Embark on a Meaningful Career: Registered Nurse at the Kansas City VA Medical Center
Are you looking to transition into a role where your clinical expertise directly supports the brave men and women who served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Registered Nurse to join the Peri-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. This position offers not just a competitive salary, but a chance to be part of a legacy of care and excellence.
Job Responsibilities
As a Peri-Anesthesia Registered Nurse, you will serve as a critical member of the Surgical Service Line. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Pre-operative Preparation: Guiding patients and their families through the surgical process.
- Phase I and II Recovery: Providing expert care to patients emerging from general or local analgesia.
- Acute Care Management: Supporting patients undergoing general, orthopedic, vascular, plastic, and oral surgeries.
- Critical Thinking: Managing complex clinical situations with a focus on patient safety and comfort.
Requirements
You must meet several key criteria to qualify for this position:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
- Education: Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
- Licensure: A full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State or Territory.
- Health Standards: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and follow the mandatory influenza vaccination program.
- Security: Ability to pass a background check and potential drug screening.
Grade Determination Comparison
| Level | Education Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | Fundamental, knowledge-based care |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/BSN + 1-2 years exp | Proficiency and self-directed planning |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 years exp | Leadership in holistic care delivery |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 years exp | Creative management of complex care |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $75,712 to $136,636 annually. Your final grade and step placement will be determined by your specific educational background, length of nursing practice, and clinical performance dimensions.
Benefits
The VA provides a Total Rewards package that is hard to beat in the private sector:
- Paid Time Off: 50 days annually (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays).
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with 5% matching.
- Insurance: A variety of robust health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
Application Tips
To ensure your application stands out, follow these tips:
- Use the Template: Always use the VA-provided clinical resume format.
- Be Descriptive: Detail your experience within the five VA dimensions of practice: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Include Evidence: Clearly state your years of experience in specialized units like ICU, ER, or PACU.
Serving those who served is a noble calling. If you are a dedicated RN looking for a position that offers job security, excellent benefits, and the chance to perform high-level clinical work, the Kansas City VA Medical Center is the perfect place to grow your career. Apply today and start your journey with the VA.
Why This Registered Nurse Job Matters
Are you a compassionate nurse ready to make a profound difference? Join the Kansas City VA Medical Center and provide critical peri-anesthesia care to those who have served our nation.
Registered Nurse Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join the Peri-Anesthesia Care Unit at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. In this vital role, you will deliver high-quality pre-operative and post-anesthesia care to Veterans, ensuring they receive expert support during their surgical and diagnostic journeys. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to the holistic health and recovery of America's heroes.
Requirements for Registered Nurse
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse licensure in a U.S. State or Territory
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
- Must pass a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse
- More than 2 years of professional experience in ASU, PACU, ICU, ER, or acute care settings
- Strong clinical background in specialized surgical and post-surgical patient management
- Demonstrated commitment to the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% employer matching
- ✓50 days of total paid time off (26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, 11 Federal holidays)
- ✓Regular salary increases and potential for performance-based awards
- ✓Long-term care insurance and term life insurance options
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the standard Clinical Resume Document provided by VA Careers.
- Prepare your full professional CV/Resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, licensure documentation, and any relevant veterans' preference forms (DD-214, SF-15).
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
- Ensure your resume clearly maps to the five VA dimensions of nursing.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid delays.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents (like your license) are legible and uploaded.
- Review your status periodically through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Peri-Anesthesia Nurse at the VA?
You will provide pre-operative and Phase I/II post-anesthesia recovery care, focusing on patient preparation and the specialized acute care needed for post-surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures.
Is a relocation incentive offered for this position?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
What if I don't have all my paperwork yet?
*A: It is critical that your application is complete by the closing date of July 29, 2026, to receive full consideration.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this role requires physical presence at the Kansas City VA Medical Center.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is clear: to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military, as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. Working at the VA means joining a team that prioritizes whole-health care, innovation, and professional development.