Understanding VPNPP Advancement

Christy Mullen, MSN, RN, CPNKelly Ernst, MSN, RN-BC

Nicole Arnett, BS

Objectives

• Discuss the overall goals of VPNPP.• Describe the 4 levels of nursing care as

defined through VPNPP.• Identify the steps involved in RN/LPN

advancement.• Identify resources to better understand

VPNPP and the advancement process.

Vanderbilt Professional Nursing Practice Program

• Performance-based career advancement program for both RNs and LPNs.

• Utilizes self, peer, and manager evaluations to recognize and reward clinical nursing expertise in direct patient care

• Supports growth within the role of professional nurse.

Understanding VPNPP

• Program Goals

• Levels of Practice

Goals of VPNPP• Attract and retain nurses• “Employer of Choice” in the community• Reward nursing performance • Provide opportunities for promotion • Achieve consistent nursing performance standards

and pay equity • Build a Performance Development System that

promotes, supports, recognizes, and rewards nurses

Novice to Expert• Level 1 – Novice

o RN/LPN with less than 12 months of clinical nursing experience.• Level 2 – Competent

o RN/LPN with more than 12 months of clinical nursing experience.o All nurses are required to attain and maintain practice at this level.

• Level 3 – Proficiento This group consists of nurses who participate in continued self-

education, changing unit or organizational processes• Level 4 – Expert

o This group consists of nurses who lead and evaluate unit and organizational process changes using evidence as a guide for change.

VPNPP Advancement Process

The Four Phases

Phase One- The Conversation

• Discussion of advancement—

• Could be initiated by either staff nurse or Manager

• Leader: Review letter and candidate’s appropriateness for advancement

http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/documents/vpnpp/files/Candidate%20Advancement%20Letter.pdf

Phase Two- Advancement Evaluation Package

• Manager assigns an advancement evaluation package or changes prior year’s annual evaluation to an advancement evaluation

• Advancement Package includes: Self, Peers and a manager evaluation, VPES scores as well as the Advancement questions

• RN completes the “Advancement questions.”

• Advancement to RN/LPN 4 requires completion of “Healthcare Endorsement Form.” http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/documents/vpnpp/files/hct_endorsement_form%20rn%20lpn.pdf

Phase Three: Final Advancement Package

• When following have been completed:o Evaluations finalized in the VPNPP systemo VPES scores are completeo Answers to interview questions completedo Healthcare Team Endorsement form (PRN)

• Submit on-line “Advancement Application form.”o https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vunet/vumc.php?site=vpnpp&doc=218

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• A confirmation of receipt will be sent when the application is received

What makes an Advancement Packet Complete??

• Manager Evaluation* • Self Evaluation*• Peer Evaluation* (two individual evaluations or if a group

peer was performed the names need to be listed in the “Collaborated With” box)

• VPES Scores • Interview Questions• Health Care Team Endorsement (level 4 only)

• *all evaluations need to be in the “Completed” status

Phase Four: Advocacy Team Review and Presentation

• Advocacy Review Session

• Presentation of Candidate by Advocacy Team

• Central Committee Endorsement for Advancement

Resources

• www.vanderbiltnursing.com• Observe VPNPP Central Committee• E-mail questions to vpnpp@vanderbilt.edu• Policy # CL 20-07.01

Thank you from theVPNPP Leadership Team:

Nicole ArnettKelly Ernst

Christy Mullen