Advance Your Nursing Career with the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Are you a compassionate Registered Nurse looking to transition into a career where your work directly honors those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Healthcare System is currently recruiting a dedicated Registered Nurse for our Community Living Center in Tacoma, Washington. This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the most complex and interdisciplinary VA healthcare networks in the country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Registered Nurse in the Community Living Center, your duties are diverse and rewarding:
- Patient Care: Delivering fundamental, knowledge-based care to Veterans in a long-term care setting.
- Leadership: Guiding the professional growth of junior staff and nursing students.
- Advocacy: Championing evidence-based practices that improve clinical outcomes.
- Resource Management: Utilizing resources efficiently to provide cost-effective, high-quality care.
- Collaboration: Working within interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic, patient-centered results.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. State or territory.
- Education: Graduation from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school of nursing is mandatory.
- Clearance: Must pass a pre-employment physical and security investigation.
- Documentation: You must provide a clear, long-form resume detailing your specific clinical duties, employment dates, and hours worked.
Grade Determination Comparison
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level II | ADN or Diploma | 1 Year Specialized |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN or Diploma | 2 Years Specialized |
| Nurse II | BSN | 2 Years Specialized |
| Nurse III | MSN | 2 Years Specialized |
Salary and Benefits
The VA offers a robust "Total Rewards" package designed to support your financial and personal well-being.
- Competitive Salary: Ranges from $87,285 to $161,201 per year based on experience and education.
- Generous Leave: 50 days of paid time off annually (including 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave).
- Retirement: Federal pension plus a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- EDRP: Potential eligibility for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: The VA does not make assumptions about your experience. Be sure to link your previous responsibilities to the five dimensions of nursing (Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice).
- Check Your Dates: Ensure every position listed includes the month and year of the start and end dates.
- Use the Toolset: Leverage the official VA application questionnaire to clearly articulate your experience level.
Serving Veterans is more than just a job; it is a calling. If you are an experienced RN ready to contribute to a world-class, interdisciplinary team, we encourage you to apply. The application period closes on September 15, 2026. Take the next step in your career and apply to the VA today.
Why This Registered Nurse - Community Living Center Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on those who served by providing compassionate, high-quality care as a Registered Nurse at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in Tacoma.
Registered Nurse - Community Living Center Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for our Community Living Center. As a member of our Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching facility, you will play a vital role in delivering whole health care to our nation's Veterans. This role offers the unique opportunity to work in a dynamic clinical environment that emphasizes evidence-based practice and professional growth.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Community Living Center
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Active, full, and unrestricted nursing license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing school.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Completion of a background and security investigation.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Community Living Center
- Clinical experience in a long-term care or Community Living Center setting.
- Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary clinical environments.
- Experience in evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.
- Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, and Dental insurance plans.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for qualified student loans.
- ✓Structured career advancement and performance awards.
💡 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 long-form resume ensuring it includes detailed dates of employment (month/year), job titles, and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including your nursing license, transcripts, and any applicable veterans' preference documents (DD-214).
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Avoid gaps in your work history descriptions; be as detailed as possible to allow for an accurate grade determination.
- Review all required documents before hitting submit, as missing items can result in a loss of consideration.
- Utilize the USAJOBS status tracker to monitor your application progress after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualifying applicants.
Can I apply if my nursing license is from another state?
Yes, as long as you possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a nurse in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States.
What is the work schedule?
Shifts are available from 6:00am - 2:30pm or 2:00pm - 10:30pm, with rotating weekends off.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site clinical position at our Tacoma facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System operates as a Level 1a major teaching facility. We are home to two Community Living Centers, advanced rehabilitation units, and a wide spectrum of specialty care services. We prioritize a whole-health approach, ensuring our Veterans receive the most comprehensive care possible.