Advance Your Nursing Career: Primary Care NP Opportunities at the VA

Are you a dedicated Nurse Practitioner looking to combine your clinical expertise with a meaningful mission? The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Sumter, South Carolina, is seeking a committed professional to join our Primary Care team. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing exceptional, whole-person care to the Veterans who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP), you will operate as a key healthcare provider. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Patient Panel Management: Independently overseeing the health needs of a specific panel of Veterans.
Evidence-Based Care: Using current research to guide treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions.
Diagnostic Leadership: Ordering and interpreting lab tests, diagnostics, and specialty referrals.
Patient Advocacy: Providing clear education to patients and families regarding care plans and disease prevention.
Team Collaboration: Working alongside interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, to improve outcomes.

Comparison of Qualifications

Feature	Grade II (Entry/Mid)	Grade III (Advanced)
Experience Requirement	No specific experience required	1 year of specialized NP experience
Leadership Scope	Team-based clinical practice	Lead interdisciplinary teams
Complexity	Standard clinical management	Management of complex/high-risk cases

Requirements

To qualify, applicants must hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited program. You must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license as an APN. Board certification in Primary Care is a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, all applicants must pass a pre-employment physical and adhere to the VA's health personnel vaccination requirements.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial security.

Salary Range: $114,850 - $166,491 annually.
Leave: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays.
Retirement: Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
Insurance: Extensive options for health, vision, dental, and life insurance, with plans that can extend into retirement.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Visit the official VA Careers site to download the standard clinical resume document.
Highlight Your Experience: Be thorough in describing your clinical competencies and leadership roles.
Include Documentation: Have your license, transcript, and any veteran preference paperwork (like a DD-214) ready to upload.

If you are ready to use your skills to support those who have served, we encourage you to apply to the VA in Sumter today. We look forward to your contribution to our team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply? A: Yes, U.S. citizenship is required, though exceptions exist if no qualified citizens can be recruited. Q: Is there a probation period? A: Yes, new employees may be required to complete a probationary period. Q: Can I apply if I have student loans? A: The VA offers the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP); please contact the facility coordinator to see if you qualify.

Why This Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) Oca Job Matters

Advance your nursing career while honoring those who served—deliver life-changing, whole-person care as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with the VA in Sumter, South Carolina.

Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) Oca Job Overview

The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center is seeking a compassionate and skilled Nurse Practitioner to join our Primary Care team in Sumter, South Carolina. In this role, you will independently manage a panel of Veterans, focusing on preventative medicine, chronic disease management, and evidence-based clinical practice. You will be a vital member of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to delivering high-quality, efficient healthcare to our nation's heroes. This position offers a competitive federal salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of Veterans in the Sumter community.

Requirements for Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) Oca

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for recruitment needs).
Master’s or Doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited nursing program.
Current, full, and unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Current board certification in Primary Care (or Psychiatric-Mental Health if applicable).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam and drug screening.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Background and security investigation clearance.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) Oca

At least one year of specialized clinical experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse (for Grade III placement).
Proven track record in managing complex patient panels or populations.
Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary clinical teams.
Strong proficiency in evidence-based research application and quality improvement initiatives.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Federal retirement pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with matching agency contributions up to 5%.
✓Comprehensive insurance options: health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (inquire for details).

💡 How to Apply Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) Oca Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) Oca Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume template provided by VA Careers.
Prepare all supporting documentation, including your license, transcripts, and any applicable DD-214 or veteran preference documents.
Access the official application link and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resumes and supporting documents before the closing date.
Click 'Submit My Answers' to finalize your submission.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website; failing to use this specific format may hinder your application.
Be specific in your resume—detail your experience with patient panels and your leadership in clinical settings to ensure you are accurately graded.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Ensure your license and board certifications are current and clearly documented.
Proofread your questionnaire answers, as these directly influence your referral status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the VA Health Care System in Sumter?

The mission is to provide compassionate, whole-person care to Veterans and their families, honoring the promise made to those who have served our nation.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is an on-site clinical position. You are expected to report to the medical facility in Sumter, South Carolina.

What is the difference between Grade II and Grade III for this role?

Grade II is generally an entry-level grade for new practitioners, while Grade III requires at least one year of specialized experience and demonstrated leadership in managing complex patient care.

Are there opportunities for student loan assistance?

This role features the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may assist with student loans. Contact the facility EDRP coordinator for eligibility specifics.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the nation's largest healthcare system, committed to providing world-class care to millions of Veterans. The Columbia VA Health Care System, which serves the Sumter region, operates as a level 1b teaching hospital. We are at the forefront of medical research and technology, offering services ranging from primary care to specialized surgical and long-term care. Joining our team means becoming part of an institution that values integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence (ICARE).