Advance Your Nursing Career at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center
Are you a compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with a heart for service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a unique opportunity to join our Outpatient Specialty Care team in Altoona, Pennsylvania. We are looking for skilled clinicians to provide specialized infusion care for our nation's Veterans. If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven career, this role at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center could be the perfect fit.
Job Responsibilities
As an Outpatient Specialty Care RN, you will serve as a vital link in the patient journey. Your primary duties will include:
- Infusion Administration: Safely administering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other infusion therapies following established safety protocols.
- Patient Coordination: Acting as a primary point of contact for patients and their families, coordinating diagnostic tests, referrals, and appointments.
- Education: Teaching patients and caregivers about treatment plans, managing side effects, and self-care strategies.
- Clinical Assessment: Performing comprehensive nursing assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Collaboration: Working closely with oncologists, pharmacists, social workers, and other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Licensure: You must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Education: Graduation from an accredited professional nursing program.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required for most applicants.
- Physical Standards: Must pass a pre-employment physical and adhere to the VA's seasonal influenza vaccination policy.
- Background: Successful completion of a security and background investigation.
Salary and Grade Overview
Salaries are competitive and determined based on your education, nursing scope, and depth of experience. The salary range for this position is between $67,607 and $133,100 per year.
| Level | Experience/Education Criteria |
|---|---|
| Nurse I | Entry to mid-level clinical roles; ADN or BSN |
| Nurse II | Experienced clinician with leadership focus |
| Nurse III | Senior level; management and complex care coordination |
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive "Total Rewards" package, including:
- Work-Life Balance: 50 days of paid time off per year.
- Retirement Security: Federal pension and 401(k) with agency matching.
- Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, and life coverage.
- Professional Growth: Regular salary increases and access to federal career advancement programs.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume document from the VA career site.
- Be Specific: Detail your nursing experience with specific examples that highlight your clinical competencies.
- Follow Procedures: Submit all requested documents (DD-214, transcripts, licenses) in the correct upload fields.
Serving those who have sacrificed for our country is a rewarding career path. If you possess the clinical skills and the compassion required for outpatient specialty care, we invite you to apply and join our team in Altoona.
Why This Registered Nurse - Outpatient Specialty Care Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country while advancing your nursing career at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in beautiful Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Registered Nurse - Outpatient Specialty Care Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join our Outpatient Specialty Care infusion clinic. You will provide critical, patient-centered nursing care to Veterans, focusing on chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and complex infusion therapies. This role is perfect for a clinician who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional care to our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Outpatient Specialty Care
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- 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 nursing school (ADN, Diploma, BSN, or higher).
- English language proficiency (written and spoken).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must be able to successfully pass a background security investigation and drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Outpatient Specialty Care
- 1-2 years of clinical experience in oncology or infusion settings.
- ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Certification, or a willingness to obtain it.
- Demonstrated ability to perform venipuncture and manage central lines (PICC/Ports).
- Exceptional critical thinking, clinical assessment, and patient communication skills.
- Proven history of providing compassionate emotional support to patients and families.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓50 days of total paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 Federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with agency matching contributions up to 5%.
- ✓Ongoing opportunities for professional development and clinical education.
- ✓Competitive salary progression and performance-based awards.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Outpatient Specialty Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Outpatient Specialty Care Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the standardized Clinical Resume document from the VA website.
- Upload your required documents, including your official resume, licenses, and applicable service records (e.g., DD-214).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application and ensure all documents are received by the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not rely on HR to make assumptions about your clinical experience.
- Address the five dimensions of nursing practice (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice) in your application materials.
- Double-check that all required documents are uploaded before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
- Use the provided VA resume template to ensure your application meets all administrative formatting standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This position operates on a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No. This is an on-site, clinical position located at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, PA.
Can my foreign nursing degree be used to qualify?
Graduates of foreign nursing schools must provide a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization to be considered, unless you already hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted U.S. nursing license.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We serve those who served. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional healthcare that improves their physical and mental well-being. Located in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains, our Altoona facility offers a supportive, modern environment where clinical excellence meets heartfelt care.