Advance Your Nursing Career as an Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you a dedicated and compassionate Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) seeking a rewarding career where you can directly impact the lives of those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively recruiting for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care positions within the esteemed VA Puget Sound Health Care System. This is a unique opportunity to join a leading federal healthcare organization committed to providing comprehensive, whole-health care to America's Veterans. With multiple locations across Washington state and a highly competitive salary, this role offers a chance to grow your career while honoring the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stands as a cornerstone of support for the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Its overarching mission is to "care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, delivering a wide range of medical, surgical, and long-term care services to Veterans. Central to its mission is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which provides high-quality, patient-centered care through a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized facilities nationwide.

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), a Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching healthcare system, exemplifies the VA's commitment. With two main divisions and numerous community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), VAPSHCS is recognized as one of the most complex VA healthcare systems in the country. It offers comprehensive services including emergency care, specialty medical and surgical lines, psychiatric services, critical care, rehabilitation, community living centers, a spinal cord injury unit, bone marrow transplant unit, blind rehabilitation services, domiciliary care, and home-based primary care. VAPSHCS is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, making it an exceptional place for healthcare professionals to build their careers.

Job Responsibilities: Your Role as an Advanced Practice Nurse

As an Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) in the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) setting at VAPSHCS, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, comprehensive primary care to a dedicated panel of Veterans. Your responsibilities will extend beyond traditional patient care, encompassing a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Key duties include:

• Comprehensive Primary Care Delivery: Providing direct medical care to an assigned panel of patients, ensuring their primary healthcare needs are met within the PACT model.
• Interfacing with Non-VA Providers: Collaborating and communicating with healthcare providers outside the VA, such as those in the Department of Defense (DoD) and community settings, to ensure seamless transitions of care and continuity.
• Performance Improvement: Actively contributing to the achievement of clinical outcome targets related to access to care, quality of care, efficiency, process improvement, and patient satisfaction.
• Medication Management and Referrals: Prescribing medications and initiating consults to specialty clinics using the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Adherence to Standards: Practicing in accordance with professional standards, VA core values, and a commitment to providing excellent service.
• Chronic Disease Management and Prevention: Completing clinical reminders for chronic disease management and preventive health screenings as scheduled.
• Documentation: Meticulously completing progress notes, encounters, secure messages, and handling alter notifications within established VHA timeliness standards.
• Employee Health Services: Providing and coordinating clinical services related to employee health, in collaboration with the Human Resources department.
• Special Examinations: Assisting in the completion of Environmental Agents Registry exams.
• Patient Advocacy and Communication: Communicating and interacting with Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Providing clear and consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• Conflict Resolution: Handling conflicts and challenging situations with customers constructively and appropriately.
• Data Security: Protecting sensitive patient data in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws and regulations, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Technology Utilization: Proficiently using word processing software for documentation and communication, and the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) system for accessing patient information and managing care.

Requirements for Qualification

To be considered for this Advanced Practice Nurse position, candidates must meet specific educational, licensure, and certification requirements. These are critical for ensuring the highest standard of care for our Veterans.

Basic Requirements:

• Education: A graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing. This includes holding a post-master's certificate, master's degree, or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. The program must be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time of program completion. Applicants currently pursuing their degree may be considered, but must complete their education before being hired.
  • Foreign Education: Equivalency must be validated through an agency recognized by the VA, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
• License: Must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Board Certification: Must maintain full and current basic board certification in one of the following areas: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), or Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (GNP). Certification must be from a recognized body such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).

Additional Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens are unavailable.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Drug Screening: Must pass a urinalysis drug screening. Refusal to test will result in disqualification.
• Identification: Must provide acceptable identification for pre-employment verification (e.g., REAL ID compliant identification after May 7, 2025).
• Background Investigation: Must successfully complete a background and security investigation.
• Physical Examination: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
• Probationary Period: May be required to serve a probationary period.

Salary Overview

Salaries for the Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care positions at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System are highly competitive and determined by the nurse's grade level, education, and years of specialized experience. The salary range for this announcement is $124,370 to $154,218 per year. The final salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis, potentially at any point within this range.

Benefits Package

The VA offers a comprehensive and attractive total rewards package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. These benefits are a significant advantage of federal employment:

Benefit Category	Description
Paid Time Off	50 days per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement	Traditional Federal Pension (5-year vesting) and a Federal 401K plan with up to a 5% employer contribution match.
Insurance	Comprehensive federal programs including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance. Many federal insurance plans can be continued into retirement.
Student Loan Repayment	Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) Authorized: Eligible participants can receive student loan payments reimbursement of up to $200,000 over one to five years, subject to program approval.
Professional Development	Opportunities for continuing education, training, and career advancement within the VA system.

Application Process: How to Apply

Applying for this exciting opportunity is straightforward. All applicants are encouraged to apply online through the USAJOBS platform. Please follow these steps carefully:

1. Create/Log In to USAJOBS: Ensure you have an active USAJOBS account. If not, create one at www.usajobs.gov.
2. Complete the Questionnaire: Access and complete the full occupational questionnaire associated with this announcement. This is a critical part of your application.
3. Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary supporting documents as outlined in the "Required Documents" section. This includes your resume (see special note below), license, certifications, and any other applicable documentation.
   • Special Resume Note: You must use the provided Clinical Resume Document template (link to download) for your primary resume upload in the designated field. Your complete, unformatted CV or resume can be uploaded into the 'Other' document upload field.
4. Submit Application Package: Upload all documents and submit your completed application package, including your questionnaire responses, no later than September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).
5. Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation upon successful submission of your application.

You can preview the occupational questionnaire before starting your application here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12986101.

Application Tips for Success

To maximize your chances of success in this competitive application process, consider the following tips:

• Read Carefully: Thoroughly read every section of the announcement, paying close attention to the 'Requirements,' 'Qualifications,' and 'Required Documents' sections. Ensure you meet all criteria and submit all specified documents.
• Be Specific: When describing your experience in your resume and questionnaire responses, be as clear, detailed, and specific as possible. Avoid making assumptions; clearly articulate your responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Use the Right Format: Adhere strictly to the resume formatting requirements mentioned in the announcement. Using the provided Clinical Resume Document is mandatory for one of the upload fields.
• Deadline Awareness: Submit your application well before the closing deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
• Track Your Status: Regularly check your USAJOBS account for updates on your application status.
• Contact Information: Keep your contact information updated on your USAJOBS profile.
• EDRP Inquiry: If you are interested in the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), direct specific questions to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is the VA Puget Sound Health Care System? A: The VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) is a comprehensive, multi-site healthcare network serving Veterans in Washington state, known for its advanced medical services and commitment to teaching and research.

• Q: What is the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model? A: PACT is the VA's patient-centered medical home model, utilizing a team approach (including the Nurse Practitioner, primary care provider, nurse care manager, social worker, and administrative clerk) to deliver coordinated, high-quality care focused on the Veteran's individual needs.

• Q: Is this a continuous recruitment announcement? A: Yes, this is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis as vacancies become available. This allows for efficient hiring as needs arise.

• Q: Can I apply if I am still completing my NP education? A: Yes, applicants who are currently pursuing their required education may be referred and tentatively selected, provided they submit documentation confirming their expected completion date. However, they cannot be officially hired until all educational requirements are fully met.

• Q: What documentation is required for Veterans' Preference? A: Eligible Veterans must claim preference in the questionnaire and submit their DD214 (showing service dates and character of discharge). For 10-point preference, an SF-15 form and supporting documentation are also required. Documentation is essential for receiving preference points.

• Q: Are relocation or recruitment incentives offered? A: No, this position does not offer relocation or recruitment incentives.

• Q: What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)? A: EDRP is a VA program that provides student loan repayment assistance to eligible healthcare professionals. Selected Nurse Practitioners may be eligible for loan repayments of up to $200,000 over 1-5 years, depending on program approval and individual eligibility.

This Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care opportunity with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System presents a fulfilling career path for dedicated nursing professionals. By joining the VA, you become part of an organization deeply committed to honoring Veterans through exceptional healthcare. You'll work within a supportive, team-oriented environment, utilize state-of-the-art technology, and contribute to a mission that makes a tangible difference. With competitive compensation, robust benefits, and the chance for professional growth, this is an ideal role for an NP looking to serve and lead. Don't miss this chance to advance your career and make a profound impact. Apply today and take the next step in your professional journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.