Become a Chief Nurse: Leading Veteran Healthcare in Michigan
Are you a visionary nursing leader ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our country? The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is hiring a Chief Nurse to oversee nursing operations and drive excellence in our Community Care Service. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior-level nurse to influence organizational policy and deliver high-quality, whole-health care.
About the Agency: Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans. Our mission is to uphold President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. The Battle Creek VAMC serves as a critical hub for neuropsychiatric and mental health care, operating with 276 beds and serving 42,000+ Veterans across southwestern Michigan.
Position Overview & Responsibilities
As the Chief Nurse, you will report to the Associate Director for Patient Care Services. Your scope of work includes:
- Leadership & Strategy: Serving as a key member of the nursing executive team to champion clinical initiatives.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing daily clinical operations for the Community Care Service line.
- Staff Mentorship: Supervising nursing staff and fostering a culture of professional growth and evidence-based practice.
- Collaboration: Partnering with interdisciplinary teams to ensure personalized health plans and seamless care transitions for Veterans.
Education & Qualification Requirements
To be considered for this Nurse IV role, candidates must demonstrate leadership and professional capability. Below is a comparison of required qualifications based on degree levels:
| Degree Held | Required Experience | Specialized Experience |
|---|---|---|
| MSN | 4 Years | 1 Year (Nurse III level) |
| Related Master's + BSN | 4 Years | 1 Year (Nurse III level) |
| Doctoral (Nursing) | 3 Years | 1 Year (Nurse III level) |
| Doctoral (Related) + BSN | 3 Years | 1 Year (Nurse III level) |
Compensation & Benefits
Joining the VA means investing in your future. We offer a competitive "Total Rewards" package:
- Competitive Salary: $158,044 – $210,195 per year.
- Generous Leave: 50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and holidays).
- Retirement Security: Federal pension and 401k plans.
- Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
How to Apply & Tips for Success
- Prepare Your Docs: Use the required VA Clinical Resume template.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly articulate your leadership accomplishments using the five nursing dimensions.
- Stay Organized: Ensure all transcripts and certifications are legible.
If you are prepared to lead with compassion and innovation, this Chief Nurse position in Battle Creek offers a rewarding career path dedicated to the mission of honoring our Veterans. Review the official posting and submit your application by September 8, 2026.
Why This Chief Nurse Job Matters
Lead the future of Veteran care in Michigan as a Chief Nurse at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center—where clinical excellence meets transformative leadership.
Chief Nurse Job Overview
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Chief Nurse for our Community Care Service. Reporting directly to the Associate Director for Patient Care Services, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the delivery of patient-centered care. This position offers the opportunity to lead integrated clinical teams, implement evidence-based practices, and drive organizational excellence in a facility renowned for its commitment to neuropsychiatric care and recovery-oriented health services.
Requirements for Chief Nurse
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE-accredited professional nursing program.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse licensure in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Passage of a pre-employment physical evaluation and urinalysis drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Chief Nurse
- 2-3 years of progressive nursing leadership experience.
- Direct experience in Community Care environments.
- Proficiency with Oracle systems.
- Master’s Degree (MSN) or Doctoral degree in nursing or a related field (with BSN).
- Expertise in evidence-based practice, clinical informatics, and health equity advocacy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal Pension Plan
- âś“Federal 401K with up to 5% employer matching
- âś“26 days of paid annual leave per year
- âś“13 days of sick leave per year
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays
- âś“Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- âś“Long-term care and life insurance options
- âś“Regular salary increases and performance award potential
đź’ˇ How to Apply Chief Nurse Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Chief Nurse Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA.
- Prepare your full CV or detailed resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts, licenses, and veteran preference forms (DD-214, SF-15).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific and clear in your resume; do not rely on assumptions about your experience.
- Address the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research.
- Ensure your responses in the questionnaire match the details in your uploaded documents.
- Verify that your license is current and listed clearly.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid delays in processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Chief Nurse at Battle Creek VAMC?
The Chief Nurse manages clinical and administrative nursing operations, advises leadership, mentors staff, and ensures the implementation of evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for our Veteran population.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I apply if I don't have a Master's degree yet?
Candidates must meet the specific education requirements for Nurse IV, which typically require a graduate-level degree. Please review the qualification section carefully to see how your specific education and experience level align with the Nurse IV standard.