Advance Your Career as a Surgical Nurse Practitioner at the VA
Are you a dedicated Nurse Practitioner looking to combine high-level clinical expertise with a mission of service? The VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) is currently seeking a motivated and skilled Nurse Practitioner to join their Surgical Service. This role offers the opportunity to provide critical care to our nation's heroes while enjoying the stability and comprehensive benefits of a federal career.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Practice Nurse, you will be the backbone of the surgical care team. Your responsibilities include:
- Surgical Support: Serving as a first assist in the operating room and providing care for subspecialties like Urology, Orthopedics, Plastics, and Thoracic surgery.
- Clinical Management: Managing patient panels across outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth settings.
- Quality Improvement: Collaborating with attending surgeons to optimize patient care processes and reduce systemic inefficiencies.
- Team Leadership: Mentoring interdisciplinary teams and participating in quality improvement activities that enhance the quality and timeliness of care.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several core criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold a full and unrestricted license to practice as an NP in any U.S. State or territory.
- Education: A Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
- Certification: Current board certification as a PMHNP, ACNP, or AGACNP.
- Professionalism: Ability to communicate effectively and provide evidence-based care.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | Nurse Practitioner II | Nurse Practitioner III |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Entry Level (No experience required) | 1+ Year Specialized APN Experience |
| Focus | Delivers evidence-based health care | Influences/Models evidence-based health care |
| Leadership | Active team participant | Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $127,455 to $184,764 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Beyond the salary, the VA offers a "total rewards" package, including:
- 50 days of paid time off per year.
- A federal pension plus a 401k with agency matching.
- Comprehensive federal insurance programs (health, dental, vision, life).
Application Tips
- Use the Clinical Resume: Ensure you download and use the specific clinical resume template provided by the VA.
- Be Specific: Do not leave your experience descriptions vague; clearly outline how your previous work meets the 'Dimension Requirements' listed in the job description.
- Follow Procedures: Double-check your documents before uploading to ensure you don't miss anything that could impact your eligibility.
This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of the Veterans Health Administration. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, the VA Central California Health Care System offers the environment and support to help you excel. Apply through the USAJobs portal by September 16, 2026, to ensure your application is considered.
Why This Nurse Practitioner Job Matters
Elevate your nursing career by providing essential, life-changing surgical care to those who served. Join our mission-driven team in Fresno, California.
Nurse Practitioner Job Overview
The VA Central California Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and skilled Nurse Practitioner to join our Surgical Service. This role is pivotal in delivering comprehensive, holistic, and compassionate care to our nation's Veterans. You will operate within a multidisciplinary environment, providing support across various surgical subspecialties, including general surgery, vascular, orthopedics, and more. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in both clinical and surgical assistance settings to improve patient outcomes.
Requirements for Nurse Practitioner
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active, current, full, and unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Master’s or Doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited institution
- Current board certification (PMHNP, ACNP, or AGACNP)
- English language proficiency
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Commitment to the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse Practitioner
- One year of specialized advanced practice nurse experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level
- Experience in surgical subspecialties
- Demonstrated expertise in managing complex patient panels
- Experience with interdisciplinary leadership and process improvement
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓50 days of paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Long-term care insurance options
- ✓Professional development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Nurse Practitioner Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse Practitioner Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume document from the provided link.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your required documents, including your clinical resume, license, and transcript.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of September 16, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your clinical resume is uploaded to the restricted 'Resume' slot and your full CV is uploaded to 'Other'.
- Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Prepare your DD-214 early if claiming Veterans' Preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have borne the battle, providing surgical support and holistic care to Veterans.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an on-site, in-person position based in Fresno, California.
What kind of surgical support will I be providing?
You will assist across multiple surgical subspecialties, including General Surgery, Orthopedics, Urology, Thoracic, Vascular, and ENT, among others.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Central California Health Care System is part of the VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN21). Based in Fresno, the facility serves as a vital hub for primary, secondary, and tertiary care. With a 57-bed acute care center and a dedicated Community Living Center, the VACCHCS is committed to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art care to those who have served in the United States military.