experience (preferred)

• Be willing to commit to a 12-month program that includes didactics and clinical work experience
• DEA-recommended prior to program completion
• Pass background check
• Pass drug test
• Participate in a comprehensive interview process
• Provide all other required information necessary per OAA and VASNHS
• Fill out and return all required paperwork for the on-boarding process
• Attend a 2-week comprehensive orientation