Healing Those Who Served: Registered Nurse - PACT Primary Care Clinic Careers at the Richmond VAMC

Healthcare is more than a profession; it is a calling. For nursing professionals seeking a career that aligns deep clinical skill with a profound sense of mission, few environments compare to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As the nation's largest integrated healthcare system, the VA is uniquely positioned to deliver holistic, cutting-edge care to those who have served in the United States military.

Currently, the Central Virginia VA Health Care System has an opening for a Registered Nurse - PACT Primary Care Clinic in Richmond, Virginia. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to practice evidence-based nursing within the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model, which emphasizes comprehensive wellness, preventive health, and direct care coordination. If you are ready to transition your career to a place where patient outcomes take precedence over administrative red tape, read on to learn how you can become a vital part of this elite team.

The Central Virginia VA Health Care System

Located in Richmond, Virginia, the Richmond VAMC is a state-of-the-art facility serving Veterans across Central Virginia. It is recognized for its clinical research, education, and patient-centered primary care clinics. By joining the Richmond team, you will collaborate with some of the most dedicated, passionate medical professionals in the country, all while enjoying a stable, supportive environment designed to promote professional growth and balance.

Job Responsibilities

As a Registered Nurse within the PACT Primary Care Clinic, your primary focus will be coordinating and executing holistic, gender-specific outpatient clinical care. You will serve as the cornerstone of communication between patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary medical team.

Key responsibilities include:

Comprehensive Care Coordination: Direct patient care and management of assigned Veteran panels utilizing healthcare registries, scheduling protocols, and telehealth tools.
Health Promotion and Education: Providing guidance and coaching on lifestyle modification, disease prevention, and chronic illness management.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Contributing professional nursing insights during interdisciplinary panel discussions and partnering with specialists to craft individualized treatment plans.
Clinical Leadership: Providing clinical oversight, education, and competency reviews for licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) and nursing assistants.
Evidence-Based Practice: Actively evaluating nursing methodologies against modern, evidence-based practices to support a culture of continuous quality improvement.
Supportive Environment: Offering constructive peer feedback and sharing educational findings to foster a safe, progressive learning environment.

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following basic and federal requirements to be considered for employment:

Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens will only be reviewed if no qualified citizens apply.
Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a registered professional nurse from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Education: Graduation from an approved professional nursing school accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Language Proficiency: Written and spoken English language proficiency is mandatory.
Pre-Employment Screenings: Successful completion of a physical evaluation, background security investigation, and pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
Vaccination: Annual participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all healthcare personnel.
Identification: Must provide valid identification documents compliant with the federal REAL ID Act (effective May 7, 2025).

Salary Overview & Grade Determinations

The salary range for this position is competitive, spanning $82,228 to $163,760 per year. Final salary rates and grade assignments are determined by an established Board of Peers who evaluate each candidate's professional nursing experience, educational credentials, and mastery across key clinical dimensions (Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice).

Below is a comparison table outlining the educational and experience pathways for each Nurse Grade:

Grade and Level	Educational Requirements	Required Specialized Nursing Experience
Nurse I, Level I	Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing	None
Nurse I, Level II	Associate Degree (ADN) OR Bachelor of Science (BSN)	1 Year of experience (for ADN) OR None (for BSN)
Nurse I, Level III	ADN, BSN, OR Master's Degree (MSN or related field)	2 Years (for ADN) OR 1 Year (for BSN) OR None (for MSN)
Nurse II	BSN, MSN, OR Doctoral Degree in Nursing	2 Years (for BSN) OR 1 Year (for MSN) OR None (for Doctorate)
Nurse III	MSN, Related Master's with BSN, OR Doctoral Degree	2 Years (for MSN/Master's) OR 1 Year (for Doctorate) with leadership

Note: Experience equivalents must align with the immediately preceding grade level.

Benefits

VA employment provides an unparalleled total rewards package that far exceeds standard private-sector offerings. Key benefits include:

Unmatched Paid Time Off: Receive up to 50 days of paid time off annually, consisting of 26 days of scheduled annual leave, 13 days of accrued sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement Security: A multi-tiered retirement program comprising the traditional Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension (vested after just 5 years) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401K-style account with up to a 5% agency matching contribution.
Comprehensive Insurance: Access to robust Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), including premier medical, dental, vision, long-term care, and group term life insurance options.
Unrestricted Licensure Mobility: Practice in any VA clinic or hospital nationwide with a single, active license from any U.S. state or territory, making relocation seamless.

Application Tips

To ensure your application transitions from the initial screening to the referral list, keep these expert tips in mind:

Use the Standard Clinical Resume: Download the designated VHA Clinical Resume template. You must upload this exact one-page document into the restricted 'Resume' slot on USAJobs. Your comprehensive, multi-page CV/Resume with full professional details should be uploaded to the 'Other' documents section.
Address the Five Dimensions: When writing your CV, explicitly demonstrate how your clinical career relates to the five vital dimensions of VA nursing practice: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research.
Submit Complete Documentation: Ensure all required forms—including transcripts, active nursing licenses, DD-214 (if claiming Veterans' Preference), and SF-50 (for current/former federal employees)—are successfully attached before the closing deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is a Virginia-specific nursing license required for this role?

