Advance Your Nursing Career: Join the VA Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Team in Albuquerque

Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with deep professional meaning? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is currently hiring Registered Nurses for the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) unit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This position offers a unique chance to provide holistic, life-changing care to the men and women who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As an SCI/D Registered Nurse, you will be the backbone of your patient's recovery journey. You will not only provide direct clinical care but also act as a guide for patients and their families. Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Nursing Process: Managing all elements of patient care planning, from assessment to implementation and evaluation.
Collaboration: Working alongside interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, physical therapists, and social workers, to create comprehensive care plans.
Leadership: Mentoring junior staff, contributing to unit-level quality improvement, and fostering a safe, professional clinical environment.
Education: Empowering Veterans through patient education, promoting self-management strategies for long-term health.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several core criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A graduate of an accredited school of nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
Licensure: Hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted license in any U.S. state or territory.
English Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Medical Readiness: Must pass a pre-employment physical exam and participate in the annual influenza vaccination program.

Salary and Grade Determination

Compensation for VA nursing roles is based on education and professional experience. Your specific grade (Nurse I, II, or III) will be determined during the review process.

Position Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
Nurse I, Level I	ADN / Diploma	None required
Nurse I, Level III	BSN	1 Year specialized
Nurse II	BSN / MSN	1-2 Years specialized
Nurse III	MSN / Doctoral	2 Years specialized

Benefits

The VA offers one of the most robust benefits packages in the healthcare sector, designed to support your work-life balance and long-term security:

Time Off: 50 days of total paid time off (26 days annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays).
Retirement: A stable federal pension plan and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
Insurance: A wide array of health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance plans.

Application Tips

Use the Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Download it from their careers page to ensure your application is processed.
Be Specific: In your clinical description, relate your experience to the five dimensions of nursing (Practice, Leadership, Patient-Driven Care, etc.).
Include Documentation: Ensure your DD-214 (if applicable), transcripts, and licensure documents are uploaded correctly.

Working as a Registered Nurse in the SCI/D unit at the Albuquerque VA is an opportunity to practice at the top of your license while supporting those who sacrificed for our nation. If you are ready to make a significant impact, apply today via the official USAJOBS portal.

Why This Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury & Disorder Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by joining the VA’s dedicated Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders team in Albuquerque.

Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury & Disorder Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking compassionate and skilled Registered Nurses for its Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) program in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In this role, you will provide evidence-based, holistic nursing care to Veterans, acting as a critical member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. You will lead patient education initiatives, manage complex care plans, and contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to advocate for Veterans’ health outcomes while working in a supportive, professional clinical environment.

Requirements for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury & Disorder

U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are not available).
Current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing school.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation and drug screening.
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury & Disorder

Experience in Spinal Cord Injury or similar complex care environments.
Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to lead evidence-based practice initiatives.
Experience with nursing education and clinical competency development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays each year.
✓Federal pension plan (FERS) and 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% employer matching.
✓Access to comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance programs.
✓Professional development and clinical training opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury & Disorder Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury & Disorder Job

Log in to or create your USAJOBS account.
Download the mandatory Clinical Resume template from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your supporting documents, including your CV, license, and any relevant transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Upload all required documentation, including the standard resume template and your full CV/resume.
Review your application thoroughly and click Submit.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly addresses the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided, as this is a strict requirement for the application package.
If you are a Veteran, attach your DD-214 to ensure your preference is correctly applied.
Submit your materials well before the closing date to avoid any technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of experience is required for this role?

The grade and salary are determined based on your education and professional nursing experience. Requirements range from entry-level for those with an ADN to advanced roles for those with BSN, MSN, or Doctoral degrees.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an onsite clinical position based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is not eligible for telework or virtual status.

What should I include in my resume to be considered?

You must use the VA-provided clinical resume template for your primary submission. You may attach a supplemental CV for additional details, but the required template is essential for the application to be processed.

What is the work schedule?

*A: This is a full-time position involving rotating tours, including day/night shifts, holidays, and weekends.*

Can I apply if I don't have a New Mexico license?

*A: Yes, the VA accepts an active, unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military and their families. Working at the VA is more than just a job; it is a mission. As part of the Veterans Health Administration, you will join a network of providers who prioritize evidence-based, patient-centered care, ensuring Veterans receive the highest standard of treatment available.