Embark on a Rewarding Nursing Career at the Durham VA Community Living Center
Are you a passionate Registered Nurse looking to make a meaningful impact? The Durham VA Medical Center is currently hiring for its highly-regarded Community Living Center (CLC). We are opening a brand-new, specialized rehabilitation unit known as "Independence Lane," and we are searching for compassionate, skilled nursing professionals to join our team in delivering top-tier care to our nation's heroes.
Job Responsibilities
As an RN in the CLC, you will not just be a caregiver; you will be an advocate for the independence and dignity of Veterans. Key duties include:
- Comprehensive Care: Developing and implementing patient-centered care plans for patients with complex medical needs.
- Restorative Focus: Supporting mobility and functional independence goals in the new rehabilitation unit.
- Collaborative Practice: Working closely with physical therapists, social workers, and physicians.
- Education: Guiding Veterans and their families through treatment plans and post-discharge home care.
Requirements
To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet several core requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship (or compliance with VA hiring policy for non-citizens).
- Completion of an accredited professional nursing program.
- An active, unrestricted RN license from a U.S. state or territory.
- Ability to meet physical requirements including lifting, walking, and standing.
Salary and Grade Overview
Candidates will be evaluated based on the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research. Your starting grade and salary range will be determined based on your specific education and professional experience.
| Level | Education Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | Fundamental care |
| Nurse I, Level II | ADN/Diploma + 1yr OR BSN | Integrated concepts |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/Diploma + 2yr OR BSN + 1yr OR MSN | Proficient practice |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2yr OR MSN + 1yr | Leadership in care |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2yr OR Doctorate | Advanced management |
Benefits
The VA offers a "Total Rewards" package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial security. Benefits include:
- Generous Leave: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Financial Security: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Loan Relief: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, follow these steps:
- Use the Required Template: Download the specific clinical resume document from the VA Careers portal.
- Quantify Experience: Clearly define your experience in the five core nursing dimensions.
- Stay Organized: Ensure all required supporting documents, such as your license and transcripts, are uploaded as clear, legible PDFs.
Serving those who have served our country is a uniquely rewarding career path. If you are ready to bring your clinical expertise to a supportive, interdisciplinary environment in Durham, NC, we encourage you to apply to the Durham VA Community Living Center today.
Why This Registered Nurse-Community Living Center Job Matters
Join the mission at the Durham VA Community Living Center and help our Veterans regain their independence in a state-of-the-art restorative care environment.
Registered Nurse-Community Living Center Job Overview
The Durham VA Medical Center is seeking dedicated Registered Nurses to join our five-star Community Living Center (CLC). We are launching a new unit, Independence Lane, specifically designed for short-term restorative, post-acute, and skilled rehabilitative care. This is a vital opportunity to provide compassionate, holistic nursing care to Veterans recovering from injury, illness, or surgery, ensuring they return to their highest level of functional independence.
Requirements for Registered Nurse-Community Living Center
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing school
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. State or Territory
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Negative drug screen prior to appointment
- Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse-Community Living Center
- At least one year of nursing home/skilled nursing facility experience
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- ANCC certification in Gerontological or Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Strong critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓50 days of paid time off (26 days annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan
- ✓Federal 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse-Community Living Center Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse-Community Living Center Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume and supporting documentation, including the standard VA clinical resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of September 11, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Use the provided VA template for your clinical resume to ensure all necessary data points are included.
- Be specific and thorough when describing your experience in relation to the five dimensions of nursing (Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research).
- Upload your full CV as an 'Other' document to supplement the required one-page template.
- Double-check that all required documents (licenses, transcripts, DD-214) are attached before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide reimbursement for student loans up to $200,000 for eligible candidates.
What is the expected work schedule?
The position involves rotating shifts (day, evening, night) and requires working rotating weekends.
Can foreign-trained nurses apply?
Yes, foreign-trained nurses must provide degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization and possess a valid U.S. nursing license.
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on September 11, 2026.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served in our military. The Durham VA Medical Center operates with a mission-driven approach, fostering a culture of "I CARE" values. Working at the CLC means joining an interdisciplinary team dedicated to long-term, hospice, and rehabilitative care.