Launch Your Nursing Career at the Buffalo VA
Are you looking for a career that offers more than just a paycheck? The Western New York VA Healthcare System in Buffalo is seeking a compassionate, skilled Registered Nurse to join our Acute Care team. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country while advancing your clinical skills in a premier teaching facility.
Job Responsibilities
As an Acute Care RN, you will be on the front lines of patient health. Your duties will include:
- Evidence-Based Care: Delivering holistic nursing services based on current clinical standards.
- Care Coordination: Collaborating with physicians, therapists, and specialists to implement medical regimens.
- Patient Advocacy: Counseling patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported through health transitions.
- Leadership: Mentoring junior staff and acting as a charge nurse when needed.
- Quality Improvement: Participating in unit-level initiatives to enhance safety and customer service.
Comparison of Nursing Roles
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN / Diploma | Fundamental Care |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN / BSN + Exp | Complex Situations |
| Nurse II | BSN + Exp | Leadership & Holistic Care |
| Nurse III | MSN + Exp | Complex Mgmt & Policy |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen (with rare exceptions) and hold an active, unrestricted nursing license. You must also pass a drug screening and physical examination. Applicants will be vetted for their clinical background to determine grade placement, ensuring that your previous hard work and education are properly recognized.
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a robust Total Rewards package. Salaries range from $75,760 to $139,451 annually based on your credentials and experience. Beyond pay, you will enjoy:
- Paid Time Off: 50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
- Retirement: Dual-path security through a federal pension and a 401(k) (TSP) with agency matching.
- Debt Relief: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring relies on detail. Use the clinical resume template recommended by the VA, and clearly articulate how your past experience matches the five core dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research.
Working as a Registered Nurse at the Buffalo VA is a commitment to excellence. If you are ready to bring your clinical expertise to an environment that values professional growth and patriotic service, apply today. Your next professional chapter in Buffalo starts here.
Why This Registered Nurse - Acute Care (9b) Job Matters
Advance your nursing career at the Buffalo VA, where we combine compassionate patient care with a mission to serve those who defended our nation.
Registered Nurse - Acute Care (9b) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for an Acute Care position at the Western New York VA HealthCare System in Buffalo. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, evidence-based nursing care to Veterans within an inpatient setting. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, supervise support staff, and contribute to patient wellness through clinical excellence and advocacy.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Acute Care (9b)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license from a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program
- English language proficiency (written and spoken)
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
- Meet health and immunization requirements, including annual flu vaccinations
- Ability to undergo and maintain background/security investigations
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Acute Care (9b)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Recent clinical experience in Acute Medical/Surgical nursing (within the last 2 years)
- Current BLS or ACLS certification
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days annual, 13 days sick, and 11 holidays)
- ✓Federal 401k (TSP) with agency matching
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
- ✓Federal pension plan
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Acute Care (9b) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Acute Care (9b) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Download and complete the standardized Clinical Resume Document via the provided agency link.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including your full resume, nursing license, and DD-214 if claiming veteran preference.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly addresses the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
- Verify that all supporting documents are clearly labeled and readable before submission.
- Monitor your email for status updates after the application window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific announcement.
Am I eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA policy approval and application submission within four months of appointment.
What is the work schedule for this acute care role?
This is a full-time position involving variable day and night tours, which includes weekends and holidays.
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, the VHA is committed to a mission of excellence, innovation, and compassion. Our Buffalo facility is a Level IC major interdisciplinary teaching hospital that serves as a cornerstone of the Western New York medical community, offering everything from emergency services to home-based primary care.