The Department of Veterans Affairs stands as the nation’s largest employer of nurses, offering exceptional career paths for healthcare professionals. VA nursing positions deliver both purpose and financial stability, with competitive salaries ranging from $81,123 for Registered Nurses in Battle Creek, Michigan to $129,863 for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Job seekers will find 291 current nursing openings across the country, including remote positions that enable flexible scheduling and improved work-life balance. The VA healthcare system provides care to over 9 million Veterans annually, creating daily opportunities for nurses to make meaningful differences in patient outcomes.
This guide covers everything you need to build a successful nursing career within the VA system. You’ll discover application strategies, education benefits, and specialized programs like the Registered Nurse Transition-to-Practice Residency. Whether you’re exploring hospital positions or searching for “VA nursing jobs near me,” you’ll find practical insights to help you join this respected nursing community.
Why Choose a VA Nursing Career
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers nursing professionals a rare blend of purpose, stability, and work-life harmony that stands apart in today’s healthcare landscape. More than 120,000 nursing professionals currently serve in the VA system, with opportunities spanning diverse specialties and locations nationwide.
Mission-driven work with Veterans
VA nursing connects you to something genuinely meaningful. Unlike private healthcare settings, VA facilities operate without profit pressures or insurance constraints. Your focus stays where it belongs—providing expert care to those who served our nation.
The reward comes daily through patient interactions. VA nursing staff consistently highlight the satisfaction they gain from building lasting relationships with Veterans, celebrating recovery milestones, and becoming part of their healing journey. This purpose-centered environment allows nurses to practice healthcare aligned with their core values.
Many colleagues at VA facilities have military backgrounds themselves, creating a workplace culture built on shared understanding. This military connection fosters mutual respect between caregivers and patients, strengthening the healthcare relationship in ways rarely seen elsewhere.
Job stability and federal benefits
VA nursing positions deliver exceptional job security alongside professional fulfillment. Research shows VA healthcare staff report higher job satisfaction, less burnout, greater sense of accomplishment, and stronger commitment compared to nurses in community settings. This satisfaction directly links to the stability of federal employment.
Your benefits package includes:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
- Federal pension through the retirement system
- Thrift Savings Plan with matching contributions
- Malpractice protection under federal tort laws
- Ongoing education and advancement support
Licensing flexibility represents another major advantage. Federal supremacy for nursing licensure means you can practice across all 50 states with just one active license. This mobility allows seamless transfers between any of the 168 VA medical centers while maintaining your benefits and salary level.
Work/life balance and flexible schedules
The VA leads healthcare employers in prioritizing nurse wellbeing through innovative scheduling. Following 2004 Congressional legislation (S.2484), VA nurses can choose between two groundbreaking schedule options:
- Three 12-hour weekly shifts (36 hours) while receiving full 40-hour pay and benefits
- Nine months of work annually with three months off, while receiving 75% of full salary distributed across the year
Full-time VA nurses earn remarkable paid time off—26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, plus 11 federal holidays yearly. These policies, combined with remote work options and flexible scheduling, create work-life integration possibilities unmatched in healthcare.
Real-world success proves these approaches work. When one VA hospital introduced flexible scheduling to their ICU, staffing levels reached capacity as nurse satisfaction soared. Work-life balance consistently ranks as a top reason nurses choose VA careers, with flexible schedules specifically cited as why they stay.
Types of VA Nursing Jobs Available
The VA healthcare system offers a wide spectrum of nursing positions throughout its national network. Career paths exist for every skill level, from entry-level positions to highly specialized roles requiring advanced credentials.
Registered Nurse (RN)
VA Registered Nurses deliver essential healthcare services across diverse treatment settings. These licensed professionals serve as the foundation of Veteran healthcare, working in primary care clinics, acute hospital units, and rehabilitation facilities.
VA RNs can pursue four distinct career tracks:
- Clinical practice – direct patient care
- Advanced practice – specialized clinical roles
- Supervisory/administrative – leadership positions
- Consultative roles – specialized guidance
Many RNs develop expertise in specific areas such as infection control, informatics, or community health. Others advance into research positions or educational roles as nurse executives or clinical investigators.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs and LVNs provide vital support services under RN guidance. These professionals complete state-approved programs and licensure exams, then deliver personal care, assist with diagnostics, administer medications, and perform various clinical procedures.
