Become a Chief Nurse: Leading Healthcare Excellence at the Battle Creek VAMC
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is currently seeking an experienced and visionary leader to fill the role of Chief Nurse. This critical position is central to the mission of providing compassionate, evidence-based care to those who have served our nation. If you possess a blend of clinical expertise, administrative acumen, and a passion for staff mentorship, this opportunity offers a unique path to influence health outcomes at the highest program levels.
Job Responsibilities
As the Chief Nurse, your duties will be broad and high-impact. You will:
- Serve as a senior advisor and mentor to the nursing staff.
- Oversee daily clinical and administrative operations within the Community Care Service.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary leaders to implement evidence-based health solutions.
- Drive a culture of safety and collective mindfulness, consistent with High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles.
- Manage resource allocation and utilize data analytics to improve program efficiency.
Comparison Table: Candidate Requirements
| Category | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Education | MSN or Doctoral degree in Nursing/Related Field |
| Experience | 3-4 years professional nursing, including leadership |
| Licensure | Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizenship required |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: You must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Professional Experience: Depending on your degree, you will need between 3 to 4 years of professional nursing experience, with specialized experience equivalent to Nurse III.
- Leadership: You must demonstrate proficiency in the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Research.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, ranging from $158,044 to $210,195 annually. Compensation is determined based on your specific clinical background, educational attainment, and leadership history.
Benefits
Joining the VA means investing in your future. Our total rewards package includes:
- Health and Wellness: Federal health, dental, and vision insurance that often carries into retirement.
- Work-Life Balance: 50 days of total paid time off, including 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
- Financial Security: A robust federal retirement system including a traditional pension and 401K-style plan with employer contributions.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume document provided by the VA Careers portal.
- Be Specific: Detailed descriptions of your volunteer and professional work are essential. Do not let the hiring committee guess your skill set.
- Stay Organized: Ensure all your documents (licenses, transcripts, and performance appraisals) are uploaded before the deadline.
Serving as a Chief Nurse at the Battle Creek VAMC is more than a job—it is a calling. You will lead dedicated teams in an environment that prioritizes excellence, innovation, and unwavering support for our Veterans. We encourage you to review the application requirements carefully and join us in our commitment to quality care.
Why This Chief Nurse Job Matters
Lead with purpose at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, where your clinical expertise shapes the future of Veteran healthcare.
Chief Nurse Job Overview
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is seeking a visionary Chief Nurse to lead the Community Care Service. Reporting directly to the Associate Director for Patient Care Services, you will play a pivotal role in operationalizing excellence across nursing, influencing clinical outcomes, and championing a High Reliability Organization culture for the Veterans of southwestern Michigan.
Requirements for Chief Nurse
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successfully pass a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Chief Nurse
- 2-3 years of progressive leadership experience within a clinical setting.
- Specific expertise in Community Care service operations.
- Demonstrated experience working with Oracle systems.
- Advanced leadership skills in interdisciplinary environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
- ✓Competitive salary with regular growth potential.
- ✓Generous leave package including 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
- ✓Participation in the federal retirement system with 401K-style matching contributions.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
💡 How to Apply Chief Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Chief Nurse Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Prepare your resume according to VA standards using the required clinical template.
- Upload required documents, including your SF-50 (if applicable) and professional nursing transcripts.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Utilize the provided VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your experience is formatted correctly.
- Be highly specific and descriptive when outlining your professional background; do not assume prior knowledge of your experience.
- Ensure all documentation, especially your nursing license, is current and legible.
- Check your application status regularly through the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I hold a nursing license from any state?
Yes, as long as it is a current, full, active, and unrestricted license from any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
What is the expected scope of the Chief Nurse role?
The Chief Nurse oversees clinical and administrative operations, advises the executive team, supervises nursing staff, and champions patient safety within the Community Care Service.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for our Veterans, their families, and survivors. As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Battle Creek VAMC acts as a critical hub for neuropsychiatric and mental health care, serving over 42,000 Veterans across 22 counties. We pride ourselves on fostering a 'Whole Health' environment, where staff are empowered to create personalized care plans for our Veterans.