Advance Your Nursing Career: Clinical Nurse Leader at VA North Texas

Are you a dedicated nurse leader looking for a role that combines clinical expertise with strategic impact? The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is currently accepting applications for a Registered Nurse in a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) capacity. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who have served our country in one of the nation's busiest and most advanced VA systems.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Nurse Leader, you will not just provide patient care; you will shape the standards of that care. Key responsibilities include:

Leadership and Mentorship: Providing constructive feedback to peers and fostering a supportive, high-performance work environment.
Outcome Management: Overseeing program or service-level outcomes and driving quality improvement initiatives.
Evidence-Based Practice: Utilizing the latest clinical innovations to ensure patients receive the safest, most effective care possible.
Collaboration: Working directly with nurse managers and multidisciplinary teams to address care disparities and implement structural changes.
Clinical Care: Actively engaging in direct patient care within complex clinical situations to serve as a role model and expert resource.

Comparison: Nurse Roles at the VA

Grade/Level	Educational Focus	Primary Objective
Nurse I, Level I	ADN/Diploma	Fundamental knowledge-based care
Nurse I, Level III	ADN/BSN/MSN	Conscious, deliberate planning
Nurse II	BSN/MSN/PhD	Leadership and holistic care strategies
Nurse III	MSN/PhD	Creative management of complex care

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet stringent federal criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Licensure: You must possess a full, active, and unrestricted RN license.
Education: A Bachelor's degree in nursing and a Master’s degree from an accredited CNL program are mandatory.
Certification: Current certification from the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC) is required.
Professional Conduct: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $78,714 to $181,738, determined by your specific experience and education level. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides one of the best benefits packages in the country:

Debt Relief: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment via the EDRP.
Work-Life Balance: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Access to a federal pension and a 401(k)-style plan with agency matching.
Security: Federal health, dental, and vision insurance that often continues into retirement.

The VA North Texas Health Care System is looking for clinical leaders who are ready to drive improvement. If you have the drive to improve patient outcomes and the desire to serve our veteran population, we encourage you to apply. Please ensure your application is submitted before the closing date to be considered for this vital role.

Why This Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - Edrp Authorized Job Matters

Elevate your nursing career as a Clinical Nurse Leader at the VA North Texas Health Care System and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who served our nation.

Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - Edrp Authorized Job Overview

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join our team in the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role. Based in Dallas, this position focuses on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, care coordination, and leadership in complex clinical environments. This role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for qualified candidates.

Requirements for Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - Edrp Authorized

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Graduate of a nursing program accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. state, territory, or district.
Bachelor’s degree in nursing and a Master’s degree from an accredited CNL program.
CNL certification from the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC).
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - Edrp Authorized

At least three years of acute or critical care nursing experience.
Two or more years of professional leadership experience.
Active nursing certifications beyond the CNL.
Proven proficiency in completing PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) and Evidence-Based Practice projects.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Competitive salary with regular increases.
✓26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
✓11 paid Federal holidays.
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - Edrp Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Clinical Nurse Leader) - Edrp Authorized Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the standard Clinical Resume template.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Upload your resume, transcripts, license, and any required eligibility documents (e.g., DD-214).
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume about how your experience aligns with the five dimensions of nursing (Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice).
Do not assume the hiring team knows your duties; explicitly state your responsibilities in previous roles.
Ensure your resume reflects the required CNL educational and certification credentials.
Check your application status regularly through the USAJOBS portal.
If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 to ensure you receive proper preference consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program for specific health care positions at the VA. It can provide up to $200,000 toward qualified student loans over a period of one to five years.

Is relocation assistance provided for this role?

No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Can I apply if I have a foreign nursing degree?

Yes, provided you submit a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA North Texas Health Care System is a premier integrated health care network, serving as a pillar of support for nearly 500,000 veterans across 40 counties. With its corporate headquarters at the Dallas VA Medical Center—a massive 84-acre campus—the system is a hub for medical research and clinical education, largely due to its close partnership with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Working here means joining a mission-driven team of 4,000 employees committed to providing compassionate, world-class whole health care.