No. The VA allows you to practice at any of its nationwide facilities as long as you hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted license from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.

Q2: What are the primary hours of operation for this clinic?

The PACT Primary Care Clinic operates on a stable, family-friendly schedule from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. There are no mandatory weekend or overnight shifts required.

Q3: Are relocation expenses or recruitment incentives authorized?

No. Relocation incentives, recruitment signing bonuses, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are not authorized for this recruitment effort.

Q4: Does volunteer work count toward my specialized experience requirements?

Yes. The VA highly values community service. All documented clinical volunteer work (e.g., through national service, philanthropic, or community organizations) is reviewed and credited toward qualifying experience.

Q5: How is my starting salary determined?

An onboarding nurse board reviews your academic records, continuous certifications, and professional nursing history. The board then places you at the appropriate grade and step within the posted salary range of $82,228 to $163,760.

A nursing career with the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond is more than a clinical job; it is a life-changing opportunity to serve the men and women who stood on the front lines for our country. By combining a predictable Monday-through-Friday schedule with outstanding compensation, unrivaled vacation allowances, and a pension, the VA allows you to focus on what truly matters: providing compassionate, world-class patient care. Take the next step in your professional journey and apply today to join the Richmond PACT team.

Why This Registered Nurse - Pact Primary Care Clinic Job Matters

Deliver life-changing primary care to America's heroes. Join the Central Virginia VA Health Care System as a PACT Registered Nurse in Richmond and enjoy a practice focused on comprehensive patient wellness, competitive compensation, and unmatched federal benefits.

Registered Nurse - Pact Primary Care Clinic Job Overview

The Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse for its Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Primary Care Clinic. In this pivotal role, you will coordinate holistic, gender-specific clinical care for Veterans, manage patient panels, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and collaborate within an elite interdisciplinary team. If you are passionate about serving those who served, this position offers the ideal environment to practice evidence-based nursing while enjoying outstanding work-life balance.

Requirements for Registered Nurse - Pact Primary Care Clinic

United States Citizenship (non-citizens considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination and a drug screening (urinalysis).
Subject to a comprehensive background and security investigation.
Must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a graduate professional nurse in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Graduation from an accredited professional nursing school (ACEN or CCNE approved).
Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Must possess a valid, REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or state-issued ID card by May 7, 2025.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Pact Primary Care Clinic

Two to five years of experience working with Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT).
Demonstrated professional experience in a Primary Care clinical setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary ranging from $82,228 to $163,760 per year with regular increases.
✓Up to 50 days of paid time off annually (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays).
✓Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years of service).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401K retirement savings program with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Access to premier Federal Health, Dental, Vision, Term Life, and Long-Term Care insurance programs.
✓Mobility to practice with a single unrestricted state nursing license in any VA facility nationwide.

💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Pact Primary Care Clinic Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Pact Primary Care Clinic Job

Create a USAJOBS account or log into your existing account.
Download the mandatory VA Clinical Resume Document template.
Upload the completed one-page standard Clinical Resume Document into the restricted 'Resume' slot.
Upload your complete CV/detailed resume to the 'Other' document upload field to show your full experience.
Submit all supporting documentation, such as transcripts, active licenses, DD-214 (if claiming Veterans' Preference), and SF-50 (if applicable).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire by clicking 'Apply Online'.
Review and submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM ET on July 27, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your CV/Resume explicitly highlights your experience across the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Double-check that you have downloaded and uploaded the required standard Clinical Resume Document into the designated slot to avoid application rejection.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure you attach a clear, legible copy of your DD-214 showing your character of service, or an SF-15 if claiming 10-point preference.
Answer the occupational assessment questions honestly and ensure your resume contains concrete evidence to support your answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this Registered Nurse position?

The salary ranges from $82,228 to $163,760 per year. Your exact grade and starting salary will be determined based on your qualifications, nursing education, scope, and professional experience.

Is telework or remote work available for this role?

No, this is a fully onsite position at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, Virginia. Telework is not authorized.

What license is required to practice at the Richmond VAMC?

You need a current, full, active, and unrestricted license from any US State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. You do not specifically need a Virginia nursing license.

Is there a vaccination requirement for this position?

Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VHA health care personnel, unless a formal medical or religious exemption is granted.

Are relocation or recruitment incentives authorized for this job?

No, relocation/recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are not authorized for this recruitment.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Mission of the Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates under a sacred trust, immortalized by President Abraham Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) means contributing to a whole-health clinical model. Unlike traditional fee-for-service hospital systems, the VHA is focused entirely on the long-term, preventative wellness of its patients.