Become a Registered Nurse at the Alexandria VA Community Living Center

If you are a Registered Nurse seeking a career that blends high-level clinical practice with a deeply meaningful mission, the Alexandria VA Healthcare System in Alexandria, Louisiana, has an exceptional opportunity for you. Our Community Living Center (CLC) is actively recruiting dedicated Registered Nurses to join our clinical family. Working for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is more than just a job; it is a profound commitment to serving the brave men and women who have defended our country's freedom.

In this role, you will work alongside a collaborative group of medical professionals, delivering premium, evidence-based care in an environment that values professional development, clinical autonomy, and patient-centered care. Beyond the emotional reward of caring for Veterans, this position offers an unmatched federal benefits package, competitive compensation, and robust student loan repayment options designed to support your personal and professional well-being.

About the Agency: Alexandria VA Healthcare System

The Alexandria VA Healthcare System is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's enduring promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Headquartered in the Pineville/Alexandria area—affectionately known as the "Heart of Louisiana"—the health system provides comprehensive primary, specialty, and long-term care to Veterans throughout the region.

Alexandria is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the best locations in the country to raise a family, explore the outdoors, and grow a career. Surrounded by the majestic Kisatchie National Forest, National Geographic Traveler has highlighted Alexandria as one of America's top "wilderness towns" due to its unparalleled access to hiking, boating, camping, and natural beauty. In addition, the city boasts a thriving business environment, excellent schools, and a low cost of living, making it an ideal place to establish long-term roots while working in a world-class clinical system.

Job Responsibilities of a CLC Nurse

Registered Nurses within the Community Living Center are directly accountable for managing, coordinating, and delivering high-quality nursing care to a diverse resident population. Unlike traditional, fast-paced acute care settings, the CLC focuses on restorative, rehabilitative, geriatric, and palliative care. This allows you to build deep, meaningful relationships with your patients and their families over time.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

Comprehensive Patient Assessment: Formulating, executing, and updating individualized plans of care based on ongoing physical, mental, and psychosocial nursing assessments.
Clinical Decision Making: Applying advanced nursing principles, clinical theory, and critical thinking skills to manage complex, multi-system health conditions in geriatric and rehabilitative patients.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinating with physicians, physical therapists, social workers, and nutritionists to ensure that every patient receives holistic, coordinated care.
Clinical Leadership and Delegation: Determining appropriate delegation of nursing tasks to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nursing assistants, ensuring patient safety and care quality.
Accurate Documentation: Collaborating with the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinator to ensure precise clinical documentation, which directly impacts Resource Utilization Group (RUG) scoring and facility metrics.
Evidence-Based Practice: Actively integrating modern clinical research and evidence-based practices to improve resident health outcomes and maximize independence.

Requirements and Qualifications

To maintain the highest standards of safety and care for our nation's heroes, candidates must meet rigorous federal qualifications. The VA evaluates candidates based on their education, licensing, and professional clinical experience.

Basic Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified U.S. citizens.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be fully proficient in basic written and spoken English.
Licensure: You must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license as a graduate professional nurse in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth (such as Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia.
Education: Graduation from a professional nursing school accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of foreign nursing schools must have their education validated by an approved evaluation service (e.g., International Consultants of Delaware).

Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception:

If you have recently completed your nursing education but have not yet passed the NCLEX or obtained your license, you may still apply. The VA can appoint qualified candidates as GNTs on a temporary 120-day appointment. This allows you to gain valuable experience while actively pursuing your license, with potential extensions available on a case-by-case basis.

Grading and Experience Determinations

Your starting grade and salary within the range of $67,955 to $115,686 are determined by a professional nursing boarding panel. The panel reviews your credentials across five key dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice. The table below outlines the general education and experience requirements for each grade level:

Nurse Grade & Level	Education Requirements	Required Specialized Experience
Nurse I, Level I	Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing	No professional experience required; entry-level transition.
Nurse I, Level II	ADN or Diploma in Nursing OR Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)	1 year of equivalent Nurse I, Level 1 experience (for ADN) OR no experience required (for BSN).
Nurse I, Level III	ADN/Diploma OR BSN OR Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN)	2 years of experience (for ADN); 1 year of experience (for BSN); no experience required (for MSN).
Nurse II	BSN OR MSN OR Doctoral Degree in Nursing (or related field)	2 years of experience (for BSN); 1 year of experience (for MSN); no experience required (for Doctorate).
Nurse III	Master's Degree in Nursing (or related field) OR Doctoral Degree in Nursing	2 years of specialized leadership experience (for MSN); 1 year of specialized experience (for Doctorate).

Salary Overview and Total Compensation

The annual salary for this position ranges from $67,955 to $115,686. The exact placement within this scale is based on your board-determined grade and step. However, the base salary is only one part of the highly attractive VHA total rewards package.

When evaluating a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is essential to look at the entire financial and lifestyle picture. The VA total compensation package is designed to provide security, work-life balance, and long-term financial stability:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This position is fully authorized for EDRP support. Eligible employees can receive up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan reimbursement over a five-year period. This represents an incredible opportunity to eliminate student debt while building a federal career.
Exceptional Paid Time Off: Enjoy an extraordinary 50 days of paid time off each year. This includes 26 days of scheduled annual leave (vacation), 13 days of sick leave (with no accrual limit), and 11 paid federal holidays.
Guaranteed Federal Retirement: Benefit from a dual-component retirement plan. You will receive a traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years of service) and access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which functions like a 401(k) with an immediate agency matching contribution of up to 5%.
Comprehensive Health & Life Insurance: Choose from a wide selection of premium federal health, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance plans, many of which can be carried directly into retirement.

Application Steps

Applying for a federal job requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application package is complete and successfully received:

Prepare Your Resume: Download the official VA Clinical Resume template. Note that this specific document must be uploaded to the primary 'Resume' slot on USAJobs. To list your full career history, upload your comprehensive CV as an attachment in the 'Other' documents slot.
Access the Portal: Log in to your USAJobs account (or create one) and locate the announcement for position CBST-13011764-26-SG.
Complete the Assessment: Click 'Apply Online' to transition to the USA Staffing portal. Complete the detailed occupational questionnaire. You can preview the questions in advance via the questionnaire link.
Attach Required Documents: Upload all necessary supporting paperwork. This includes your clinical resume, comprehensive CV, transcripts, copy of your active nursing license, and, if applicable, your DD-214 or SF-50.
Submit: Confirm all answers and upload documents, then submit your application before the closing date of August 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Application Tips for Success

To stand out during the review process, keep these strategies in mind:

Be Detailed and Specific: Federal HR specialists cannot make assumptions about your work history. Explicitly state the dates of employment (Month/Year) and the average hours worked per week for every position listed. Part-time hours are prorated, so accuracy is critical.
Highlight Key Nursing Dimensions: Ensure your comprehensive CV addresses the five dimensions of VHA nursing practice. Detail how you have demonstrated leadership, contributed to evidence-based practice, and driven patient-centered care initiatives in your past roles.
Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute: Technical issues, missing documents, or incomplete questionnaires can disqualify your application. Submit your materials several days before the August 3, 2026, deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this position eligible for relocation or recruitment incentives?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives (such as Permanent Change of Station moving expenses) are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Are there physical requirements for this position?

Yes. The position requires physical stamina typical of a clinical nursing role. This includes standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and pushing equipment. Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment physical examination.

What is the policy regarding influenza vaccinations?

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA Healthcare Personnel. If you receive an approved medical or religious exemption, you will be required to wear a face mask in clinical areas during the influenza season.

Can I use my nursing license from another state to work in Louisiana?

Yes! One of the greatest benefits of working for the VA is license portability. You only need one active, current, and unrestricted license from any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia to practice at any VA medical center nationwide.

The Registered Nurse position at the Alexandria VA Community Living Center represents a unique opportunity to elevate your clinical practice while serving a community of true heroes. With a competitive salary, robust retirement benefits, up to $200,000 in student loan repayment assistance, and the unparalleled lifestyle of the Louisiana wilderness at your doorstep, this role is designed for nurses who want to make a difference in their patients' lives and their own.

Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Prepare your materials, align your clinical resume, and submit your application today to start a rewarding federal nursing career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Registered Nurse - Community Living Job Matters

Transform your nursing career by serving those who served. Join the Alexandria VA Healthcare System as a Community Living Center RN, where you can secure your future with up to $200,000 in student loan repayment, unmatched federal benefits, and a highly competitive pension plan.

Registered Nurse - Community Living Job Overview

The Alexandria VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated, compassionate Registered Nurse to join our Community Living Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. In this role, you will lead holistic, patient-centered care for our nation's Veterans, coordinating closely with an interdisciplinary clinical team. This position offers a premium federal compensation package, exceptional growth potential across multiple nursing grades, and a highly supportive work environment located in the scenic and family-friendly heart of Louisiana.

Requirements for Registered Nurse - Community Living

Must be a citizen of the United States (non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified U.S. citizens are available).
Must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license as a graduate professional nurse in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Must be a graduate of a professional nursing school accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of graduation, or have an equivalent foreign education validated by an approved agency.
Must demonstrate proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and a background/security investigation.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program (or secure an approved religious or medical exemption).
Must comply with Selective Service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
Must possess a REAL ID-compliant identification card or driver's license by May 7, 2025, for onboarding purposes.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Community Living

Prior professional experience working as a Charge Nurse or in a leadership capacity within a clinical setting.
Current, active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Demonstrated clinical experience in a nursing home, long-term care facility, or geriatric care environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Highly competitive base salary with regular, scheduled performance-based and longevity pay increases.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility, offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
✓Generous Paid Time Off package totalling 50 days annually: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Enrollment in the traditional Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan, vested after only 5 years of service.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) equivalent with automatic and matching agency contributions up to 5%.
✓Access to premium federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance plans.
✓Unrestricted portability of your state nursing license—work at any VA facility nationwide with a single active license.
✓Ability to carry your healthcare and insurance benefits directly into retirement.

💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Community Living Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Community Living Job

Review the complete official job announcement on USAJobs to check qualifications.
Prepare your application documents, including a standard Clinical Resume downloaded from the VA careers website.
Upload the required standard Clinical Resume to the page-restricted 'Resume' document field.
Upload your unlimited-page, detailed curriculum vitae (CV) or master resume to the 'Other' document slot to ensure all experience is thoroughly documented.
Click 'Apply Online' on the USAJobs announcement to be redirected to the USA Staffing system.
Complete the comprehensive online occupational questionnaire, answering all questions accurately.
Attach all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts, active nursing licenses, SF-50s (for current/former federal employees), and DD-214 forms (if claiming Veterans' preference).
Submit your complete application package before the closing deadline on August 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

💡 General Tips

Do not submit a generic resume; instead, tailor your CV to clearly define your nursing experience using the VHA's five dimensions of nursing practice: Practice, Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
List exact employment parameters for all past roles on your resume: include the start and end dates (Month/Year), average hours worked per week, and a complete breakdown of duties.
If claiming Veterans' preference, ensure you submit a legible, complete copy of your DD-214 that explicitly shows your character of service.
For part-time experience, calculate and document your hours carefully, as the VA awards credit on a prorated basis relative to a full 40-hour workweek.
Double-check that you have downloaded and filled out the required standard Clinical Resume document. It must be uploaded to the primary 'Resume' slot to prevent application rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this Registered Nurse position?

This position requires a rotating 12-hour shift schedule. For example, in Week 1, you will be off Sunday, work Monday and Tuesday, stay off Wednesday and Thursday, and work Friday and Saturday. In Week 2, you will work Sunday, stay off Monday and Tuesday, work Wednesday and Thursday, and be off Friday and Saturday. This rotation is subject to adjustment based on the operational needs of the Community Living Center.

Am I eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which offers student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 over a one-to-five-year period. Selected candidates must apply within four months of their appointment. Final approval and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Note that former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply.

Can I apply if I have recently graduated but do not yet hold my active RN license?

Yes, under the Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) exception, candidates who have completed all educational requirements from an accredited school but lack licensure may be appointed on a 120-day temporary basis. This allows you to actively pursue licensure, and the appointment can be extended up to two years on a case-by-case basis.

Is telework or remote work an option for this clinical nursing role?

No. Because this role involves hands-on, direct patient care within the Community Living Center, telework and virtual work arrangements are not available. This is a fully on-site position at the Alexandria VA Healthcare System in Louisiana.

How does the VA determine my starting nursing grade and salary?

Your nursing grade (Nurse I, II, or III) and starting salary within the posted range ($67,955 to $115,686) are determined by a professional nursing boarding panel. They will evaluate your education, scope of practice, and professional experience against the five key dimensions of nursing practice defined by the VA.