Career advancement follows a structured path through grade levels (GS-3 through GS-6). Each promotion requires additional experience while granting greater independence and responsibility. Senior LPNs adapt procedures based on patient needs and exercise clinical judgment in complex situations.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse Practitioners represent the advanced practice level within VA nursing. With graduate education and national certification, NPs function as independent practitioners who manage their own patient panels. They order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and create comprehensive treatment plans.
The VA primarily employs:
- Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs)
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
Specialty NP roles include positions in Palliative & Hospice Medicine, where practitioners deliver expert end-of-life care to Veterans.
Remote and telehealth nursing roles
The VA has expanded its telehealth positions to meet modern healthcare needs. Home Telehealth Case Managers and Remote Patient Monitoring Coordinators support Veterans virtually, monitoring health status, providing education, and coordinating care from a distance.
These positions combine clinical expertise with flexibility, offering salaries between $71,557 and $89,158 based on location and experience. Current openings span facilities across the country, from Connecticut and Florida to California and New York.
Travel Nurse Corps opportunities
Nurses seeking variety can join the VA Travel Nurse Corps, an internal staffing pool that takes temporary assignments (minimum 13 weeks) at VA facilities nationwide. Corps members serve in locations throughout the United States and territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Participants must accept at least three assignments yearly. This program strengthens quality standards across facilities, supports rural healthcare sites, and creates a ready resource for emergency response situations.
Specialty roles in ICU, OR, and hospice
Specialized nursing positions require additional training and expertise:
- ICU nurses care for critically ill patients with acute conditions
- Operating Room nurses maintain patient safety during surgical procedures
- Hospice nurses provide compassionate end-of-life support
Additional specialty areas include oncology, cardiology, spinal cord injury, and mental health services. These positions typically require focused experience and may offer specialty pay or enhanced compensation packages.
How to Apply for VA Nursing Jobs
Federal hiring processes differ significantly from private sector recruitment. The VA follows structured protocols to ensure fair consideration for all qualified candidates. Understanding these unique requirements will strengthen your application.
Step-by-step application process
Your VA nursing career begins on USAJobs, the official federal employment website. Start by searching “registered nurse” and filtering for Department of Veterans Affairs positions. Read each job announcement carefully before deciding to apply.
Clicking “Apply” launches a five-step process where you’ll attach your resume and required documents. The system then directs you to the VA application portal for additional information. Most candidates receive application status updates within 15-30 days after the job announcement closes.
Selected candidates participate in interviews via phone, video, or in-person panels. The complete hiring timeline typically spans 60-120 days from initial application to final offer.
Creating a USAJobs profile
Setting up your federal employment profile is your first step. Create a login.gov account for secure access to government services, then complete your USAJobs profile with:
- Contact information
- Citizenship status
- Federal service history
- Military service details (if applicable)
While only these fields are mandatory, completing optional sections improves your job match results. Consider making your resume searchable in the USAJobs database where HR specialists actively seek qualified nursing candidates.
Tips for submitting a strong application
Successful applicants prepare thorough documentation. Gather these materials before starting:
- Structured resume highlighting responsibilities and outcomes
- School transcripts or degree verification
- Current nursing license and certifications
- Documentation of formal training
- Professional references
- DD214 (for Veterans)
Missing documentation is the top reason applications fail. Ensure your resume details your clinical duties, committee participation, research experience, and publications. After submission, contact the listed HR representative to confirm receipt of all materials.
Understanding job announcements
Federal nursing postings contain specific eligibility sections. Focus on “This job is open to,” “Clarification from the agency,” and “Who may apply” to determine if you qualify. Next, review the “Qualifications” section to confirm you meet position requirements.
Job announcements also specify hiring paths that define eligibility categories, including Veterans, military spouses, students, recent graduates, or general public opportunities. These designations help narrow your search to positions you’re eligible to pursue.
Veterans may receive preference points during selection, though this doesn’t guarantee employment. The ultimate goal is matching qualified candidates with appropriate VA nursing positions.
Education, Training, and Residency Programs
The VA puts significant resources into nursing education, creating multiple pathways for professional growth throughout your career. These career development opportunities make VA positions especially valuable for nurses focused on continuous learning.
Loan repayment and scholarships
Nurses facing educational debt receive substantial financial support through VA programs. The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offers up to $40,000 yearly—reaching $200,000 over five years—for nurses filling high-need patient care roles. Specialty practitioners benefit from similar support through dedicated repayment programs.
