A Career in Service: Become a Community Nursing Home Coordinator
Are you a Registered Nurse seeking a role that combines clinical expertise with high-level care coordination? The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is hiring a Community Nursing Home (CNH) Coordinator in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This role offers an opportunity to directly improve the quality of life for our nation's Veterans by managing their transition between hospital care and community health services.
Job Responsibilities
The CNH Coordinator is a vital link in the continuum of care. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Care Management: Guiding Veterans through transitions from inpatient settings to long-term care.
- Facility Oversight: Performing quality assurance reviews and patient assessments at contracted nursing homes.
- Documentation: Managing clinical medical records to ensure compliance with VA standards.
- Education: Providing guidance to Veterans, families, and caregivers regarding their health options.
- Travel: Routinely visiting community providers to monitor care quality.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific professional standards, including:
- Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Grade Level Comparison
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/Diploma or BSN | 1-2 Years |
| Nurse II | BSN or MSN | 1-2 Years |
| Nurse III | MSN or Doctoral | 2 Years |
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a competitive compensation package designed to support both your professional and personal life. The salary range for this position is $67,607 to $133,100 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level.
Beyond salary, you will receive:
- Paid Time Off: 50 days total including vacation, sick time, and federal holidays.
- Retirement: A dual-benefit system featuring a traditional pension and a 401K-style plan.
- Insurance: A variety of comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance plans.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your application includes the specific VA Clinical Resume template found in the job announcement. Clearly articulate your experience using the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
If you are a nurse driven by a desire to serve those who have served, this position offers the perfect blend of clinical autonomy and systemic impact. Submit your application through the official portal to begin your journey with the VA.
Why This Registered Nurse - Community Nursing Home Coordinator Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran care by joining the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center as a Community Nursing Home Coordinator.
Registered Nurse - Community Nursing Home Coordinator Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to serve as a Community Nursing Home (CNH) Coordinator in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In this pivotal role, you will bridge the gap between acute hospital settings and community-based care, ensuring our Veterans receive the high-quality, holistic support they deserve. You will manage complex care transitions, conduct quality assurance reviews at nursing facilities, and act as a primary advocate for Veterans and their families during the recovery process.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Community Nursing Home Coordinator
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be hired if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state, territory, or district
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Background and security investigation clearance
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Community Nursing Home Coordinator
- Experience in utilization management and clinical documentation
- Strong proficiency in discharge planning and patient transitions
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate care across multiple health sites
- Expertise in patient advocacy and family education
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401K with up to 5% matching contributions
- ✓50 days of combined paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Regular salary increases and performance awards
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Community Nursing Home Coordinator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Community Nursing Home Coordinator Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement and required documents checklist.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career portal link.
- Prepare your full resume/CV and any supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, transcripts, license).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application link.
- Submit your full application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on July 26, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your nursing experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your background.
- Ensure your resume highlights your work across the five core dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the specific VA-required Clinical Resume template as requested.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure you attach your DD-214 or other relevant documentation to support your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the CNH Coordinator?
The coordinator manages the transition of care for Veterans moving from VA or hospital settings to community nursing facilities, ensuring continuity, safety, and quality of care.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, routine travel is required to visit contracted nursing facilities, conduct patient assessments, perform quality assurance, and attend meetings.
Can foreign nursing education be accepted?
Yes, provided you have a full, active, and unrestricted license in the U.S. and provide a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization.
Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen?
*A: U.S. Citizenship is required, though exceptions exist if no qualified citizens are available.*
Is this a virtual position?
*A: No, this role requires physical presence and routine travel within the service area.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of President 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 joining a mission-driven organization that values compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence.