Advance Your Nursing Career: Primary Care Roles at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center
Are you a Nurse Practitioner seeking a career that combines clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for skilled Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to join our Primary Care teams in Oscoda and Traverse City, Michigan. This is a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive, holistic care to our nation's Veterans while benefiting from a robust federal employment package.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be at the forefront of patient care. Your core duties will include:
- Clinical Management: Managing a panel of patients, interpreting diagnostic tests, and adjusting care plans.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with Primary Care teams to ensure holistic, evidence-based outcomes.
- Patient Education: Providing critical information to Veterans and their families regarding health management.
- Administrative Excellence: Rendering professional judgment for disability examinations and documenting care in official medical records.
Comparison: Nurse Practitioner Grade Levels
| Feature | Nurse II (Entry Level) | Nurse III (Advanced) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | None Required | 1 Year Specialized Experience |
| Scope | Delivering holistic care | Leadership in complex care management |
| Focus | Proficiency in panel management | Expert influence and research implementation |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must hold a valid, unrestricted APN license and be a graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens and are subject to standard background checks and drug testing. Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory, as is participation in the annual influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $121,890 to $179,953 per year, commensurate with your education, scope of practice, and experience level.
Benefits
Beyond the salary, the VA offers an exceptional total rewards package:
- Loan Repayment: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with awards up to $200,000.
- Leave: Generous leave policy with 50 total days of paid time off.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401K-style plans with up to 5% agency matching.
- Insurance: Full selection of federal health, dental, and life insurance benefits.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download and use the VA-specific Clinical Resume document provided on their career portal.
- Be Specific: Detail your past clinical experiences thoroughly—the agency cannot infer skills that aren't written on your resume.
- Check Dates: Ensure your application is submitted by the closing date of September 8, 2026.
If you are ready to dedicate your talents to serving those who served us, the VA offers an unparalleled environment for professional growth. Apply now to join our mission in Michigan and make a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans.
Why This Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job Matters
Elevate your nursing career by providing world-class, holistic primary care to the Veterans who served our nation.
Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job Overview
The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center is seeking dedicated Advanced Practice Nurses (Nurse Practitioners) to join our Primary Care team in Michigan. This role is perfect for clinicians who are passionate about delivering evidence-based care, managing patient panels, and fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary environments. As part of the VA's mission, you will provide compassionate, high-quality healthcare to Veterans in Oscoda and Traverse City, while enjoying a competitive federal compensation package and a supportive, values-driven culture.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care
- U.S. Citizenship
- Post-master's, master's, or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited school
- Active, full, and unrestricted Advanced Practice Nurse license in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Current board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (or relevant specialty area)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care
- One year of specialized Advanced Practice Nurse experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level
- Demonstrated proficiency in managing patient panels and clinical programs
- Strong leadership skills and experience in interdisciplinary collaborative care
- Experience with evidence-based research application in healthcare delivery systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓50 days of paid time off (26 days annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Professional growth and development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific questionnaire for this position.
- Prepare your documents including your license and required resume.
- Complete the application and questionnaire, ensuring all documents are uploaded to the correct fields.
- Submit your application before the closing date of 09/08/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to ensure compliance.
- Be detailed in your work history; the VA does not make assumptions regarding your experience.
- Double-check that your license and certification documents are current and legible.
- Check your USAJOBS status portal regularly for updates on your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan reimbursement for qualifying participants.
What is the work schedule?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is an onsite position that requires direct patient care at the specified facility locations.
What is the EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program provides reimbursement for qualified student loans for eligible healthcare professionals.
Is this a virtual position?
No, this role requires physical presence at the designated VA facility to perform direct patient care.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center is part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is centered on the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Working at the VA means joining a team dedicated to providing personalized health plans that empower Veterans to live their lives to the fullest.