Advance Your Nursing Career: Float Pool RN at VA Puget Sound
Are you looking for a nursing career that combines clinical complexity with a mission-driven purpose? The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a dynamic Registered Nurse (RN) within our Float Pool. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who have served our country while gaining experience in one of the most sophisticated healthcare networks in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As a Float Pool RN, you will be a vital resource for our acute care teams. Your core duties will include:
- Patient Advocacy: Developing and updating individualized care plans using the nursing process.
- Clinical Proficiency: Administering medications, managing complex IV therapies, and providing advanced wound care.
- Monitoring: Conducting cardiac telemetry monitoring and responding to rhythm changes.
- Team Leadership: Collaborating with LPNs and Nursing Assistants and potentially covering charge nurse duties.
- Training: Participating in mandatory in-services and maintaining certifications.
Comparison of Nursing Grade Requirements
| Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, L1 | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, L2 | ADN/Diploma or BSN | 1 year (for ADN) or 0 (for BSN) |
| Nurse I, L3 | ADN/Diploma, BSN, or MSN | 2 years (for ADN/BSN) or 0 (for MSN) |
| Nurse II | BSN, MSN, or Doctorate | Varies by education level |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and graduates of an accredited nursing program. You must hold a full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state. All selected applicants will undergo a physical, drug screen, and background check.
Salary and Benefits
The VA offers a market-competitive salary range of $87,285 to $161,201 per year. Beyond the paycheck, you will enjoy:
- Generous Leave: 50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- Retirement: A robust federal pension plan and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Insurance: A wide selection of health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends on detail. Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website. Ensure every document requested—such as proof of licensure and academic transcripts—is uploaded before the closing date.
Working at the VA Puget Sound is more than a job; it is a commitment to excellence in veteran care. If you are an adaptable nurse ready to handle high-acuity situations and grow your skillset in a supportive environment, apply today.
Why This Registered Nurse - Float Pool Job Matters
Join the VA Puget Sound team as a Float Pool Registered Nurse and provide vital care to those who have served our nation while advancing your clinical career in a Level 1a complex healthcare environment.
Registered Nurse - Float Pool Job Overview
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking highly skilled and adaptable Registered Nurses for our Float Pool. This role is essential for maintaining high-quality, patient-centered care during fluctuations in staffing. You will operate within one of the nation's most complex VA healthcare systems, gaining diverse experience across specialty units including critical care, medical-surgical, and psychiatric care. This is a continuous recruitment opportunity, allowing us to review applications on a rolling basis.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Float Pool
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing school
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State or Territory
- Pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
- Background and security investigation
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Completion of mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Float Pool
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- 5+ years of acute care medical/surgical nursing experience
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive salary with regular increases and performance awards
- âś“50 days of combined paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 Federal holidays)
- âś“Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- âś“Federal pension and 401k-style savings plan with up to 5% agency matching
- âś“Flexible professional development opportunities within a major teaching hospital
đź’ˇ How to Apply Registered Nurse - Float Pool Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Float Pool Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
- Download and complete the required Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers portal
- Upload the Clinical Resume to the two-page restricted document field
- Upload your full CV/Resume to the 'Other' field
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Submit your application package before the deadline
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience
- Ensure your nursing license details are clearly documented
- Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard
- Attach all relevant documentation, such as DD-214s or transcripts, upfront to avoid delays
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 'Float Pool' RN do at the VA?
A Float Pool RN provides nursing care across various units within the health care system to address staffing shortages, ensuring consistent patient coverage and support.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I apply if my nursing degree is from a foreign country?
Yes, provided you submit formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted agency like the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) is a Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching facility. With two divisions and multiple outpatient clinics, VAPSHCS is a hub for specialized care, including emergency services, spinal cord injury units, and bone marrow transplants.