Advance Your Nursing Career: Join the VA in Sterling, Illinois
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is currently hiring an Advanced Practice Nurse (Primary Care) to serve at our clinic in Sterling, Illinois. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality, holistic care to the men and women who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Practice Nurse, you will work within the Whole Health System of care, focusing on:
- Managing a panel of patients with acute and chronic conditions.
- Developing personalized health plans that emphasize disease prevention.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless care coordination.
- Prescribing pharmacologic treatments and ordering diagnostic tests.
- Providing patient and family education.
Comparison: Nurse Grade II vs. Nurse Grade III
| Feature | Nurse Grade II (Entry) | Nurse Grade III (Advanced) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Required | None required | 1+ Year Specialized APN Experience |
| Clinical Focus | Proficiency in panel management | Expertise and modeling evidence-based care |
| Leadership | Active team member | Leads interdisciplinary teams |
| Professional Development | Developing expertise | Disseminating knowledge to the facility |
Requirements
To qualify, candidates must be U.S. citizens, hold an active and unrestricted APN license, and possess a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program. You must also maintain active board certification in your specialty (e.g., FNP, AGPCNP).
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $116,092 – $168,296. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package, including:
- EDRP: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- Healthcare: Robust insurance options for you and your family.
- Retirement: Federal pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-equivalent).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including federal holidays.
If you are a passionate Nurse Practitioner ready to transition into a role that truly makes a difference, the VA wants to hear from you. Apply today to help us uphold our commitment to our Veterans.
Why This Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job Matters
Transform lives as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Sterling, Illinois—join the Iowa City VA team and deliver world-class primary care to those who have served.
Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job Overview
The Iowa City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) to provide comprehensive primary care services in Sterling, Illinois. This role focuses on holistic health management, disease prevention, and patient advocacy within a supportive, interdisciplinary team environment. As part of a 5-Star CMS-rated facility, you will play a critical role in executing personalized health plans for our nation’s Veterans.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care
- U.S. Citizenship (unless recruitment of citizens is not possible).
- Active, current, full, and unrestricted Advanced Practice Nurse license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Master’s, doctoral, or post-master’s certificate as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited program.
- Current board certification in a relevant area (e.g., FNP, ANP, AGPCNP, ACNP, AGACNP, GNP).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Ability to pass a background security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care
- One year of specialized experience at the Nurse II grade level for grade III consideration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex patient panels independently.
- Proven experience in interdisciplinary clinical leadership.
- Expertise in utilizing research to improve patient outcomes.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary range within the federal pay scale.
- ✓Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) for qualifying student loans (up to $200,000).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
- ✓Generous federal retirement and pension benefits.
- ✓Structured career development and professional growth opportunities.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse - Primary Care Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive long-form resume or CV detailing your clinical experience.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including licenses, certifications, and transcripts.
- Submit your application package before the specified cut-off dates.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the required clinical competencies.
- Submit all required documents, including your current license and board certifications, to avoid delays.
- Check the status of your application regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure you upload your DD-214 to claim preference eligibility.
- Be precise in your questionnaire responses as they are the primary screening tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) available for this position?
Yes, this position may be eligible for the EDRP. Eligibility and award amounts are determined after appointment by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, though alternative hours may be negotiated at the time of hire.
Is telework available?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence in the Sterling clinic.
What is the hiring path for this job?
This position is open to both internal agency employees and members of the public.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We take pride in our mission to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. The Iowa City VA is a 5-Star CMS-rated facility, recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and patient-centered care. As an employee here, you join a team that values integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence.