Leading the Future of Veteran Care: Becoming a VISN Chief Nursing Officer
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic healthcare to those who have defended our country. At the heart of this mission is the nursing leadership that drives innovation, safety, and clinical excellence. We are currently seeking an experienced, executive-level Registered Nurse for the role of VISN Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). This position is ideal for a high-performing nurse leader who is ready to influence healthcare outcomes at a network level.
Job Responsibilities
As the VISN CNO, you will exercise significant clinical and administrative judgment. Your responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Leading clinical care models and defining nursing practice standards.
- Network Oversight: Managing workforce retention, recruitment, and staffing methodologies.
- Quality & Safety: Champions of High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles to reduce clinical risk.
- Policy Formation: Setting the direction for nursing care across the entire regional network.
Requirements
This position requires an advanced practitioner with a strong educational and professional background. Key requirements include:
- A Master's degree in Nursing (or a related field with a BSN).
- Active, unrestricted RN license.
- Several years of specialized experience in an executive-level role.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex systems and interdisciplinary teams.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Qualification Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education (Master's track) | MSN + 5 Years Experience |
| Education (Doctoral track) | DNP/PhD + 4 Years Experience |
| Licensure | Full & Unrestricted RN License |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen (or eligible non-citizen) |
Salary and Benefits
The role offers a competitive compensation package between $213,597 and $228,000 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from:
- 50 days of paid time off annually.
- Federal retirement pension and 401(k) contributions.
- Access to comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume highlights specific outcomes. Don't just list tasks—quantify your impact on nursing practice, staff retention, or patient outcomes. Always double-check that your transcripts are attached, as this is a strict requirement for federal clinical positions.
Serving as a VISN Chief Nursing Officer is more than just a job; it is a commitment to ensuring that the highest standard of care is delivered to our Veterans. If you have the executive expertise and the passion for clinical excellence, we invite you to apply through the USAJobs portal.
Why This Visn Chief Nursing Officer (Cno) Rn Job Matters
Shape the future of Veteran healthcare by leading high-impact nursing initiatives across a dynamic multi-facility network as a VISN Chief Nursing Officer.
Visn Chief Nursing Officer (Cno) Rn Job Overview
The Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) 1 is seeking a visionary Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to serve as a high-level executive leader. This role is pivotal in driving strategic clinical direction, standardizing nursing practice, and overseeing health care delivery across a network of facilities. You will influence nursing policy, foster an environment of evidence-based practice, and ensure top-tier care for those who have served our nation.
Requirements for Visn Chief Nursing Officer (Cno) Rn
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens if no qualified citizens are available).
- English language proficiency (written and spoken).
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN registration in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) OR Master's in a related field with a BSN (Doctoral degree options also available).
- Significant professional nursing experience (4–5 years depending on degree), including specialized executive-level nursing experience.
- Valid, unrestricted driver's license and safe driving record.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
- Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Compliance with drug testing requirements for designated positions.
Preferred Qualifications for Visn Chief Nursing Officer (Cno) Rn
- Proven track record in healthcare executive leadership and strategic planning.
- Expertise in nursing informatics and Electronic Health Record (EHR) oversight.
- Deep understanding of high-reliability organization (HRO) principles and patient safety initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex clinical risk and develop robust workforce retention strategies.
- Experience in cross-facility or network-wide nursing governance and policy formulation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with periodic adjustments.
- ✓50 days of paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement benefits, including a 401(k) with government matching.
- ✓Robust federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements where applicable.
💡 How to Apply Visn Chief Nursing Officer (Cno) Rn Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Visn Chief Nursing Officer (Cno) Rn Job
- Log in to or create your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume or CV, ensuring all dates and hours worked are included.
- Gather necessary documentation: SF-50 (if federal employee), transcripts, and licensure proof.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Use detailed bullet points to describe your experience in the five dimensions of VHA nursing (Practice, Veteran-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research).
- Verify your SF-50: Current federal employees must submit a recent non-award SF-50 showing current grade and step.
- Check accreditation: Ensure your nursing degree program was accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of your graduation.
- Don't assume: The hiring team will not infer skills; make sure your resume explicitly states your leadership duties and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position. It requires presence and oversight across the network.
What level of education is required for this role?
The position requires at least a Master's degree in Nursing or a related field (with a BSN). A Doctoral degree in Nursing or a related field is also acceptable with qualifying experience.
How is the salary determined?
The salary range is $213,597 to $228,000. Final compensation is determined based on the candidate's education, depth of experience, and the specific requirements of the grade level.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation. It operates under the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As a member of the VHA leadership, you will work within a mission-driven environment that values both the providers and the Veterans they serve.