NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

HOW TO APPLY

URBAN BEAT COASTAL LIVING THE HEARTLAND CHOICE

VA can take you anywhere you want to live and work. We

have facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and

U.S. Territories. So, whether you're a confirmed urbanite,

fond of the beach, or in search of peaceful Midwestern

landscapes, you can explore VA nursing opportunities.

Because hiring decisions are made locally, you should apply

to the Human Resources Management Office at the VA

health care facility where you desire employment

consideration. Information about VA nursing and application

procedures may be obtained from any VA facility.

Employment information can also be obtained by contacting

the Department of Veterans Affairs, Placement Service, 1555

Poydras Street, Suite 1971, New Orleans, LA 70112. The 

toll-free number is 1-800-949-0002. Employment information

and job applications can also be found on the Internet at

www.VAcareers.va.gov.

“A friend of mine told me about a new position in the emergency

department at the VA hospital in Fresno and encouraged me to

apply. At the time, I had young children and was not sure whether

changing employers was a good idea. Taking this job was one of

the best professional decisions I have ever made. My flexible work

schedule has been very important to me, as I am active with my

children’s school. And I am thrilled with VA’s technology.”

— Vanessa Alvarado-Greer 

MSN, FNP, ACNP, BC 

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 

Emergency/Pulmonary Services
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THE BEST CARE

VA – Keeping the Promise to Those Who Served

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest, 

most technologically advanced health care systems in the 

United States. Our employees work at 154 medical centers, 

875 ambulatory and community-based outpatient clinics, 

136 nursing homes, and many other facilities, such as domiciliaries

and readjustment counseling centers. More than a century ago,

President Lincoln made a promise to America's servicemen and

women, pledging the care and concern of a grateful Nation for 

the sacrifices they made to preserve freedom. Since 1930, VA's

mission has been to keep that promise.

THE BEST CAREERS

VA and Advanced Practice Nursing

The nationwide service and health care complexity of the VA system

provides our Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) with an unparalleled

range of practice settings and practice areas. No matter where they

work in the VA system, our APNs – both nurse practitioners and

clinical nurse specialists – deliver patient-centered care through their

dedication to direct care, research, education, and leadership.

As direct care providers, VA APNs enjoy autonomy within their

defined scopes of practice. They also have unequalled support from

nursing peers, a wealth of professional resources, a computerized

patient record system that is unsurpassed, and exceptional

collaboration within the framework of interdisciplinary care teams.

WHY VA?

As health care researchers, VA APNs conduct research impacting

nursing issues and outcomes of care. Master’s and doctorally prepared

nurses have the opportunity to be the principal investigators of research

projects, as well as translate their findings into practice. As one of the

largest research organizations in the U.S., VA offers funded research

opportunities and encourages nurse researchers and clinicians to

disseminate their findings in literature and through presentations.

As educators, VA APNs have the opportunity to guide the future

generation of nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. VA

provides clinical experiences to one out of every four professional

nurses in the U.S. through affiliations with nursing schools. As a resu

VA APNs play an important role in nursing students’ development.

Some VA APNs hold university faculty positions.

As health care leaders, VA APNs shape policy, facilitate access to V

health care, and impact resource management. They have a strong

voice within VA, both locally and nationally. Many attend VA

conferences and may be members of the APN Advisory Group, the

Nursing Research Advisory Group, and other local, regional, and

national committees and task forces. Additionally, all APNs are

encouraged to be active in professional nursing organizations.

Consider an APN career at VA. In return for your commitment to 

quality nursing care for our Nation’s veterans, VA offers competitive

salaries, first-rate employment benefits, extensive tuition 

reimbursement programs, nationwide job transfer opportunities, 

a wide range of practice settings, and ample paid leave.
“My nurse managers encouraged me to become a nurse practitioner.

Now I have a passion for helping other nurses advance their careers

within VA. As Lead NP at our facility, I serve as a preceptor and mentor

to both undergraduate and graduate nurses. I also serve as adjunct

faculty at local nursing schools. I feel greatly blessed that I am a part

of this amazing VA culture.”

— Lakshi Aldredge, RN, MSN, ANP-C

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Did you know that VA:

• Is the largest employer of APNs in the Nation, with more than 

3,700 nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists on staff

• Is the largest employer of nursing staff in the Nation, with more 

than 61,000 RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and nursing assistants

• Offers many APNs the opportunity to serve as primary care providers

in inpatient and nursing home units

• Has APN-run clinics dedicated to improving health care delivery in

specialty areas, including pain management and geriatrics

• Requires one active, unrestricted state license to practice anywhere

in the U.S. and Puerto Rico

• Serves a population of more than 7.8 million veterans, providing

inpatient care to about 600,000 veterans and managing more than

57 million outpatient visits each year

• Has facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories

• Provides medical care backup to military hospitals during national

emergencies, and operates command centers to coordinate services

through the National Disaster Medical Service during major disasters

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Sub-Specialties

• Anesthesiology

• Cardiology

• Care Coordination

• Case Management

• Critical Care

• Endocrinology

• Dermatology

• HIV

• Occupational Health

• Nursing Home/LongTerm Care Units

• Oncology

• Orthopedics

• Pain Management

• Palliative Care

• Polytrauma

• Psychiatry/Mental

Health Services

• Rehabilitation

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Surgery

Primary Care Providers

• Primary Care

• Preventive Care

• Patient and Family

Education

• Geriatrics

• Home Based Primary

Care

• Psychiatry/Mental

Health Services

• Women’s Health

NBC News

“The VA health care system now offers what several surveys 

show to be the best medical care in the country.”

National Committee for Quality Assurance

“VA outperforms America's best private hospitals in all 

17 performance criteria we measure.”

Washington Monthly

“VA provides the best care anywhere. Today, they're producing the

highest quality care in the country ... [VA] points the way toward

solving America's health care crisis.”

THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES

VA APNs have the opportunity to work in a variety of practice arenas,

including but not limited to:

THE BEST SYSTEM

VA fosters a culture of excellence for both veterans and its nursing

staff. It does so through a range of initiatives, such as:

• VA nursing staff are key participants in system-wide advancements

for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) 5 Million Lives

Campaign and the Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) projects.

• APNs’ system-side influence is maximized by the implementation of

the unit-based Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role.

• The VA Nursing Outcomes Database (VANOD) Program is building 

a national database of nursing-sensitive indicators to support

strategic decision making through benchmarking for all care 

across the continuum.

• VA has embraced MagnetTM principles, which supports the

achievement of Magnet designation at VA facilities.

• The Safe Patient Handling and Movement Program focuses on

preventing musculoskeletal injuries to nursing staff.

• VA has invested in the cutting-edge technology needed to support

its nurses and the entire patient care team, including a Bar Code

Medication Administration system, a computerized patient record

system, wireless handheld connectivity, telehealth, and more.

• Many VA facilities offer flexible work schedules.
VA’s mission is to provide the best possible care for America’s veterans.

In return for helping VA achieve this goal, VA offers extensive

employment benefits.

LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS

• VA APNs earn 26 days of paid annual (vacation/personal) leave and

may accumulate up to 85 days. This leave begins to accrue

immediately and can be used as it is earned, with supervisory approval.

• APNs earn 13 days of sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation.

• There are 10 paid Federal holidays.

• The Family and Medical Leave Act and the Family Friendly Leave Act

allow employees to balance their work and family lives by taking

reasonable amounts of leave for medical reasons, for the birth or

adoption/foster care of a child, and for the care of a child, spouse,

or parent who has a serious health problem.

• The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program allows Federal employees to

donate annual leave for specific medical circumstances involving

fellow employees or their family.

• Military leave is authorized up to 15 days a year for active reservists

and National Guard members.

HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE

• VA offers a wide variety of health insurance plans with premiums

partially paid by the Federal Government. You may change plans

yearly to fit your situation and need.

• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts,

which allow you to set aside tax-free dollars to pay for medical,

dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your

health insurance plan.

• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are

available with the cost shared by the Federal Government.

• Long-term care insurance is available as an option.

BENEFITS RETIREMENT

VA APNs are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System

(FERS). FERS is a three-tier retirement plan composed of Social Security

benefits, FERS basic benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Similar

to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the

TSP allows employees to tax defer up to a fixed dollar amount each

year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. The

Federal Government also provides a basic contribution and matching,

depending on the amount of the employee contribution. For retired

military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement

pay or pension. Retirement health care insurance is also available.

MOBILITY AND LICENSURE

Where can a nursing career at VA take you? How about anywhere you’d

like to live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 

An employee may seek employment at any VA location where there is a

vacancy and, if hired, transfer without loss of benefits. Only one active,

unrestricted state license is required to practice in a VA facility in the

above locations.

LIABILITY PROTECTION

As Federal employees, VA nurses are protected by the Federal Government

in instances of alleged malpractice or negligence resulting from the

performance of their duties in or for the Veterans Health Administration

of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The United States Government

accepts responsibility and liability for its employees' negligent or wrongful

acts or omissions during the exercise of their official duties. This applies

when employees' actions are in accord with the policies of the institution

in which they are practicing.

AWARDS AND HONORS

VA bestows both monetary and honorary recognition for overall

superior performance and special or unique achievements. Annual VA

nursing award programs include the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in

Nursing, the Secretary’s Award for Advancement of Nursing Programs,

the Office of Nursing Services Innovation Awards, and National Nursing

Awards. In addition, monetary awards can be earned through

participation in VA’s Employee Suggestion Program.

• Free parking at most facilities

• Smoke-free and drug-free

workplace

• Child care at some facilities

• Uniform allowance

• Employee associations

• Annual physical examination

• Employee wellness programs

• Fitness centers at some facilities

• Compensation for job-related

illness and injury

• Credit unions

• Dining facilities and retail stores

• Public transit subsidies at some

facilities

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

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EDUCATION National Nursing Education Initiative (NNEI) – The NNEI scholarship

is awarded to permanent full- and part-time registered nurses who have

worked for VA for at least one year to cover tuition costs and related

educational expenses for courses in which they are currently enrolled.

Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP) – This program

provides VA employees with scholarships to further their education

and obtain degrees qualifying them for health care positions for which

recruitment and retention is difficult.

Tuition Support Program – Employees in health care disciplines that

have been identified as VA shortage categories may be eligible for

funding to enroll in job-related courses, continuing education courses,

and conferences.

Upward Mobility Training Programs – These programs offer, on a

competitive basis, opportunities to advance to higher-level positions.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

VA is committed to extending educational opportunities that enhance

APNs’ knowledge and, in turn, improve care. In addition to extensive

orientation programs for all newly hired APNs, VA offers APN in-service

education courses, leadership courses, and National Employee

Education Services courses. VA also leads the industry in providing

educational assistance and incentive programs that help nurses repay

their loans and obtain advanced degrees.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – The EDRP allows VA

to provide education loan repayments for recently appointed health care

professionals. The education loan(s) must be for courses that led directly

to qualifying for the appointed position. This program covers principal

and interest on debts, up to $49,585 over five years.

“Since starting my career at VA 25 years ago, my clinical practice has evolved much the

same as the role of nurse practitioner: increased independence and autonomy. VA has

been supportive over the years in providing me with the time, clinical training and other

educational opportunities to enhance my skills and specialty knowledge. As a veteran

myself, it is both an honor and a privilege to care for this patient population.”

— Charles Tevebaugh, APN

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
HIRING POLICIES

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Minimum qualifications for appointment as a VA APN are:

• U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be hired on a temporary basis 

when qualified citizens are not available)

• Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse practitioners (NP) must

possess a master’s degree from an academic program accredited by

the NLNAC or CCNE, and must maintain full and current certification

as either a CNS or NP from the American Nurses Association or

another nationally recognized certifying body.

• Certification must be in the specialty for which the individual is being

appointed or selected. 

• Current licensure from any U.S. State, Commonwealth, the District of

Columbia, or Territory (e.g., Puerto Rico) 

• Evidence of successful performance

• Personal interview

• Satisfactory physical examination (may include drug screening)

• English language proficiency

SALARY INFORMATION

• VA APNs are compensated according to a Locality Pay System (LPS)

that ensures they are paid competitive rates within each local labor

market. With this system, salary ranges vary according to facility

location. Pay is reviewed periodically to ensure competitiveness with

salary rates in effect in the local community.

