The UVAHS Professional Nursing Staff Organization

Clinical Career Ladder

Welcome to the guide for the University of Virginia Health System's Professional Nursing Staff Organization Clinical Career Ladder. 

We are proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Clinical Career Ladder at UVAHS! The Ladder was initiated at UVA in 1988 and is based on Patricia Benner's work From Novice to Expert published in 1984.  Major revisions to the Ladder occurred in 2002.  These revisions included developing both a clinically-based arm of the Ladder and an advanced practice arm.  In addition, the behaviors for all levels were reviewed and revised where necessary. The Ladder continues to evolve based on nursing feedback and the needs of the organization, with a new revision effort underway in 2008-2009.

The decision to pursue advancement beyond the entry level is an individual choice based on interest in professional development, increased responsibility and accountability. 

Click the links below for more detailed information about UVAHS's Clinical Career Ladder.

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2009 Performace Appraisal Resources for Clinicians are available by clicking here 

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Resource Toolkit for Managers
of clinicians seeking advancement on the Clinical Ladder

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Find updated Career Ladder information for 2008-2009 in
The Clinical Career Ladder Reference Handbook
     (62 page PDF, web & printer-friendly)

Or, use the links below for quick reference to specific sections:

Origin, Purpose & Overview of the Clinical Career Ladder 
Diagrams: Overview of Advancement and Revalidation Processes

Clinical Career Ladder Behaviors
          Clinician I through IV behaviors 
         
CNP through APN behaviors

Portfolio Information *NEW tables summarizing portfolio requirements* 
          Timelines of Portfolio Submission
          Table: Portfolio Submission Context
                    (Pre-hire, Validation, Advancement, Revalidation)
          Table: Portfolio Components for each context
          
Examples of Portfolio Development Materials

The Clinical Career Ladder Panels *NEW 2009 Panelists*
          Panel Member Training; About the Central Panel and Clinician III Panels
          Table: Central Panelists, Revalidation 2008-Advancement 2010
          Table: Clinician III Panelists, 2009

Recruitment and New Hires  *NEW Clinician III process in 2008*
          External Recruitment, Job Posting, the Hiring and Interview Process
          External Applicants to Clinician II and CNP positions
          External Applicants & Internal Wage Applicants to Clinician III positions

          External Applicants to Clinician IV, APN I and APN II positions
          Applicants for Rehire
          Internal Applicants Changing Role Status

Advancement Information - Clinician I to II 
          Handbook Information (Clinician I to II)
         
Advancement Portfolio Checklist (Clinician I to II)

Advancement Information - Beyond the Clinician II Level
*NEW: Notice of Intent now a web-based form*
*NEW: clarifications on delivering your portfolio materials*

          Handbook & Timeline Information (Clinician II, III, IV, APN1, APN2)
         
Notice of Intent to Advance web-based form          
         
Advancement Portfolio Checklist (Clinician II to III) 
          Advancement Portfolio Checklist (Clinician III to IV; IV & APN) 
          List of Potential Mentors  *updated 10/2009*  
          Examples of Portfolio Development Materials

Revalidation of Practice: Clinician IV, APN I, APN II 
          Handbook Information (Revalidation)
         
Revalidation Portfolio Checklist (Clinician IV & APN) 
          Current list of UVA RNs in Clinician IV, APN 1, and APN 2 Roles (2009)

Appeals Process

Employee-requested Transfers 
Faculty Employment Policy

FORMS *NEW Notice of Intent is now web-based; other forms CLARIFIED for 2009*
          Notice of Intent to Advance web-based form          
         
Validation Portfolio Checklist (Newly-hired Clinician II, CNP) 
          Advancement Portfolio Checklist (Clinician I to II) 
          Advancement Portfolio Checklist (Clinician II to III)  
         
Advancement Portfolio Checklist (Clinician III to IV; IV & APN) 
 
         Revalidation Portfolio Checklist (Clinician IV & APN)

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Questions? Email PNSO@virginia.edu!