Advance Your Nursing Leadership Career as a Nursing Officer of the Day
The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is currently seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse to step into the role of Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD). This unique opportunity allows experienced clinicians to take on a leadership role within the Associate Director of Patient Care Services office. If you are passionate about clinical excellence and want to serve those who have served our country, this role offers a challenging and rewarding career path in the heart of Arizona.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Officer of the Day, you will act as the facility's clinical authority during your shift. Your responsibilities are multifaceted and require a blend of clinical expertise and administrative skill:
- Leadership and Crisis Management: Identify and respond to escalating medical crises, ensuring the safety and stability of the patient population.
- Resource Allocation: Manage staffing levels across the facility to meet fluctuating care needs effectively.
- Quality of Care: Oversee the delivery of care to ensure patient outcomes meet the high standards expected at the VA.
- Expert Guidance: Serve as a mentor and resource for nursing staff, promoting evidence-based practices.
Comparison of Nurse Grade Levels
| Grade Level | Education Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level 1 | ADN or Diploma | Foundation & Competency |
| Nurse I, Level 3 | ADN/BSN + 1-2 years | Complex client management |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 years | Collaborative leadership |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 years | Systems-level management |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Licensure: A current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license.
- Citizenship: Preference is given to U.S. citizens.
- Background: Must undergo a security investigation and drug screening.
- Compliance: Must complete a 2-year probationary period and adhere to the annual seasonal influenza vaccination policy.
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being and long-term security of its employees.
- Salary Range: $90,920 - $164,083 per year.
- Time Off: 50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal holiday leave per year.
- Retirement: Access to a federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency contribution.
- Insurance: Extensive options for health, vision, dental, and life insurance, with many options continuing into retirement.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is clear and specific. The VA evaluates your experience based on five core dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research. Make sure your previous experience is clearly linked to these areas. Do not leave room for assumptions—explicitly state your achievements and outcomes.
Serving as a Nursing Officer of the Day is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the lives of our Veterans while advancing your professional nursing leadership skills. With competitive pay, robust federal benefits, and a mission that truly matters, this position is ideal for clinicians ready to lead. Apply today via the USAJOBS portal to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Registered Nurse (Nod) - Associate Director Patient Care Services - Detail Nte 120 Days Job Matters
Step into a pivotal leadership role as a Nursing Officer of the Day in beautiful Prescott, Arizona, and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans.
Registered Nurse (Nod) - Associate Director Patient Care Services - Detail Nte 120 Days Job Overview
The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to serve as the Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD). This position functions within the Associate Director of Patient Care Services office, acting as the primary clinical lead during assigned shifts. You will serve as the facility's expert in identifying escalating medical crises, coordinating resources, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care. This is a 120-day detail opportunity with the potential for conversion to a permanent status.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (Nod) - Associate Director Patient Care Services - Detail Nte 120 Days
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program (ACEN or CCNE)
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license from a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical evaluation and drug screening
- Must complete a 2-year probationary period
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Nod) - Associate Director Patient Care Services - Detail Nte 120 Days
- Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a related field
- Experience equivalent to Nurse II or Nurse III standards
- Proven leadership experience in complex clinical or hospital environments
- Evidence-based clinical decision-making capabilities
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance
- âś“Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
- âś“Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- âś“Federal 401k-style thrift savings plan with up to 5% agency matching
- âś“Portability of federal insurance benefits into retirement
đź’ˇ How to Apply Registered Nurse (Nod) - Associate Director Patient Care Services - Detail Nte 120 Days Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Nod) - Associate Director Patient Care Services - Detail Nte 120 Days Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume, including professional experience, volunteer work, and relevant certifications.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents such as your CV, SF-50 (if applicable), and nursing license.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on September 18, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed and maps your experience to the five VHA nursing dimensions: Practice, Veteran-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous responsibilities; be specific about your clinical achievements.
- Review your application thoroughly before submission, as errors or missing documents can disqualify your application.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure you upload your DD214 to claim preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
This role is a 120-day detail, but it may be converted to a permanent appointment without further competition.
What is the primary role of the Nursing Officer of the Day?
The NOD serves as the facility's clinical expert during shifts, managing medical crises, allocating nursing resources, and ensuring continuity of care across all patient areas.
What are the required dimensions of nursing practice?
Applicants must demonstrate competence in Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice/Research.
1. Can I apply if I have an associate degree?
Yes, but your grade level and salary will be determined by your specific educational background and nursing experience.
2. Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an on-site, facility-based role in Prescott, Arizona.
3. Do I need to be a Veteran to apply?
While the VA provides preference to eligible Veterans, the position is open to qualified applicants in accordance with federal hiring policies.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. By joining the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), you become part of a network committed to providing comprehensive, whole-health care to America’s Veterans. Working at the VA offers more than just a job; it is a commitment to a noble mission and the chance to work alongside world-class professionals in a supportive, mission-driven environment.