Advance Your Nursing Career: Spinal Cord Injury RN at Syracuse VA Medical Center
Are you a dedicated nurse looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with deep personal satisfaction? The Syracuse VA Medical Center is actively seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for our Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) unit. This is a vital position within our healthcare system, offering the opportunity to provide direct, evidence-based care to those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an SCI Registered Nurse, you will be on the front lines of patient recovery and maintenance. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Direct Patient Care: Utilizing the full nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient outcomes.
- Clinical Oversight: Guiding and supervising licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants.
- Care Coordination: Ensuring seamless care across the healthcare continuum.
- Patient Education: empowering Veterans and their families to take an active role in self-management and recovery.
- Advocacy: Ensuring every Veteran receives care that respects their unique needs and values.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a professional nurse.
- Education: Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required for most federal positions.
- Clinical Proficiency: Ability to demonstrate competencies in the five dimensions of VHA practice.
Salary and Benefits
Working for the VA offers a compensation package that is among the best in the nursing field.
| Feature | Benefit Detail |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $81,520 - $136,339 per year |
| Paid Time Off | 50 days (annual + sick + holidays) |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401(k) Thrift Savings Plan |
| Insurance | Comprehensive Federal health, dental, and vision options |
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience that demonstrates leadership and clinical judgment.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure you have your DD-214 (if applicable) and nursing license ready for upload.
- Follow the Dimensions: Align your narrative with the five VHA nursing dimensions (Practice, Veteran-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, Evidence-Based Practice).
Serving those who have served us is a profound honor. If you are an RN ready to challenge yourself in a supportive, mission-driven environment, the Syracuse VA Medical Center is the place for you. Apply today to help us continue our tradition of excellence in Veteran care.
Why This Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job Matters
Join the Syracuse VA Medical Center team and provide life-changing, compassionate care to the Veterans who have given so much for our nation.
Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job Overview
The Syracuse VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join our Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) unit. In this role, you will perform essential patient care duties, including medication administration, patient advocacy, and care coordination for Veterans with complex needs. This position involves direct patient care, working within a multidisciplinary team, and providing evidence-based nursing interventions. If you are passionate about whole health care and want to contribute to a mission-driven environment, we invite you to apply.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury
- Must be a U.S. citizen (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Possess a degree from an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- Successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Submit to and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Successfully complete a background and security investigation.
- Must meet the requirements for the Selective Service if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury
- Prior experience in Spinal Cord Injury or complex acute care settings.
- Advanced certifications in rehabilitation or acute nursing.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate care across multiple service lines.
- Experience in leading clinical initiatives or evidence-based practice committees.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with periodic increases.
- ✓50 days of total leave (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 paid federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal pension and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- ✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Spinal Cord Injury Job
- Create a profile on USAJobs.gov.
- Prepare your long-form resume or curriculum vitae.
- Review the full vacancy announcement for documentation requirements, such as transcripts or DD-214.
- Access the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Submit all required documentation before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates regarding your application.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; the hiring board cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Clearly link your nursing experience to the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Veteran-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJobs account.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and current.
- Apply well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This role requires 12-hour shifts with a rotation between day and night duty.
Can I apply if I am not yet a U.S. citizen?
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is a facility-based position located at the Syracuse VA Medical Center in New York.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I work from home?
No, this position requires in-person patient care at the Syracuse facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to our nation's Veterans. The Syracuse VA Medical Center serves as a cornerstone of health services in New York, offering a collaborative, mission-focused work environment. We pride ourselves on our 'Whole Health' approach, ensuring that our clinicians have the resources and support necessary to treat the whole patient—mind, body, and spirit.