NAVIGATING THE MAZE FOR EDUCATION FUNDING:   NAGE CAN HELP

  

Although nurses are the largest group of employees within the VAMHCS many do not utilize the VA monies allocated for educational expenses.   As licensed professionals we incur expenses necessary to maintain that licensure.  We also need to be current in areas such as Safety, Joint Commission Standards, Practice Area specific education just to name a few.   When NAGE became aware of this we began asking nurses why.  The overwhelming response was “I didn’t know I could do that.  How do I apply for funding?”  NAGE would like to help. 

 

There are several steps to the process.  In addition to EDUCATION funding you may also apply for TRAVEL funding (that will be discussed as Part 2) to attend both local and non-local seminars/educational programs.  The paperwork must be submitted at least 30 days prior to attending the program.  If you can submit the paperwork EARLIER it is better!!! 

 

PART ONE ----EDUCATION FUNDING

 

First, we will walk through the process of applying for educational funding.  The forms you must complete are the Standard Form 182 (sf-182) and the Education Support Program (ESP) Supervisory Justification Memorandum.  Both of these forms can be accessed via the VAMHCS home page.  Under the heading DEPARTMENTS find EDUCATION and ACADEMIC AFFAIRS click to open.  Now click on EMPLOYEE EDUCATION.  From this screen click on EDUCATION SUPPORT PROGRAM (ESP) FACT SHEET.  A dialogue box will appear click “OPEN.”  The FACT SHEET will appear (you may want to print this to refer to as you continue through the process) Under the how do I apply section you can open an example of the SF-182 (click open when dialogue box appears and print a copy)  click “back” button and click “open” when dialogue box appears.  This will return you to the FACT SHEET.)   Now click the STANDARD FORM- 182 and “open” when the dialogue box appears.  Fill out the form (use the example to assist) and print 2 copies.  (If you are only applying for education funding nothing needs to be in the box 22.  Click the back button and “open” in dialogue box to return to the FACT SHEET.  Now click on EDUCATION SUPPORT PROGRAM (ESP) JUSTIFICATION (MEMORANDUM).  Click “open” when dialogue box appears.  Fill out the top half and print 2 copies. 

 

Next, take these 2 forms (SF-182 & ESP memorandum) and a copy of the educational brochure/pamphlet (course Announcement and description to your immediate supervisor (This is who you listed in boxes 26a and 27a of your SF-182) and the second line supervisor for their concurrence (signature).   Be sure that on the Memorandum the supervisor checks the boxes and also includes a narrative stating how this training/education is directly relevant to your job.  The 1st and 2nd line supervisor sign both the forms you filled out. (The Memo and SF-182). 

 

Finally, you are ready to submit the both forms and the course announcement.  All this paperwork can be faxed to Employee Education at 410-642-1731.  Robert Clark is the contact for employee education he is at Perry Point Extension 5722. 

  

You will receive an E-Mail telling you of you approval or disapproval for the course. Check in outlook as well as vista.   You can also contact Employee education by phone to follow up on submissions.

 

Upon completion of the training you must submit proof of payment and a Certificate of Training (some proof from the vendor that you attended the course) to Employee Education the fax is 410-642-1731.