This job announcement has closed

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 10469674.

Please read this announcement in its entirety before beginning the application process to ensure you submit all the required documents. All documents requiring signature must be signed and dated prior to submission in order to be considered complete.

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Hiring complete

Open & closing dates

04/05/2019 to 04/22/2019
Salary

$51,364 - $103,234 per year
Pay scale & grade

VN 00
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Location

10 vacancies in the following location:
- Louisville, KY
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-Time
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

00
Job family (Series)
- 0610 Nurse
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Other
Drug test

No
Announcement number

CBDF-10469674-19-WLH
Control number

529719300

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Clarification from the agency

United States Citizens.

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You may be eligible to apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program. Please contact Human Resources at this medical center and speak with the Education Debt Reduction Program Coordinator for additional information.

This job opportunity announcement (JOA) will be used to fill ten (10) temporary not to exceed two years, Graduate Nurse Technicians (GNT) vacancies at the Louisville, KY Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), with Nursing Service. GNT may be converted to a permanent position.

This comprehensive program prepares new graduate nurses and selected staff opportunities to gain clinical knowledge and expertise in a variety of clinical areas. The goal of the GNT Program is to provide education, clinical experiences and preceptor support to enhance individual learning needs and provide a smooth transition for new nurses from a novice to expert role in our VA healthcare system.

GNTs will be placed in the Transition to Practice Program. The Transition to Practice Program is designed for the post graduate Registered Nurse who has completed an entry level nursing degree at the diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or Master's degree level. Classes are held at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, KY. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The training program was developed to support the post graduate registered nurse during the first year of practice in an acute care, behavioral health or long-term care setting. The post graduate registered nurse will participate in an orientation program and be assigned to a qualified preceptor who will work closely with them during the unit based clinical orientation. The length of clinical orientation will vary according to the needs and progress of the nurse. Clinical experiences and didactic sessions are scheduled during the year to facilitate transition and achieve competency in key knowledge, skills and responsibilities of a registered nurse. Transition to Practice Registered Nurses are required to attend all scheduled learning experiences and complete required projects and written assignments.

The program design and content are guided by: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education's (CCNE) Standards for Accreditation of Entry to Practice Nurse Residency Programs (CCNE, 2015).

Work Schedule: 40 hour work week, 12 hour shifts with alternating weekends and holidays.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
Designated and/or random drug testing required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English

Qualifications

**CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Applicant must take and receive an acceptable passing score on the Registered Nurse National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) within 90 days of graduation. The GNT who does not pass the NCLEX will be separated from the service on 2- weeks' notice regardless of the termination date of temporary appointment.
Individuals will not be retained pending the results of re-examination.

Basic Requirements:

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
English Language Proficiency. RNs appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6

Preferred Experience:

BSN
BLS

Grade Determinations: This position is designated for the Nurse I grade only. The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:

Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required.

Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience.

Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.

Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required.

Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree.Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

In addition to education, grade determination will also be based on:

Four Dimensions of Nursing

Practice
Professional Development
Collaboration
Scientific Inquiry

Within the Four Dimensions of Nursing, nine criteria define the performance requirements for RNs at each grade and/or level in the Nurse Qualification Standard. These requirements listed below, are based on the American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards of Care and Standards of Professional Performance.

Practice. Extent to which the RN effectively uses the nursing process components of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation in varied practice settings.
Quality of Care. Extent to which the RN systematically evaluates and improves the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice and health care delivery.
Performance. Extent to which the RN evaluates his/her own nursing practice as well as the performance of others.
Education/Career Development. Extent to which the RN acquires and uses current knowledge for self and others.
Collegiality. Extent to which the RN contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.
Ethics. Extent to which the RN makes decisions and takes action in an ethical manner.
Collaboration. Extent to which the RN collaborates with clients, significant others, and other health care and service providers.
Research. Extent to which the RN uses research in practice.
Resource Utilization. Extent to which the RN considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering care.

The above criteria are conceptualized within the Four Dimensions of Nursing as follows:

1. Practice (Practice, Ethics, Resource Utilization)
2. Professional Development (Education/Career Development, Performance)
3. Collaboration (Collaboration, Collegiality)
4. Scientific Inquiry (Quality of Care, Research)

Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling and pushing. Transferring patients and objects my be required. The position has the potential to be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. Exposure to patients whom may be combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The RN must be mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on the needs of the patients.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboard process.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

United States Citizenship Required; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: Candidate's education and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered by a Nurse Professional Standards Board in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel. The criteria are as follows:Practice: practice, ethics and resource utilization;Professional Development: performance, education/career development; Collaboration; collaboration, collegiality; Scientific Inquiry: quality of care, research Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Missing and/or incomplete required documents will result in not being referred.

Ensure all forms requiring a signature are signed and dated within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement.

