Providing Compassionate Care: Registered Nurse (Hospice and Palliative Care) in Richmond, VA
Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with profound human connection? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to join the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, Virginia. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide end-of-life care to those who have served our nation, ensuring they remain comfortable, respected, and supported.
Job Responsibilities
The selected Registered Nurse will act as a clinical leader and direct caregiver. Core responsibilities include:
- Clinical Care: Delivering evidence-based care to residents within the hospice setting.
- Leadership: Mentoring licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants.
- Team Collaboration: Working with an interdisciplinary team to create care plans that reflect the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
- Quality Improvement: Collaborating with the MDS coordinator to ensure accurate documentation and resource utilization.
- Professional Development: Contributing to a culture of evidence-based practice through knowledge sharing and constructive peer feedback.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $82,228 - $163,760 |
| Work Location | Richmond, VA |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Security Clearance | Not Required |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific professional criteria set by the VA:
- Active, full, and unrestricted nursing license.
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
- Ability to pass a background investigation and drug screening.
- Commitment to the annual influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
The VA offers a highly competitive salary structure ranging from $82,228 to $163,760. Grade determinations are based on your education, years of experience, and performance across five core nursing dimensions: Practice, Veteran-driven care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-based practice.
Benefits
The VA's total rewards package is designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial security:
- Generous Leave: 50 days of paid time off per year.
- Retirement: Federal pension plus a 401K-style savings plan with matching contributions.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Application Tips
Start by ensuring your resume is detailed. Use the provided clinical resume template on the VA Careers website to ensure your application is processed efficiently. Highlight any experience you have in palliative, hospice, or long-term care, as this is highly preferred.
Serving as a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse at the Richmond VA is a noble career choice that allows you to provide comfort to our Veterans during their most vulnerable times. If you are ready to bring your clinical skills and empathy to a team that truly cares, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Registered Nurse (Hospice And Palliative Care Unit) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by providing compassionate end-of-life care in the Richmond VA Hospice and Palliative Care Unit.
Registered Nurse (Hospice And Palliative Care Unit) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join our team at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, Virginia. This position focuses on providing evidence-based, holistic care for Veterans facing life-limiting illnesses. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will serve as a clinical leader, ensuring our patients receive the highest quality of comfort and dignity.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (Hospice And Palliative Care Unit)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment exceptions apply).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license from a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Hospice And Palliative Care Unit)
- 2-5 years of specialized experience in Hospice or Long-Term Care settings.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases and performance-based awards.
- ✓50 days of annual paid time off (26 days leave, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Traditional Federal Pension (vested after 5 years).
- ✓Federal 401K plan with up to 5% employer contribution match.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Programs that allow insurance coverage to continue into retirement.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (Hospice And Palliative Care Unit) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Hospice And Palliative Care Unit) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it highlights nursing dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Download and complete the required clinical resume document from the VA Careers website.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all required documentation, including license, transcripts, and any applicable DD-214 or veteran preference forms.
- Submit your application package prior to the July 24, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your descriptions; do not assume the hiring panel knows your previous clinical duties.
- Review your resume against the five core VHA nursing dimensions to ensure your experience is clearly mapped.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.
- If you are a veteran, ensure you claim your preference and attach your DD-214.
- Monitor your email for status updates, as this is the primary method of communication for the VHA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary for this Registered Nurse position ranges from $82,228 to $163,760 per year, depending on the applicant's experience, education, and dimension assessment.
Are there telework opportunities for this nurse?
No, this is a patient-facing role within the facility, so it is not eligible for telework or remote status.
Do I need a BSN to apply?
The basic requirement is an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing from an accredited program. However, a BSN is preferred and may qualify you for higher grade levels.
Can I apply if I don't have a BSN?
Yes, candidates with an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing are eligible to apply, though a BSN may influence your starting grade level.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position requires in-person patient interaction at the Richmond VAMC.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served and their families. Joining our team means more than just a job; it means joining a community dedicated to clinical excellence and holistic care.