• Starting salaries and pay grades are recommended by peer review,

accomplished though the Nurse Professional Standards Board, based

on the nature and extent of professional education and experience.

• VA offers premium pay to nurses for on-call, weekend, overtime, and

holiday duty. Nurses receive 10 percent of their base hourly pay rate

for night shifts, 25 percent for weekends, 50 percent for overtime,

and double pay for holidays.

• Accelerated increases within each grade may be awarded for length

of service, enhanced qualifications or assignment, specialized skills,

professional achievements, or high levels of performance.

• APNs also receive consideration for promotion to higher grades with

correspondingly higher salaries as administrative and professional

performance qualifications are met.

• Cash bonuses may be authorized for certification, exemplary job

performance, or exemplary job achievement.

6

“When we separated from active duty service as Captains in the USAF Nurse

Corps, we both really wanted to pursue nursing careers dedicated to serving

fellow veterans. Although we both became certified nurse practitioners

while at VA, one of us opted to remain clinically focused, while the other

switched to an administrative career path. VA has provided both of us with

unparalleled advancement opportunity, career flexibility, and the education

necessary to fulfill our career dreams.”

— Terry Terpstra, APRN BC

Advanced Practice Nurse 

for Extended Care

— Tammy Terpstra, APRN BC

Chief of Extended Care

Service
NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

HOW TO APPLY

URBAN BEAT COASTAL LIVING THE HEARTLAND CHOICE

VA can take you anywhere you want to live and work. We

have facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and

U.S. Territories. So, whether you're a confirmed urbanite,

fond of the beach, or in search of peaceful Midwestern

landscapes, you can explore VA nursing opportunities.

Because hiring decisions are made locally, you should apply

to the Human Resources Management Office at the VA

health care facility where you desire employment

consideration. Information about VA nursing and application

procedures may be obtained from any VA facility.

Employment information can also be obtained by contacting

the Department of Veterans Affairs, Placement Service, 1555

Poydras Street, Suite 1971, New Orleans, LA 70112. The 

toll-free number is 1-800-949-0002. Employment information

and job applications can also be found on the Internet at

www.VAcareers.va.gov.

“A friend of mine told me about a new position in the emergency

department at the VA hospital in Fresno and encouraged me to

apply. At the time, I had young children and was not sure whether

changing employers was a good idea. Taking this job was one of

the best professional decisions I have ever made. My flexible work

schedule has been very important to me, as I am active with my

children’s school. And I am thrilled with VA’s technology.”

— Vanessa Alvarado-Greer 

MSN, FNP, ACNP, BC 

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 

Emergency/Pulmonary Services
NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

HOW TO APPLY

URBAN BEAT COASTAL LIVING THE HEARTLAND CHOICE

VA can take you anywhere you want to live and work. We

have facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and

U.S. Territories. So, whether you're a confirmed urbanite,

fond of the beach, or in search of peaceful Midwestern

landscapes, you can explore VA nursing opportunities.

Because hiring decisions are made locally, you should apply

to the Human Resources Management Office at the VA

health care facility where you desire employment

consideration. Information about VA nursing and application

procedures may be obtained from any VA facility.

Employment information can also be obtained by contacting

the Department of Veterans Affairs, Placement Service, 1555

Poydras Street, Suite 1971, New Orleans, LA 70112. The 

toll-free number is 1-800-949-0002. Employment information

and job applications can also be found on the Internet at

www.VAcareers.va.gov.

“A friend of mine told me about a new position in the emergency

department at the VA hospital in Fresno and encouraged me to

apply. At the time, I had young children and was not sure whether

changing employers was a good idea. Taking this job was one of

the best professional decisions I have ever made. My flexible work

schedule has been very important to me, as I am active with my

children’s school. And I am thrilled with VA’s technology.”

— Vanessa Alvarado-Greer 

MSN, FNP, ACNP, BC 

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 

Emergency/Pulmonary Services