Advance Your Nursing Career at the Iowa City VA Health Care System
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to make a meaningful impact? The Iowa City VA Health Care System is currently seeking highly qualified Critical Care Registered Nurses to join their team. Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing world-class health care to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a Level I Tertiary Care setting while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Critical Care RN, you will be on the front lines, providing high-intensity care to patients with complex, life-threatening health issues. Your key responsibilities include:
- Providing direct, evidence-based nursing care to acutely ill patients.
- Utilizing advanced monitoring technologies to refine assessments.
- Leading collaborative care strategies with interdisciplinary teams.
- Mentoring peers and contributing to nursing education and orientation.
- Questioning clinical practices to foster an evidence-based culture.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- U.S. citizenship (with rare exceptions).
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program.
- A current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license.
- Proficiency in English.
- Ability to pass a drug test and pre-employment physical.
Grade Level Comparison
| Nurse Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN/Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level II | ADN/Diploma + 1 yr or BSN | 1 year (Level I) |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/Diploma + 2 yrs or BSN + 1 yr | 2 years (Level II) |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 yrs or MSN + 1 yr | Specialized Nursing |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 yrs or Doctorate | High-level Leadership |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $73,696 to $122,961, based on education and level of experience. Your starting salary will be determined by the specific grade level assigned to you during the recruitment process.
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive rewards package, including:
- EDRP Participation: Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
- Paid Time Off: 50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal leave.
- Retirement: Federal pension plus 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Use the official VA resume template provided to ensure all five dimensions of nursing are captured.
- Claim Preference: If you are a veteran, ensure all documentation is uploaded to secure your preference.
- Follow Up: Use the USAJobs dashboard to track the status of your application.
If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a mission of compassion, the Iowa City VA Health Care System is the place for you. Apply today and contribute to the health and well-being of our Veterans.
Why This Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job Matters
Join the Iowa City VA Health Care System and elevate your nursing career as a Critical Care RN. You will play a vital role in providing life-saving care to those who have served our nation while benefiting from a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and the prestigious Education Debt Reduction Program.
Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and skilled Registered Nurse to join our Critical Care team at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. This role is designed for professionals committed to delivering high-intensity, evidence-based care to Veterans in acute and critical conditions. As part of a mission-driven organization that values compassion and whole-health integration, you will work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that serves over 50,000 Veterans across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. This position is open continuously, allowing us to actively identify and hire top-tier talent as needs arise.
Requirements for Registered Nurse- Critical Care
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted registered nurse license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse- Critical Care
- Previous professional experience in Critical Care or Emergency Department settings.
- Current CCRN certification.
- Active ACLS and BLS certifications.
- Experience with EKG interpretation and Telemetry monitoring.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate biopsychosocial concepts into complex patient care.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular pay increases.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including a pension and a 401(k) plan with up to 5% matching.
- ✓Comprehensive insurance options: Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Opportunities for performance awards.
- ✓Professional work environment with access to cutting-edge research through the CADRE facility.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job
- Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing profile.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
- Prepare your supporting documents, including your CV, nursing license, and proof of education.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documents, including your resume and any applicable veteran preference forms.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in describing your nursing experience; do not assume the recruiter understands your daily tasks.
- Ensure your resume addresses the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the correct document formats, especially the mandatory clinical resume.
- Monitor your email for status updates after submitting your application.
- If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 and any disability letters are attached to receive proper preference points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EDRP and am I eligible?
The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) provides student loan reimbursement for qualifying VA health care professionals. You must apply within four months of your appointment. Eligibility is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, this position is open to U.S. citizens and federal employees.
What kind of schedule should I expect?
The position involves day/night rotation (0730-2000, 1930-0800) with rotating weekends and holidays, typically utilizing a 72/80 work schedule.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) has a long-standing tradition of excellence, serving over 50,000 Veterans. As an organization, we pride ourselves on a "Whole Health" approach, focusing on personalized care plans that extend beyond the hospital walls. With an affiliate agreement with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and home to the renowned CADRE research center, our facility is at the forefront of clinical innovation and evidence-based practice.