Advance Your Nursing Career with the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System

Are you a compassionate healthcare provider looking for a career that honors your commitment to excellence? The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is seeking highly qualified Advanced Practice Nurses (Nurse Practitioners) to join our primary care team. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve those who have served our nation while advancing your own professional expertise in a supportive, teaching-hospital environment.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Practice Nurse, you will be on the front lines of Veteran care. Your core duties include:

Conducting comprehensive patient examinations and histories.
Diagnosing and treating patients in both new and follow-up clinical visits.
Developing evidence-based care plans and managing patient panels.
Ordering laboratory tests, interpreting diagnostic data, and adjusting medications.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including MDs, nursing staff, pharmacists, and social workers.
Participating in quality management, performance measure reviews, and administrative committee work.

Requirements

To qualify for this role, you must meet stringent clinical and professional standards:

Education: A Master's or Doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited nursing program.
Licensing: A current, full, and unrestricted APN license in any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Certification: Active board certification as an FNP, ANP, AGPCNP, or GNP.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required for most applicants.
Health: Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and adherence to the influenza vaccination policy.

Salary and Grade Comparison

Your specific grade and starting salary are determined by an assessment of your education, professional scope, and years of relevant nursing experience.

Grade Level	Scope of Responsibility	Typical Experience Requirement
Nurse II	Entry level for APNs; focus on clinical proficiency and teamwork.	No experience required.
Nurse III	Advanced leadership; management of complex clinical panels.	1+ year of specialized APN experience.

Benefits of a VA Career

The VA provides a "Total Rewards" package designed to support your long-term success and well-being:

Financial Security: Competitive salaries with yearly performance reviews and potential for salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 50 total days of leave annually, including 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
Retirement: Dual-pathway retirement options through a federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
Student Loan Relief: Eligible candidates may apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in loan reimbursement.
Insurance: A robust suite of federal health, dental, and life insurance programs.

How to Apply

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application is considered:

Download the Template: Always use the official VA clinical resume document available on the VA Careers website.
Complete the Questionnaire: The USAJobs portal will prompt you to answer detailed occupational questions. Be honest and thorough.
Gather Documents: Prepare your transcripts, license, and any veteran preference documents (like your DD-214) ahead of time.
Submit Early: Do not wait until the final hours on the closing date to submit your package. Ensure you receive the automated confirmation email.

Joining the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System offers a unique blend of professional challenge and deep personal fulfillment. If you are a Nurse Practitioner driven by the desire to deliver excellent care to Veterans, we encourage you to review the official job announcement and submit your application today.

Why This Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job Matters

Transform your nursing career by providing world-class, holistic care to those who served our nation at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.

Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job Overview

The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) to join our Primary Care team. This role is pivotal in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare to our Veterans. As part of the VA Midwest Healthcare System, you will operate within a multidisciplinary environment that values clinical excellence, leadership, and patient-centered outcomes. This position offers a competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and the prestige of working in a teaching hospital setting.

Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply based on VA policy).
Valid, full, and unrestricted Advanced Practice Nurse license from a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Master’s or Doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited nursing program.
Current board certification (FNP, ANP, AGPCNP, or GNP) from a nationally recognized body.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after 12/31/1959.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates.

Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care

One year of specialized APN experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level for Nurse III consideration.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex patient panels using evidence-based practice.
Proven leadership in interdisciplinary team environments.
Commitment to continuous professional development and research-based clinical improvement.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular increases and performance bonuses.
✓50 days of total paid time off (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays).
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
✓Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
✓No state income tax in South Dakota.

💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job

Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal.
Download and prepare the required standard Clinical Resume template.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, professional certifications, and any applicable eligibility documents (e.g., DD-214, transcripts, SF-50).
Review your application package for accuracy before the submission deadline.
Submit your application and monitor your email for status notifications.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough when describing your nursing experience; do not assume reviewers know your background.
Use the provided standard resume template for the primary 'Resume' field to ensure compliance.
Highlight your volunteer or community service experience, as it counts toward professional competency.
Check your USAJobs dashboard periodically to track the status of your referral.
If you are claiming Veterans' preference, ensure all relevant documentation is attached during the initial application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 for qualified applicants. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services after your appointment.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an on-site clinical position at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System and requires regular, in-person patient interaction.

What if I do not have my state license yet?

Candidates who meet educational requirements but lack current licensure may potentially be appointed as a Graduate Nurse Technician for a limited term, provided they meet specific criteria.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

*A: No, the position is open to the public. However, preference is given to qualified veterans.*

What is the EDRP?

*A: The Education Debt Reduction Program is an incentive for health professionals to help manage student loan burdens. It is not guaranteed for every applicant and depends on your specific application and VHA policy.*

Is there state income tax in Sioux Falls?

*A: One of the many benefits of living and working in South Dakota is the absence of state income tax.*

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 Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, a proud member of the VA Midwest Healthcare System (VISN 23), provides high-quality, whole-health care. Our facility leverages state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive services ranging from primary and tertiary care to surgery and mental health support.