Advance Your Nursing Career: Spinal Cord Injury Care at the VA
Are you a dedicated Registered Nurse looking to provide transformative care to America's Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the New Jersey Health Care System in East Orange is currently seeking a passionate RN to join their Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) unit. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve those who have sacrificed so much, while growing your professional expertise in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an SCI Staff Nurse, you will serve as a primary coordinator for patient care. Your responsibilities will include:
- Direct Patient Care: Administering medications, treatments, and procedures per established guidelines.
- Injury Management: Specialized care for spinal cord injuries, including management of autonomic dysreflexia and neurogenic bowel/bladder dysfunction.
- Patient Advocacy: Educating families and patients on injury management and psychosocial adjustment.
- Team Leadership: Partnering with an interdisciplinary team to facilitate discharge planning and long-term homecare needs.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program.
- Licensure: Current, full, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Proficiency: Ability to read, write, and speak English clearly.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Grade Determination Comparison
| Grade Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN/Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/Diploma or BSN | 1-2 Years |
| Nurse II | BSN or MSN | 1-2 Years specialized |
| Nurse III | MSN or Doctoral | 2+ Years specialized |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $96,242 to $161,650 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA offers a robust "Total Rewards" package, including:
- Generous Leave: 50 days of paid time off per year (inclusive of vacation, sick, and holidays).
- Retirement Security: Federal pension and 401K with up to 5% agency matching.
- Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision programs.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download and use the standard VA Clinical Resume document to ensure your application passes initial filters.
- Be Specific: Detail your experience regarding the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the September 10, 2026, deadline to submit your documentation.
If you are a nurse who values clinical excellence and desires to make a profound difference for our nation's Veterans, we encourage you to apply. Join the VHA today and help us provide the world-class care our Veterans deserve.
Why This Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our country as a Registered Nurse in the specialized Spinal Cord Injury Unit at the VA New Jersey Health Care System.
Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for their Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) unit in East Orange, New Jersey. This role focuses on providing compassionate, evidence-based care to Veterans, managing acute injuries, and facilitating rehabilitation to improve long-term independence and quality of life. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to create holistic care plans that address physical, psychosocial, and neurogenic complications.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met)
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Compliance with drug testing requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- 1+ years of experience in acute rehabilitation or spinal cord injury care
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓Federal pension plan
- ✓Federal 401K with employer matching up to 5%
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓50 days of paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance programs
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job
- Prepare your resume and supporting documents (DD-214, transcripts, license, etc.)
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume document
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Upload your resume and required documentation
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 10, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your nursing experience to ensure proper grade determination.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your duties; explicitly map your experience to the five nursing dimensions mentioned in the announcement.
- Submit all required documents, including your license and veteran documentation, well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Use the provided standard resume template linked in the application instructions to ensure your submission is correctly processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the compensation range for this position?
The annual salary range for this role is $96,242 to $161,650, depending on education, experience, and grade determination.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual or remote position. It requires on-site presence at the East Orange, New Jersey facility.
What level of nursing experience is required?
Requirements vary by grade. Entry-level Nurse I, Level I requires only an Associate degree or diploma. Higher grades require specific levels of professional nursing experience and advanced degrees like a BSN or MSN.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and their families. Working with the VA means joining a team dedicated to compassion, whole-health, and excellence.