Advance Your Nursing Career: Pain Management RN at the VA
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to transition into a specialized, high-impact role? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is seeking a Registered Nurse to join their specialized Pain Management team. This position offers not just a career, but a mission-driven opportunity to provide critical, evidence-based care to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Pain Management RN, you will serve as a clinical leader. Your duties will go beyond bedside care, involving:
- Leading interprofessional care plans for Veterans with complex pain needs.
- Identifying gaps in care and initiating quality improvement projects.
- Mentoring, teaching, and precepting clinical staff.
- Assisting with complex procedural sedation.
- Coordinating care to promote patient self-management.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited school of professional nursing.
- Licensure: An active, full, and unrestricted nursing license.
- Competency: Must meet the VHA’s five dimensions of nursing practice (Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice).
- Physical Standards: Ability to perform heavy lifting (45+ lbs) and prolonged standing.
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $79,104 to $139,035. Your specific grade and step will be determined based on your unique combination of clinical experience, education, and practice level.
| Position Level | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Nurse I | Fundamental care to complex patient management |
| Nurse II | Holistic care leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration |
| Nurse III | Executive-level management and evidence-based research |
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive "Total Rewards" package, including:
- Leave: 50 days of paid time off per year (annual, sick, and holidays).
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) with 5% matching.
- Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision coverage that follows you into retirement.
Application Tips
Success in the federal hiring process requires precision. Always use the VA-provided clinical resume template, be explicit in describing your experience, and ensure your documentation clearly illustrates how your past work aligns with the five dimensions of VHA nursing.
Serving as a Pain Management Registered Nurse at the Albuquerque VA is a unique opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with a deep sense of purpose. Apply today to begin your journey of supporting our Veterans.
Why This Registered Nurse - Pain Management Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by leading pain management initiatives at the VA in Albuquerque.
Registered Nurse - Pain Management Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to specialize in Pain Management. This role is pivotal in providing holistic, interprofessional care for Veterans navigating complex chronic pain conditions. You will serve as a clinical leader, mentor to nursing staff, and an advocate for evidence-based pain management practices. By joining our team in Albuquerque, you will contribute directly to the Whole Health model of care, improving quality of life for our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Pain Management
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in any U.S. state, territory, or district.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must pass a drug screening for designated positions.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates.
- Ability to perform heavy lifting and physical tasks associated with nursing care.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Pain Management
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience caring for cardiac monitored patients.
- Strong leadership skills with experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and precept nursing staff.
- Experience with evidence-based quality improvement initiatives.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Robust federal retirement plan including a pension and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Career development and mentorship opportunities within a national network.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Pain Management Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Pain Management Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, ensuring you include both a standard clinical document and your full CV/Resume.
- Submit all required documents, including licenses and transcripts.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your nursing experience.
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience across the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Research.
- Use the standard clinical resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Double-check that all documents are uploaded to the correct portal fields before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary range is between $79,104 and $139,035 per year, depending on education, experience, and the assigned nurse grade level.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Telework is not authorized for this role.
What level of physical exertion is required?
The role requires the ability to lift or carry items weighing 45 pounds or more, as well as the ability to stand or walk for up to 8 hours.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the VHA, you become part of a network that values compassionate, whole-health care and innovation in patient outcomes.