Launch Your Nursing Career at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center
The Robley Rex Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is currently hiring for an Inpatient Staff Registered Nurse. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve those who have selflessly served our country. If you are a compassionate, skilled, and motivated nurse looking to advance your career within a prestigious academic healthcare system, we invite you to explore this opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As an Inpatient Registered Nurse, you will be responsible for:
- Delivering high-quality, evidence-based nursing care to diverse patient populations.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans.
- Mentoring junior staff and providing constructive feedback.
- Ensuring all care adheres to federal nursing standards and facility policies.
- Managing complex patient situations with professional, data-driven decision-making.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet strict criteria, including:
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
- Education: Graduation from an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program.
- Licensure: A full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Health: Ability to perform physical duties (lifting up to 50 lbs) and successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
- Compliance: Willingness to undergo security investigations and comply with annual vaccination requirements.
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range reflective of the candidate's education and nursing experience.
| Pay Level | Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Competitive Federal Range | $79,681 - $147,548 |
Benefits
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement: Federal pension plan and 401k with generous employer matching.
- Insurance: Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
- Work-Life Balance: Structured shift patterns that allow for predictability.
Application Tips
- Standardize Your Resume: Always use the recommended VA resume document provided on the job portal.
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with the five core nursing dimensions.
- Proofread: Double-check that your license number and expiration date are clearly listed.
Serving our Veterans at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center is a career-defining experience. With competitive compensation, unparalleled benefits, and the chance to work in an academic medical setting, this role is perfect for a nurse ready to elevate their practice. Apply today to start your journey.
Why This Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who served by joining the prestigious nursing team at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville.
Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join the inpatient staff at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This role focuses on providing compassionate, high-quality, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans within a level 1b academic medical center. As part of an integrated healthcare system, you will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology, participate in clinical research, and contribute to an environment that values professional development and evidence-based practice.
Requirements for Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a professional nurse in any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the ACEN or CCNE.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
- Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff
- Previous professional experience in Med/Surg or Acute Care settings.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Prior experience in an Acute Care or Step-Down unit.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the five VA nursing dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with periodic increases and performance awards.
- ✓Up to 50 days of paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Robust retirement plans including a traditional pension and a 401K with up to 5% employer matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in an academic medical environment.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Job
- Create or log in to your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Download the required Clinical Resume Template from the VA careers website.
- Prepare your documentation, including a detailed resume, nursing license, and transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
- Monitor your status via the 'Applications' section of your USAJobs dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes the exact start and end dates (month/year) for every previous position.
- Include your nursing license number, state of issuance, and expiration date on your resume.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets all formatting requirements.
- Be specific and clear about your experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your clinical skills.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents (DD-214, certifications, performance appraisals) in the 'Other' field if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The role requires 12-hour shifts from 7:30 PM to 8:00 AM, typically three 12-hour shifts one week and one 8-hour shift the following week.
Can I apply if I have a foreign nursing degree?
Yes, provided you have a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
Is a COVID-19 or flu vaccine required?
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment for all VHA health care personnel.
What is the hiring process timeline?
Applications are reviewed after the announcement closes on September 8, 2026. Following an internal review, qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews.
Does the VA offer relocation assistance?
Currently, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated 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." The Robley Rex VAMC serves as a tertiary care facility and is proudly affiliated with the University of Louisville, making it a hub for medical teaching, cutting-edge research, and clinical excellence. By joining our team, you integrate yourself into a facility that prioritizes innovation and whole-person care for veterans across Kentucky and Indiana.