Advance Your Nursing Career: Critical Care Roles at the Syracuse VA Medical Center

Are you an experienced Registered Nurse looking to elevate your practice while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country? The Syracuse VA Medical Center is currently hiring a Critical Care Registered Nurse to join our team of dedicated healthcare professionals. This position offers a competitive salary, exceptional benefits, and the opportunity to work in a, collaborative, evidence-based environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Critical Care RN at the VA, you are responsible for the entire nursing process for acutely ill patients. Your core duties will include:

Direct Patient Care: Assessing, planning, and implementing high-intensity care for patients at risk for life-threatening health issues.
Technology Integration: Using advanced invasive and non-invasive monitoring equipment to track patient health data.
Team Collaboration: Partnering with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes and holistic care strategies.
Clinical Leadership: Mentoring junior staff, providing peer feedback, and contributing to quality improvement projects.
Evidence-Based Practice: Actively questioning clinical practices to foster an environment of continuous improvement and scientific inquiry.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: A graduate of a school of professional nursing accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
Licensure: A current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in any U.S. State or territory.
Experience: Candidates are evaluated based on their scope and length of practice. A minimum of an Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing is required for entry-level grades, with higher experience requirements for senior levels.
Language: Proficiency in basic written and spoken English is mandatory.
Compliance: Must be able to pass a drug screen, background investigation, and pre-employment physical.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position is competitive and reflects both education and professional experience. The salary range for this position is $81,520 to $136,339 per year. Your specific grade and step will be determined based on your unique clinical background and credentials.

Grade Determination Comparison

Grade Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
Nurse I, Level I	ADN / Diploma	None
Nurse I, Level III	ADN / Diploma	2 Years
Nurse II	BSN	2 Years
Nurse III	MSN	2 Years (post-Nurse II equivalent)

Benefits

VA employees enjoy a comprehensive rewards package, often cited as one of the best in the nation. Key highlights include:

Loan Repayment: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with awards up to $200,000.
Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year, plus 11 Federal holidays.
Retirement: Federal pension plan and a 401k (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care options.

Application Tips

Focus on the 5 Dimensions: When describing your experience, address how you have demonstrated Practice, Veteran-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Be Detailed: Do not leave gaps in your work history. The hiring team cannot make assumptions about your skills; make your clinical expertise explicit.
Use the Checklist: Ensure your CV, transcripts, and licenses are uploaded as required to prevent your application from being flagged as incomplete.

Joining the Syracuse VA Medical Center as a Critical Care Registered Nurse is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and a chance to provide world-class care to America's heroes. With significant financial support for your education and a clear path for professional growth, this position is an excellent opportunity for any nurse passionate about critical care. We encourage you to apply today and become part of our mission.

Why This Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job Matters

Advance your nursing career in Critical Care at the Syracuse VA Medical Center and take advantage of our robust $200,000 student loan repayment program.

Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job Overview

The Syracuse VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and skilled Registered Nurse to provide expert care within our Critical Care department. As a member of our interdisciplinary team, you will serve those who have served our nation by delivering high-intensity, evidence-based nursing care to Veterans facing complex health challenges. This role offers the opportunity to practice in a collaborative, supportive environment while utilizing state-of-the-art monitoring technology.

Requirements for Registered Nurse- Critical Care

U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse licensure in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Graduate of a professional nursing school accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse- Critical Care

Documented clinical experience in Critical Care or Intensive Care settings.
Proven track record of leadership in interdisciplinary clinical environments.
Demonstrated commitment to evidence-based practice and professional development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Generous leave: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Federal retirement benefits including 401k with up to 5% matching contributions.

💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Nurse- Critical Care Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV detailing your relevant nursing experience.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire online.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your nursing license, transcripts, and any applicable veterans' preference documentation.
Submit your application package before the deadline on December 7, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to clearly highlight your experience as it relates to the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Be specific with your work history; avoid generic job descriptions.
Review your application package for completeness before the closing date to ensure all certifications and licenses are included.
Opt-in to the recruitment system to make your resume available to other VA hiring managers if you are interested in similar roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which can provide student loan reimbursement up to $200,000. Eligibility is determined by the VHA program office upon review of your application.

Can I apply if I don't have my nursing license yet?

You may be eligible to apply as a Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) if you meet educational requirements but are awaiting licensure, provided you actively pursue your license within the permitted timeframe.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to honoring President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. The Syracuse VA Medical Center provides comprehensive, compassionate healthcare to our local Veterans, focusing on a "Whole Health" approach. Our facility prides itself on innovation, professional development, and a culture of safety for both our patients and our staff.