ADVANCE Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a registered nurse - direct care nurse.
  • Must be in a non-exempt, budgeted and benefit-eligible position (0.5 FTE or greater).
  • Must have successfully completed the 90-day probationary period.
  • Must not be in the progressive disciplinary process.
  • Must have an overall performance check in rating of successful or above.
  • Must be current in required hospital, unit, and job specific competencies.
  • Must obtain required contact hours within the last year. Required hours increase as you progress in the ladder.
    1. RN 2 = 8 hours or more contact hours
    2. RN 3 = 16 hours or more contact hours
    3. RN 4 = 24 hours or more contact hours
    4. RN 5 = 32 hours or more contact hours

    *Applicant can use college credit in lieu of contact hours. Each college credit = 15 contact hours

  • For all levels except RN 2, hold a current Inova approved certification for ADVANCE in your clinical specialty area.
  • Must have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or higher for RN 4 or RN 5.
  • Clinical narratives are required for initial application for RN 4 and RN 5. The clinical narrative must capture the Inova values of Patient Always and One Team.  Minimum of one page.
  • Must meet required years of experience and Inova length of service – requirements increase as you progress in the ladder.
    1. RN 2 = 1-2 years of nursing experience
    2. RN 3 = 2 or more years of nursing experience
    3. RN 4 = 3 or more years of experience
    4. RN 5 = 5 or more years of nursing experience, at least two years at Inova Health System.

ADVANCE Ladder Categories:

Categories are based on the ANCC Magnet ® Model.

  • Transformational Leadership
  • Structural Empowerment
  • Exemplary Professional Practice
  • New Knowledge and Innovation

ADVANCE Points Requirements:

  • RN 2 = 15 points or more, activities in one or more ADVANCE Ladder categories
  • RN 3 = 30 points or more and activities in two or more ADVANCE Ladder categories
  • RN 4 = 45 points or more and activities in three or more ADVANCE Ladder categories
  • RN 5 = 60 point or more and activities in all four ADVANCE Ladder categories

*A minimum of five points is required from each category

Achievements Demonstrating Versatile Accomplishments in Nursing Clinical Excellence