Become an Outpatient Urology Registered Nurse at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System

For professional nurses, few career paths are as personally satisfying and professionally rewarding as caring for the brave men and women who served in the United States military. If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) seeking a role that blends clinical excellence, cutting-edge outpatient treatment, and a dedicated mission, the Registered Nurse (Outpatient Staff) position in the Urology Clinic at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System in Cleveland, Ohio, offers an outstanding opportunity.

This full-time position allows you to practice at the top of your license within a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment. Operating out of the world-class Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, you will provide vital clinical services, assist with complex urological procedures, and act as a critical educational resource for Veterans and their families.

---

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is guided by a solemn mission inspired by President Abraham Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System implements this mission on a grand scale, focusing on a holistic, preventive "Whole Health" system of care.

The regional healthcare system serves more than 124,000 Veterans across 21 counties in Northeast Ohio through 17 accessible points of care. Its primary hub, the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, is a 594-bed tertiary referral center recognized both regionally and nationally for clinical and research excellence. Home to pioneering institutions like the Cleveland FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) Center and the Advanced Platform Technology (APT) Center, the facility integrates state-of-the-art medical education, pioneering research, and compassionate, patient-centered care. Joining this organization means aligning your career with a legacy of innovation and service.

---

Job Responsibilities

As a Registered Nurse within the Urology Clinic, your duties extend beyond basic clinical assistance. You will function as an essential hub of patient care, education, and procedural support within the Ambulatory Care Service. Key responsibilities include:

• Direct Patient Care & Specialized Nursing Procedures: Performing expert clinical assessments, administering therapeutic injections, conducting bladder scans, performing trials of voids, executing foley catheter insertions, and managing suprapubic catheter changes.
• Procedural and Surgical Support: Preparing, managing, and maintaining sterile fields during complex outpatient diagnostic and surgical procedures. You will directly assist medical providers during cystoscopies, prostate biopsies (including state-of-the-art prostate fusion biopsies), bladder biopsies, and urethral dilations.
• Patient Education & Advocacy: Providing clear, empathetic guidance and education to Veterans and their caregivers regarding post-procedure recovery, self-care regimens, and preventive urological health.
• Clinic Operations & Safety: Adhering strictly to federal guidelines for the management, disinfection, and proper disposal of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), completing required annual competency certifications to maintain the highest standard of patient safety.
• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Managing clinic workflow, coordinating admissions, transfers, and discharges, and collaborating closely with doctors, technicians, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient transitions.

---

Requirements & Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet basic federal prerequisites along with specific clinical and educational standards. Educational background and clinical experience determine the grade level at which selected applicants are appointed.

Basic Requirements:

1. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens (non-citizens are only considered when no qualified citizens are available).
2. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be fully proficient in written and spoken English.
3. 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). Alternate pathways are available for graduates of foreign nursing programs with formal equivalency validation.
4. Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted registration as an RN in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
5. Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates must pass a physical examination, background investigation, and pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
6. Vaccination: Participation in the annual seasonal influenza immunization program is a mandatory condition of employment for VHA healthcare personnel.

Grade Determinations Matrix

The table below outlines the relationship between education, specialized experience, and administrative grade levels within the VHA's Nurse Professional Standards Board framework:

VHA Nursing Grade	Educational Requirement	Experience Requirement / Professional Scope
Nurse I, Level I	Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing	No experience required. Focuses on developing fundamental clinical competencies and delivering knowledge-based care.
Nurse I, Level II	ADN or Diploma in Nursing -- OR -- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)	1 year of experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level I (for ADN/Diploma). No experience required for BSN graduates.
Nurse I, Level III	ADN or Diploma -- OR -- BSN -- OR -- Master's in Nursing (MSN) or related field	ADN + 2 years of professional experience. BSN + 1 year of specialized experience. MSN with no additional experience required.
Nurse II	BSN -- OR -- MSN -- OR -- Doctoral Degree (Nursing or related field)	BSN + 2 years of experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level III. MSN + 1 year of experience. Doctorate with no professional experience required. Demonstrates leadership in clinical collaboration.
Nurse III	MSN (or Master's in related field with BSN) -- OR -- Doctoral Degree	MSN + 2 years of experience (one equivalent to Nurse II). Doctorate + 1 year of experience equivalent to Nurse II. Executes creative, system-wide clinical leadership.

Preferred Experience

While not mandatory, applicants with the following background will be highly competitive:

• A minimum of five (5) years of general hospital-based nursing experience.
• One to two (1-2) years of dedicated experience within a urology clinic.
• Proven experience operating in an Operating Room (OR) or surgical procedure environment.

---

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position is competitive and ranges from $82,275 to $158,057 per year.

An applicant's specific salary within this range is determined by the local VHA Nurse Professional Standards Board. The board reviews your detailed resume, clinical credentials, educational background, and progressive accomplishments across five primary dimensions of practice: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research.

---

Benefits: VA Nurse Total Rewards

The VHA provides one of the nation’s most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages, designed to support your personal well-being, financial security, and long-term career growth:

• Exceptional Paid Time Off: Enjoy up to 50 days of paid time off each year. This includes 26 days of annual (vacation) leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Retirement Security: Receive a traditional Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan (vested after 5 years of service) along with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) equivalent with up to 5% basic and matching contributions from the agency.
• Premium Health Care Coverage: Enroll in premium federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs, many of which can be carried directly into retirement.
• Licensure Portability: Maintain the freedom to move and work throughout the entire VA network with just one active, unrestricted state nursing license.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from a predictable, recurring Monday through Friday schedule (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM), allowing you to plan your personal life with ease.

---

Application Tips & Selection Process

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure your package is processed efficiently by following these strategic steps:

1. Download the Clinical Resume Template: The VA requires a specific, standardized one-page clinical resume template. Download the document using the link provided in the vacancy announcement. Upload this unchanged template into the mandatory two-page restricted 'Resume' document slot.
2. Attach Your Full CV: Upload your comprehensive, unrestricted Curriculum Vitae (CV) into the 'Other' document upload field. Ensure your CV clearly outlines the start and end dates (month and year) for every position held, along with full or part-time status.
3. Detail the Five Dimensions: Tailor your CV description to reflect your accomplishments across the core dimensions of VHA Nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research. Use action verbs and describe measurable outcomes.
4. Provide Academic & Professional Proof: Upload legible copies of your official or unofficial transcripts, an active verification of your RN license, and your most recent SF-50 (if you are a current or former federal employee).

Once submitted, your application package is reviewed for basic eligibility and qualifications. Approved candidates are forwarded to a selection panel, and competitive applicants will be contacted directly to schedule an interview.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there a relocation or travel incentive authorized for this position?
A: No. Relocation expenses, recruitment incentives, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances are not authorized for this recruitment action.

Q: What is the work schedule for this outpatient staff position?
A: The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Some flexibility may be required based on clinical operations.

Q: Can I apply for this job if I hold a nursing license in a state other than Ohio?
A: Absolutely. Since this is a federal position, a valid and unrestricted license from any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth allows you to practice at the Cleveland facility.

Q: Is telework or virtual work allowed in this role?
A: No. Due to the high-touch procedural requirements of outpatient urology clinic services, this position is strictly onsite and does not support remote or telework options.

Q: Is there a probation period?
A: Yes, selected candidates may be required to successfully complete a standard federal probationary period.

---

If you are a Registered Nurse with a dedication to clinical precision and a strong desire to serve those who served, the Outpatient Staff position within the Urology Clinic at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center offers an unparalleled path. This role combines competitive compensation, outstanding retirement and insurance programs, and a supportive, collaborative clinical environment. Prepare your application package, highlight your procedural expertise, and take the next step in a rewarding public service career today.