OPM has approved an Army request to extend a special training and promotional authority for nurses, based on projections that 20 percent of current nursing positions will become vacant in the next 10 years, while the demand for nurses is expected to increase by about the same percentage.
OPM extended through March 2025 a training agreement that enables the Army to promote employees at the GS-5-7-9 levels in the Army Medical Command worldwide up to twice at an accelerated rate. The authority modifies qualification standards and time in grade restrictions, although actions still must comply with merit principles.
“This program provides flexibility, along with the use of direct hire authority and pay incentives, and has proven to be invaluable and a viable solution for long-term recruitment challenges by attracting candidates from the new graduate nurse group,” OPM said in a memo to the Army.
