Advance Your Nursing Career: Critical Care Nursing at the Syracuse VA
Are you a dedicated nurse passionate about providing high-level care? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Syracuse VA Medical Center is currently seeking a highly skilled Critical Care Registered Nurse to join their mission-driven team. This role offers not only a competitive salary but also the opportunity to work in a facility dedicated to supporting the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Critical Care RN, your duties are both clinical and administrative. You will:
- Manage complex patient care for acutely ill veterans.
- Collaborate on the development and revision of clinical policies and procedures.
- Mentor and provide constructive feedback to peers.
- Utilize evidence-based decision-making to improve outcomes.
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment for patients and colleagues.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
- Education: Completion of an accredited professional nursing program.
- Licensure: A current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Background: Must successfully clear a pre-employment physical and security background check.
Salary and Grade Overview
Candidates are placed into grades based on their education and professional experience. The salary range for this position is $81,520 to $136,339 per year. Your specific compensation will be determined by your qualifications and the scope of your nursing practice.
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN + 2 years OR BSN + 1 year | Varies by Degree |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 years OR MSN + 1 year | Specialized nursing experience |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 years | Advanced leadership experience |
Benefits of Federal Employment
Choosing a career with the VA comes with significant benefits:
- Student Loan Relief: The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) can provide up to $200,000 in reimbursements.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave including 26 days of annual leave and 13 sick days.
- Retirement Security: A federal pension plus a 401K-style savings plan with employer matching.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Federal-level health, dental, and life insurance options.
Application Tips
- Be Thorough: Use the provided VA-specific resume template.
- Highlight Dimensions: When writing your resume, clearly map your experience to the five VHA nursing dimensions: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Deadlines: Do not wait until the final hours; ensure all documentation is uploaded to the USA Staffing portal well before the closing date.
Becoming a Critical Care Nurse at the Syracuse VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in the service of our nation's veterans. With robust benefits and a mission-focused environment, it is an excellent step for any nursing professional looking to grow their expertise.
Why This Nurse-Critical Care Job Matters
Join a dedicated team at the Syracuse VA Medical Center and make a profound difference in the lives of our nation's heroes as a Critical Care Nurse.
Nurse-Critical Care Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled Critical Care Registered Nurse to join the team in Syracuse, New York. In this role, you will provide expert nursing care to veterans experiencing life-threatening health challenges, demonstrating leadership and utilizing evidence-based practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Requirements for Nurse-Critical Care
- U.S. Citizenship
- English language proficiency (written and spoken)
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE)
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Subject to background and security investigation
- Urinalysis screening for illegal drugs
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse-Critical Care
- Professional experience in an ICU or Critical Care setting
- Demonstrated ability to lead clinical teams and manage complex patient care
- Proficiency in integrating evidence-based research into clinical practice
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓50 days of paid time off per year (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan
- ✓Federal 401K with up to 5% employer contribution
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
💡 How to Apply Nurse-Critical Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse-Critical Care Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document
- Prepare your full resume, cover letter, and required documentation (licenses, transcripts, etc.)
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link
- Submit your full application package before the closing date
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed in your resume regarding how your experience maps to the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; explicitly state your achievements.
- Ensure all documents are submitted well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The position requires on-site work with a shift schedule of 7:30 pm to 8:00 am.
Can I apply if I have foreign nursing education?
Yes, provided you have a formal degree equivalency validation from an agency accepted by the VA and hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted U.S. nursing license.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a nurse at the Syracuse VA, you become part of a professional community focused on whole health care, leadership, and clinical excellence.