Advancing Cardiovascular Care for Veterans: A Career as an APN in Nashville
Are you a dedicated Nurse Practitioner passionate about heart health and service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an exceptional opportunity to join the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) in Nashville, TN, as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in Cardiology. This role is perfect for clinicians who excel in evidence-based medicine and want to lead in a high-impact, mission-focused environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an APN in Cardiology, you are not just a staff member; you are an essential leader in the patient care delivery system. Your core duties include:
- Clinical Management: Independently managing a patient panel with complex cardiac conditions, including heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Diagnostic Leadership: Ordering and interpreting labs, diagnostic tests, and imaging like EKG and echocardiography.
- Collaborative Care: Leading interdisciplinary teams to optimize treatment plans and escalate care when necessary.
- Patient Advocacy: Educating Veterans and their families on disease management and lifestyle adjustments.
Comparison: Nurse II vs. Nurse III
| Feature | Nurse II (Entry) | Nurse III (Senior) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | None required | 1+ year specialized APN experience |
| Leadership Scope | Unit/Team level | Complex client care management |
| Impact | Contributes to practice changes | Leads/Implements system-level changes |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline federal standards:
- Education: A Master's or Doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner.
- Certification: Current certification from a recognized body (e.g., ANCC or AANPCB) as an FNP, ANP, AGPCNP, or GNP.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted APN license from any U.S. state or territory.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial health.
- Salary Range: $133,369 – $193,725 annually.
- Paid Time Off: 50 days of total leave, including 26 days of annual leave and 13 sick days.
- Retirement: A traditional federal pension plus a 401(k) savings plan with 5% employer matching.
- Insurance: A robust suite of federal health, dental, and life insurance programs.
Application Tips
Navigating the federal hiring process requires precision. To stand out:
- Use the Template: Ensure you use the specialized clinical resume document provided on the VA careers website.
- Highlight Experience: Be specific with dates (Month/Year) and employer details. Even volunteer clinical experience counts.
- Check Documentation: Verify your license and certification information is clearly stated.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the closing date of July 23, 2026.
This position is more than a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our country. If you are ready to combine your passion for cardiology with a career that offers stability and professional prestige, we encourage you to apply to the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System today.
Why This Advance Practice Nurse (Cardiology) Job Matters
Advance the cardiac care of those who served. Join the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System as an Advanced Practice Nurse (Cardiology) and lead a vital clinical team in Nashville.
Advance Practice Nurse (Cardiology) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) to join the Cardiology Section of the Specialty Care Service at the Nashville VA. In this role, you will act as a licensed independent practitioner, providing comprehensive evidence-based clinical management for Veterans with complex cardiovascular conditions. This position offers the opportunity to practice to the full extent of your licensure in a supportive, mission-driven environment dedicated to honoring our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Advance Practice Nurse (Cardiology)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Active, current, full, and unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited institution.
- Current board certification in FNP, ANP, AGPCNP, or GNP.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
- Must undergo a security and background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Advance Practice Nurse (Cardiology)
- Previous professional experience managing complex cardiac clinical issues, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.
- Background in outpatient cardiology clinics or high-acuity specialty care settings.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret cardiovascular diagnostics, including EKG, echocardiography, and stress testing.
- Proven experience leading interdisciplinary teams and implementing evidence-based care improvements.
- Strong clinical decision-making and autonomous time-management skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases and performance awards.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including a traditional pension and 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
💡 How to Apply Advance Practice Nurse (Cardiology) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advance Practice Nurse (Cardiology) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal employment portal.
- Download and complete the required clinical resume document template.
- Compile your full CV, copies of professional licenses, and relevant certifications.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire through the online application link.
- Submit your complete application package, including all required documents, by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific regarding your clinical hours and dates of employment for every role listed on your resume.
- Ensure your resume includes your contact information, license number, and certification expiration dates.
- Use the provided clinical resume template to ensure your application passes the initial screening.
- Double-check your eligibility documents, such as DD-214 or SF-50 forms, if applicable.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the APN in the Cardiology Section?
You will serve as an independent practitioner providing evidence-based treatment for Veterans with cardiovascular conditions, managing patient panels, interpreting diagnostic tests, and leading interdisciplinary care teams.
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Nashville VA facility. It is not a virtual or remote role.
What level of experience is required for this grade?
The Nurse II level is considered the entry grade for this position, requiring no prior APN experience. The Nurse III grade requires one year of specialized APN experience.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, committed to President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System serves as a pillar of this mission, operating two major medical centers in Nashville and Murfreesboro, along with numerous clinics across Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. Joining the TVHS means becoming part of a community that values clinical excellence, integrity, and advocacy.