Financial assistance extends to current VA nurses pursuing advanced degrees. The National Nursing Education Initiative provides scholarships up to $44,228.56 for full-time students completing bachelor’s or advanced nursing degrees over three years. Nursing students qualify for complete tuition coverage plus a monthly $1,184 living stipend through the Health Professional Scholarship Program.
VA Registered Nurse Transition-to-Practice (RNTTP)
New graduates find exceptional support through the RNTTP Residency Programs available at all VA Medical Centers since 2011. This year-long program helps nurses with less than one year of experience through:
- 200+ hours of structured classroom instruction
- One-on-one mentoring with seasoned preceptors
- Regular clinical debriefing sessions
- Practice-based learning curriculum
RNTTP follows rigorous educational standards while focusing on Veteran-specific care needs, smoothing the transition from nursing school to real-world practice environments.
Continuing education and certifications
VA nurses access extensive continuing education resources at no personal cost. The VHA National Desktop Library provides professional databases like CINAHL, ClinicalKey, and UpToDate with built-in CE credits. Regular cyberseminar sessions offer additional accredited learning opportunities across nursing specialties.
Partnerships with nursing schools
The Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership connects VA facilities with nursing schools throughout the country. These collaborations support clinical rotations for over 25,000 nursing students each year. Students gain valuable experience with Veteran-specific care while learning through innovative teaching models focused on the unique health challenges Veterans face.
Whether you’re looking for hospital-based positions or remote nursing opportunities, the VA’s educational benefits provide clear paths for career advancement and professional growth.
Benefits of Working as a VA Nurse
VA nursing positions offer exceptional benefits packages that outshine many private sector opportunities while supporting professionals from career start through retirement. These advantages make VA roles particularly valuable for nurses seeking long-term stability.
Health, dental, and vision insurance
VA nurses receive premium healthcare coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) with no waiting periods or physical condition restrictions. The VA pays up to 75% of health insurance premiums, generating substantial savings for staff. Coverage extends to spouses, domestic partners, and children under 26.
Dental and vision benefits come through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Participating nurses enjoy 100% coverage for preventive dental care when using network providers. Vision plans cover routine exams, frames, lenses, and contacts without referral requirements.
Retirement and pension plans
Security in retirement stands out as a major VA nursing advantage through the three-part Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS):
- Social Security benefits
- Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching contributions
- FERS basic pension providing lifetime monthly payments
Qualification for retirement can begin after just 5 years of federal service. Military veterans gain additional advantages as service time often counts toward federal retirement calculations.
Paid time off and holidays
Full-time VA nurses start with a remarkable 50 days of annual paid time off. This package includes:
- 26 days of annual leave
- 13 days of sick leave that accumulates without limits
- 11 paid federal holidays
New parents receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave when eligible, supporting healthy work-family balance.
Support for career advancement
Professional growth opportunities abound for VA nurses through a structured leadership development program operating at local, network, and national levels. The VA leads the nation in providing continuing nursing education credits through its Talent Management System. Nurses can expand their skills through cross-training programs that encourage practice at the highest licensure levels.
Conclusion
VA nursing careers offer some of healthcare’s most fulfilling professional paths. This guide has highlighted key advantages of joining the Veterans Affairs nursing team—from competitive pay scales to flexible schedules that respect personal time. The mission-driven environment creates genuine satisfaction as nurses directly impact Veterans’ health outcomes daily.
Career options span every experience level and specialty interest, including registered nurse positions, practical nursing roles, advanced practice opportunities, and specialized clinical assignments. While the USAJobs application process demands attention to detail, it provides a clear roadmap to securing these sought-after positions.
The VA’s educational investment in its nursing staff truly stands out in healthcare. Few employers match their loan repayment programs, scholarship opportunities, and structured residency options for new graduates. These professional development resources, combined with comprehensive health benefits, generous time-off policies, and solid retirement packages, create both career fulfillment and personal security.
Remote nursing roles and Travel Nurse Corps assignments add remarkable mobility to VA careers. Nurses can gain diverse clinical experiences while maintaining federal benefits and supporting Veteran care across the country.
For healthcare professionals seeking meaningful work with genuine stability and advancement potential, VA nursing positions merit serious consideration. Few career choices combine the privilege of serving those who served our nation with such strong professional and personal rewards.
