ADVANCE Clinical Ladder Program for Nurses
For clinicians who wish to advance in their careers and increase or further develop their skills at the patient's bedside, Inova offers an innovative, cutting-edge clinical ladder advancement program. ADVANCE (achievements demonstrating versatile accomplishments in nursing clinical excellence) is Inova Health System’s nursing clinical ladder program for registered nurses who serve as clinicians.
Registered nurses can progress from registered nurse (RN) 1 through 4 by demonstrating superior clinical expertise and completing a combination of continuing education courses, advanced training or professional certification, participating in research and by demonstrating continued development clinical practice.
Through self-development activities, continuing education and professional development, you have the opportunity to move up the clinical ladder, achieving greater responsibility and accountability as you progress. Applicants are reviewed and approved by your peers. Clinical ladder promotions are rewarded financially at each step in the ladder.
ADVANCE program eligibility
- Inova Health System registered nurse (RN) clinician
- Budgeted and benefit-eligible employee
- RN that has successfully completed the probationary period (first 90 days of employment)
- RN that is not in the positive discipline process
- Performance appraisal at present level is rated competent (3) or above in each performance standard
Application process
- Performance appraisals
- Clinical narrative(s)
- Self-development hours
- Advancement levels
The ADVANCE Program provides the opportunity for the RN to apply for advancement to RN 3 and RN 4. Continued movement up the ladder (after RN2) is a voluntary progressive advancement program. A nurse must complete the RN 3 level before progressing to RN 4 level.
- RN 1 – New graduate, promoted to RN 2 after a year of successful performance as an RN 1
- RN 2 – RN with at least 1 year of experience
- RN 3 – RN that demonstrates clinical excellence
- RN 4 – Clinical leader
Maintenance requirements
The maintenance is based on performance appraisal. There is no need to reapply for the level you are in, but you must maintain your level of performance at competent (score of 3 or above) in all standards of the performance appraisal. As part of the standards, there are requirements for self-development hours that are included in the performance appraisal process. A listing and examples of acceptable self-development activities is found in the ADVANCE program portfolio information.
ADVANCE program structure
Operating Unit Nursing Clinical Ladder Council. Each operating unit has a council. The council is responsible to review applications and recommend applicants for promotion.
Systemwide Nursing Clinical Ladder Steering Committee. The steering committee provides a forum to review the ADVANCE program and make revisions to the program as needed, maintain the quality of the program, market and recognize promotions in the program across the system.
