Advance Your Nursing Leadership Career at the West Texas VA
Are you a visionary nurse leader with a passion for driving healthcare excellence? The George H. O'Brien Jr. Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas, is seeking a highly qualified Deputy Nurse Executive to join its executive leadership team. This role represents a pinnacle opportunity for nursing administrators to influence organizational policy, mentor staff, and ensure the highest standards of care for our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As the Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Service/Deputy Nurse Executive, you are not just a manager; you are a strategic partner. Your duties will include:
- Executive Leadership: Serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team to shape health care strategy.
- Nursing Standards: Establishing and maintaining nursing practice standards 24/7, across all disciplines.
- Operational Oversight: Managing nursing staffing models, policies, and competencies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Cultural Leadership: Championing a High Reliability Organization (HRO) approach focused on prevention, safety, and evidence-based practice.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) or a related field (with a BSN).
- Licensure: A full, active, and unrestricted RN license.
- Experience: Significant professional nursing experience with at least two years in a leadership capacity.
- Compliance: Ability to pass security investigations and drug screenings.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Education Level | Min. Nursing Exp | Specialized Exp | Requirement Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSN | 4 Years | 1 Year (Nurse III equiv) | Valid nursing practice |
| Doctoral | 3 Years | 1 Year (Nurse III equiv) | Valid nursing practice |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a robust compensation package ranging from $159,918 to $212,685 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA offers:
- 50 days of combined leave per year.
- A traditional federal pension plan.
- Federal 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Extensive health insurance options that extend into retirement.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly document your experience in the five core VHA dimensions of practice.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and professional licenses are attached to your packet.
- Stay Current: Monitor your status on the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Serving as a Deputy Nurse Executive is a rewarding commitment to the future of Veteran healthcare. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a leadership challenge, we encourage you to apply by the September 14, 2026 deadline.
Why This Deputy Nurse Executive/Adpcs Job Matters
Shape the future of Veteran care in Big Spring, Texas, as a Deputy Nurse Executive with the Veterans Health Administration.
Deputy Nurse Executive/Adpcs Job Overview
The George H. O'Brien Jr. Veteran Affairs Medical Center is seeking a strategic and visionary healthcare leader to serve as the Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Service/Deputy Nurse Executive (Nurse IV). This executive-level position is vital to ensuring the continuous delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care for Veterans in West Texas. As a core member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will influence policy, manage complex nursing programs, and drive evidence-based health solutions within a high-reliability organization.
Requirements for Deputy Nurse Executive/Adpcs
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Active, full, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
- Possession of a valid driver's license for government vehicle operation.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Nurse Executive/Adpcs
- Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) or a related field with a BSN.
- Doctoral degree in Nursing or a related field.
- Minimum of two years of current supervisory nursing experience.
- Proven expertise in quality improvement, patient safety, and High Reliability Organization (HRO) execution.
- Familiarity with regulatory agency standards (Joint Commission, OIG, SAIL, etc.).
- Current basic or advanced board certification.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular performance-based increases.
- ✓50 days of paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 Federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan.
- ✓Federal 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and research.
💡 How to Apply Deputy Nurse Executive/Adpcs Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Deputy Nurse Executive/Adpcs Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV detailing your executive nursing experience.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on September 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your leadership experience.
- Explicitly address the five dimensions of nursing practice: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Verify your degree accreditation on the ACEN or CCNE websites before applying.
- Review your application status regularly via the USAJOBS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my nursing school is no longer accredited?
If your school was accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of your graduation, it is acceptable, provided you submit proof of that historical accreditation.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The West Texas VA Health Care System is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of care for those who have served. Serving over 57,000 Veterans, the system utilizes state-of-the-art technology and provides a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services. Big Spring, known as the "Crossroads of West Texas," offers a revitalized downtown, a welcoming community, and proximity to major Texas hubs.