These are the REQUIRED documents for this specific position/vacancy:
1. Resume. (REQUIRED by ALL) Your resume must have the following information for each position you have listed on your resume: position title, employer, city/state, duties, begin/end dates of employment including the month and year (mm/yy - mm/yy), and full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE and/or KSAs.
2. VA Form 10-2850a - Application for Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists (REQUIRED by ALL) can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
3. Completed Occupational Questionnaire (REQUIRED by ALL). You will be directed to this questionnaire when you apply online, however, if you are unable to apply on line, see the Additional Information "Alternate Application" option in this announcement (note: The Alternate Application phone line is only available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding Federal holidays.).https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10469674
4. Clear Copy of Licensure/Certification/Registration: CDR. (REQUIRED by ALL). You MUST submit a copy or document verification of RN licensure.
5. Clear Copy of Transcripts for education verification. (REQUIRED by ALL) You MUST submit a legible copy of your college transcript(s).
6. Reference Letters: Two (2) reference letters from clinical instructors from your nursing school. (Required - can be provided with application OR to the VA Nurse Recruitment Office).
7. Federal Employees:
  1. Latest non-award SF-50 (REQUIRED by current Federal employees) MUST include latest SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action must be submitted showing current position, grade, series, etc.). 'Award' or 'Incentive' SF-50 DO NOT contain the required information and will not be considered valid required documentation to verify status.
8. Veterans:
  1. DD-214 (REQUIRED for Veteran's preference) Veterans must provide a legible copy of their DD-214(s) to ensure all dates of service as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) appear as required, for the type of preference you are claiming. If still on active duty, a certificate or release or discharge from active duty within 120 days listing the type of discharge and the date on letterhead.
  2. SF-15 Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference and related documents. (required to apply Veterans Preference) http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
  3. Veteran Disability Rating Letter. (required to apply Veterans Preference) Supporting documentation of Veteran Preference Letter from the VA Regional Office stating what your percentage of disability is. DO NOT include your specific disabilities or your monthly awarded monetary amount.
In addition to the above required documents, the following documents are preferred, but are NOT required:
1. Copy of current Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification.
2. Copy of ACLS (AHA) certificate.
3. OF-306. (REQUIRED by ALL) Declaration for Federal Employment: must be signed and dated* (Available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306 .pdf) (required if selected)
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), etc.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information

Raeleen Price

Phone

502-287-6386

Email

Raeleen.Price@va.gov

Address

Robley Rex VA Medical Center
800 Zorn Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

Missing and/or incomplete required documents will result in not being referred.

Ensure all forms requiring a signature are signed and dated within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement.

These are the REQUIRED documents for this specific position/vacancy:

Resume. (REQUIRED by ALL) Your resume must have the following information for each position you have listed on your resume: position title, employer, city/state, duties, begin/end dates of employment including the month and year (mm/yy - mm/yy), and full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE and/or KSAs.
VA Form 10-2850a - Application for Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists (REQUIRED by ALL) can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
Completed Occupational Questionnaire (REQUIRED by ALL). You will be directed to this questionnaire when you apply online, however, if you are unable to apply on line, see the Additional Information "Alternate Application" option in this announcement (note: The Alternate Application phone line is only available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding Federal holidays.).https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10469674
Clear Copy of Licensure/Certification/Registration: CDR. (REQUIRED by ALL). You MUST submit a copy or document verification of RN licensure.
Clear Copy of Transcripts for education verification. (REQUIRED by ALL) You MUST submit a legible copy of your college transcript(s).
Reference Letters: Two (2) reference letters from clinical instructors from your nursing school. (Required - can be provided with application OR to the VA Nurse Recruitment Office).
Federal Employees:
1. Latest non-award SF-50 (REQUIRED by current Federal employees) MUST include latest SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action must be submitted showing current position, grade, series, etc.). 'Award' or 'Incentive' SF-50 DO NOT contain the required information and will not be considered valid required documentation to verify status.
Veterans:
1. DD-214 (REQUIRED for Veteran's preference) Veterans must provide a legible copy of their DD-214(s) to ensure all dates of service as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) appear as required, for the type of preference you are claiming. If still on active duty, a certificate or release or discharge from active duty within 120 days listing the type of discharge and the date on letterhead.
2. SF-15 Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference and related documents. (required to apply Veterans Preference) http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
3. Veteran Disability Rating Letter. (required to apply Veterans Preference) Supporting documentation of Veteran Preference Letter from the VA Regional Office stating what your percentage of disability is. DO NOT include your specific disabilities or your monthly awarded monetary amount.

In addition to the above required documents, the following documents are preferred, but are NOT required:

Copy of current Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification.
Copy of ACLS (AHA) certificate.
OF-306. (REQUIRED by ALL) Declaration for Federal Employment: must be signed and dated* (Available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306 .pdf) (required if selected)

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), etc.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Raeleen Price

Phone: 502-287-6386
Email: Raeleen.Price@va.gov
Address: Robley Rex VA Medical Center
800 Zorn Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Graduated Nurse Technician

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Agency contact information

Next steps

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent