Advance Your Nursing Career: Pain Management RN Opportunities at the Syracuse VA
Are you a compassionate Registered Nurse looking to specialize in pain management while serving those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a skilled Nurse to join the team at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. This position offers a unique chance to practice in a supportive, mission-driven environment where patient care is the top priority.
Role Overview and Responsibilities
The Pain Management Nurse is responsible for delivering high-quality, knowledge-based care. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to assess, plan, and implement care plans tailored to individual Veteran needs. Key responsibilities include:
- Administering medications and performing procedures according to strict safety guidelines.
- Providing comprehensive pain education to patients and their families.
- Advocating for the Whole Health model of care.
- Leading clinical support staff and participating in quality improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the ACEN or CCNE.
- Licensure: A current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: Requirements vary by grade level, ranging from entry-level (Nurse I) to advanced practice (Nurse III) based on your degree and clinical experience.
Grade Comparison Table
| Level | Degree Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | None Required |
| Nurse I, Level II | BSN or ADN+1 yr | 1 year equivalent |
| Nurse II | BSN+2 yrs or MSN+1 yr | 1 year equivalent |
| Nurse III | MSN+2 yrs or Doctoral | 1-2 years equivalent |
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial security. The salary range for this position is $70,887 to $137,274 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level.
- Leave: Earn 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: Access to a federal pension and a 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with agency matching.
- Insurance: Excellent options for health, vision, dental, and long-term care insurance.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Always use the VA-provided standard Clinical Resume Document to ensure your application is processed efficiently.
- Be Detailed: Clearly describe how your past work experience maps to the five core nursing dimensions (Practice, Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research).
- Stay Current: Ensure your nursing license is active and documented correctly in your application.
Joining the Syracuse VA Medical Center as a Pain Management Nurse is more than a job—it is a commitment to the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our nation. If you are ready to make a significant impact through specialized nursing care, apply today via the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Nurse (Pain Management) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran health in Syracuse by joining a team dedicated to compassionate, whole-person pain management.
Nurse (Pain Management) Job Overview
The Syracuse VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) to join its Pain Management team on an intermittent schedule. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality, patient-centered care, coordinating pain management strategies, and advocating for the Whole Health model. As an intermittent nurse, you will deliver essential clinical care while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to improve the lives of our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Nurse (Pain Management)
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be hired if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- English language proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Completion of a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Pain Management)
- Experience in pain management clinical settings
- Experience in interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Demonstrated commitment to patient advocacy and education
- Proficiency in quality improvement initiatives within a clinical environment
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases
- ✓Performance-based awards
- ✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays
- ✓Federal pension plan (vesting after 5 years)
- ✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Pain Management) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Pain Management) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS profile.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers portal.
- Prepare your full resume/CV and any supporting documentation such as licenses, transcripts, or DD-214 forms.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
- Ensure you address the five dimensions of nursing practice: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Verify that your license is current and uploaded clearly.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA careers website to streamline your application.
- Double-check your eligibility for Veterans' preference and upload necessary documentation like the DD-214.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an intermittent schedule mean?
An intermittent schedule implies that the position does not have a set pre-arranged tour of duty; rather, the nurse works as needed based on facility requirements.
Can foreign-educated nurses apply?
Yes, provided you hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State or Territory, and can provide degree equivalency validation.
Is a security clearance required?
A high-level clearance is not required, but all candidates must undergo a background and suitability investigation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military, along with their families and caregivers. At the Syracuse VA, we embrace a 'Whole Health' model, which shifts the focus from 'what is the matter with you' to 'what matters to you.'