Advance Your Nursing Career with the West Texas VA Health Care System
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to make a lasting difference? The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) is currently accepting applications for Registered Nurses to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to serve the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation while working in a high-tech, collaborative environment.
About the West Texas VA Health Care System
Located in Big Spring, Texas, the WTVAHCS serves a vast population of Veterans across West Texas and New Mexico. We take pride in our mission to provide compassionate, whole-health care. Our facility offers a range of services from outpatient care to residential Community Living Centers. Big Spring is known as "The Crossroads of West Texas," offering a balanced lifestyle with access to Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, and Abilene.
Job Responsibilities
As a Registered Nurse at the VA, you will serve as a vital member of an interdisciplinary care team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive patient care plans.
- Participating in patient safety initiatives to improve clinical outcomes.
- Acting as a mentor or preceptor for junior staff and students.
- Collaborating on research projects to advance nursing practice.
- Addressing ethical issues and assisting in consultations.
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
- Licensure: A current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license.
- Background: Must pass a security investigation and drug screening.
Salary and Grade Determination
Salary is determined based on your experience and education level. The table below outlines the general progression for VHA nursing roles:
| Level | Experience/Education Focus |
|---|---|
| Nurse I | Entry to intermediate; focuses on competency and fundamental care. |
| Nurse II | Advanced practice; emphasizes leadership and holistic care. |
| Nurse III | Expert level; focuses on creative management and complex patient care. |
Actual salary range: $79,533 - $147,284 per year.
Benefits of Working at the VA
We provide a total rewards package that supports your professional and personal life:
- Paid Time Off: 50 days of leave annually.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401k matching.
- Insurance: Access to premium federal health and life insurance plans.
- Flexibility: Opportunities for telework or compressed schedules depending on your unit.
How to Apply
- Prepare: Download the standard clinical resume document provided by the VA.
- Apply: Visit the USAJobs portal and complete the online questionnaire.
- Submit: Upload all required transcripts, licensure, and SF-50 documents.
Joining the West Texas VA Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in nursing. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to serve those who served us, we encourage you to start your application today.
Why This Registered Nurse (Current Permanent West Texas Vahcs Employees Only) Job Matters
Transform your nursing career while honoring those who served—join the West Texas VA Health Care System and provide world-class care to our nation's heroes.
Registered Nurse (Current Permanent West Texas Vahcs Employees Only) Job Overview
The West Texas VA Health Care System is seeking dedicated Registered Nurses to join our interdisciplinary teams across multiple locations. You will provide compassionate, whole-health clinical care to our Veteran population, ranging from adult to elderly patients. This role is open to current, permanent West Texas VAHCS employees looking to make a meaningful impact within an environment that utilizes state-of-the-art technology and collaborative practice models.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (Current Permanent West Texas Vahcs Employees Only)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of a nursing program accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Subject to background and security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Current Permanent West Texas Vahcs Employees Only)
- Advanced nursing degrees (BSN, MSN, or Doctoral) in nursing or a related field.
- Professional nursing experience demonstrating competence in practice, leadership, and evidence-based research.
- Proven experience working in interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases.
- ✓50 days of total paid time off (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan.
- ✓Federal 401K with matching contributions up to 5%.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (position dependent).
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (Current Permanent West Texas Vahcs Employees Only) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Current Permanent West Texas Vahcs Employees Only) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (Resume, SF-50, etc.).
- Download and complete the required clinical resume document provided by the VA.
- Log into your USAJobs account or create a new profile.
- Submit your complete application package, including the online questionnaire, before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly articulates experience related to the five VHA nursing dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Double-check that all required transcripts and licensure documents are uploaded.
- Be precise in your self-assessment; do not leave the narrative sections blank, as they are crucial for grade determination.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This vacancy is restricted to current, permanent employees of the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS).
What determines my starting grade and salary?
The VA assesses your education and professional nursing experience against specific scope and dimension criteria to determine your placement within the Nurse I, II, or III levels.
Can I use foreign education credentials?
Yes, but you must provide a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
Is this position virtual?
*A: The role may have limited telework or virtual components based on the specific department, but it is primarily an in-person clinical role.*