Embark on a Fulfilling Career: Registered Nurse (Spinal Cord Injury) at the VA
Are you a dedicated nurse looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is currently seeking a passionate Registered Nurse (RN) to join the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D) division. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing world-class, holistic care to Veterans dealing with complex medical needs.
Job Responsibilities
As an SCI/D Registered Nurse, you will be the heart of the clinical team. Your primary duties include:
- Managing the day-to-day needs of patients with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
- Providing medication administration and rigorous clinical documentation.
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to create seamless, integrated care plans.
- Promoting patient independence through rehabilitation nursing principles.
- Serving as a resource for quality improvement and patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Education: Completion of an accredited nursing program (ADN, Diploma, or BSN).
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Language: Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is highly competitive, reflecting the clinical expertise required for this specialized role.
| Position Level | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (SCI/D) | $78,656 - $137,109 |
Benefits
Choosing a career at the VA comes with a robust total rewards package designed to support your long-term success:
- Leave: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) options.
- Insurance: Full selection of federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly demonstrate your experience across the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Be Detailed: Use concrete examples of how you handled patient care, especially regarding complex rehabilitation or acute care scenarios.
- Prepare Documents: Ensure your license and transcripts are scanned and ready for upload.
Join us in Milwaukee and provide the care our Veterans deserve. If you have the passion, skill, and desire to work in a challenging and rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply today via the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by joining our specialized Spinal Cord Injury nursing team in Milwaukee.
Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join our Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder unit. This role is perfect for a compassionate professional looking to provide high-quality, holistic care to Veterans dealing with complex medical conditions, rehabilitation needs, and acute/chronic illness management.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury
- U.S. Citizenship (unless no qualified citizens are available).
- English language proficiency (written and spoken).
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE-accredited professional nursing school.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN registration in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Current CRRN certification.
- At least 2 years of acute care nursing experience.
- Prior experience in SCI or rehabilitation nursing.
- Technical competency with ventilators and tracheostomy care.
- Proficiency with Electronic Health Record systems.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular performance-based increases.
- ✓Generous PTO (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Career advancement and ongoing professional development.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documents (transcripts, licenses, DD-214 if applicable).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided portal link.
- Submit your application and all required documentation before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed and maps your experience to the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Be specific about your nursing experience; do not assume the hiring manager understands your previous duties.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Double-check that all required documents, such as your current nursing license, are attached in a legible format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The role typically involves shifts between 0730-1600 or 0730-2000, and requires flexibility for off-tour rotations, weekends, and holidays.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an onsite, inpatient clinical role, and telework is not available.
What if I am a new graduate without a license yet?
The VA may consider a Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) appointment for candidates who meet education requirements but are still in the process of obtaining licensure.
Is there an opportunity for growth?
Yes, the VA provides numerous avenues for professional development and advancement within the VHA.
Are performance incentives available?
The VA offers competitive salaries with regular increases and potential for performance-based awards.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is America’s largest integrated healthcare system. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA means joining a community that values compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence.