Advance Your Career: Registered Nurse Informaticist with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a visionary nurse looking to leverage your clinical expertise to improve healthcare systems? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Iowa City, Iowa, is currently seeking a motivated Registered Nurse (RN) to serve as a Nurse Informaticist. This role is a unique intersection of direct patient-centered care and the complex digital infrastructure that supports it. If you are passionate about data, system optimization, and serving those who have served our country, this is your opportunity to make a systemic impact.
Job Responsibilities
The Nurse Informaticist acts as a bridge between the clinical staff and the technical systems used to manage patient care. Your core responsibilities will include:
- Leading the planning, implementation, and evaluation of hardware and software within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) ecosystem.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including facility leadership and network partners, to streamline clinical workflows.
- Managing clinical content and providing enterprise-level application support.
- Optimizing health information technology to enhance data accuracy and service delivery.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships across all levels of the VA health system.
Comparison: Standard Nursing vs. Nurse Informaticist
| Feature | Standard Clinical Nurse | Nurse Informaticist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Direct Patient Care | EHR/System Optimization |
| Environment | Bedside/Clinic | Clinical & Technical Infrastructure |
| Key Outcome | Patient Recovery | Operational & Clinical Efficiency |
| Collaboration | Patients/Families/Doctors | IT/Management/Clinical Staff |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: You must possess a current, full, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Education: A graduate of an accredited school of nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Screening: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical and undergo a drug screening.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required for federal employment.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $73,696 to $122,961 per year. Final salary determination is based on your education, years of specialized nursing experience, and how your expertise aligns with the five core VHA nursing dimensions: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Benefits of Working at the VA
Choosing a career with the VA means choosing a path of professional and financial stability. You will enjoy:
- Generous Time Off: 50 days of leave annually (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays).
- Comprehensive Insurance: Access to federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
- Retirement: A robust federal pension plan coupled with a 401(k)-style plan with agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Structured schedules to support your life outside the facility.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download and use the VA’s specific Clinical Resume template. It is essential for ensuring your profile is parsed correctly by our internal systems.
- Be Specific: When describing your experience, don't just list tasks. Explain how your actions impacted clinical outcomes or system efficiency.
- Stay Organized: Double-check that all required documents (license, SF-50 if applicable, DD-214) are uploaded before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this a remote position?
A: No, this role is an on-site position at the Iowa City VA facility.
Q: Can I apply without an advanced degree in Informatics?
A: Yes, provided you meet the minimum nursing education requirements and possess the specialized experience required for the grade level.
The role of a Nurse Informaticist is essential to the future of the VHA. By joining us in Iowa City, you will be part of a mission-driven organization that values your leadership and your ability to blend nursing practice with technical innovation. Submit your application today to begin your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Why This Registered Nurse - Informaticist Job Matters
Transform the future of Veteran care through innovation—join the Veterans Health Administration as a Registered Nurse Informaticist and bridge the gap between clinical excellence and cutting-edge technology.
Registered Nurse - Informaticist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) - Informaticist to lead the integration of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems within the Iowa City VA Health Care System. In this pivotal role, you will work alongside interdisciplinary teams to optimize health information technology, manage clinical content, and improve patient outcomes through data-driven strategies. You will play a crucial part in our mission to provide high-quality, whole-health care to those who have served our nation.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Informaticist
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be hired if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Active, full, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must complete a mandatory background investigation and drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Informaticist
- Advanced education in nursing informatics or related health systems.
- Proven experience in implementing or optimizing EHR and health information systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary projects and collaborative performance improvement initiatives.
- Strong communication skills for building relationships across facility and network levels.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular pay increases.
- ✓Potential performance-based awards.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓50 days of total paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and research participation.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Informaticist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Informaticist Job
- Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume document.
- Upload required documents, including your resume, active license, and SF-50 (if currently a federal employee).
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 4, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the five VHA nursing dimensions: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Do not leave gaps in your employment history; be detailed regarding your clinical and informatics background.
- Use the provided VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Review your questionnaire answers carefully before hitting submit; omissions can affect your eligibility ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an on-site position based in Iowa City, Iowa, and is not eligible for full-time telework.
What is the educational requirement for this role?
Requirements vary by grade level, ranging from an Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing to a Master's or Doctoral degree, depending on your experience level.
Are there recruitment incentives for this role?
At this time, recruitment incentives, relocation packages, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are not authorized for this position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Iowa City VA Health Care System is a premier healthcare facility dedicated to providing world-class, compassionate care. Since 1952, we have been a pillar of the community, serving over 50,000 Veterans across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. Our facility is not only a hub for patient care but also a center for research, affiliated with the top-ranked University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Joining our team means entering an environment of constant innovation, including the Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE).