Advance Your Nursing Career with the Boise VA
Are you a dedicated Registered Nurse looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with profound personal fulfillment? The Boise VA Healthcare System is seeking a compassionate professional to join our Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) team. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide holistic, patient-centered care for veterans navigating mental health challenges.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will perform a variety of critical nursing functions, including:
- Facilitating shift reports and ensuring seamless warm hand-offs.
- Developing and leading psychoeducational groups for veterans.
- Utilizing therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques.
- Participating in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
- Directing responses to psychiatric emergencies and ensuring environmental safety.
- Documenting patient progress, assessments, and safety rounds.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Education: A graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited school of nursing.
- Licensure: A current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Proficiency: Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
- Background: Successful completion of security investigations and pre-employment drug screening.
Grade Determination Comparison
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level II | ADN/Diploma OR BSN | 1 Year (ADN) or 0 Years (BSN) |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/Diploma/BSN/MSN | 1-2 Years depending on degree |
| Nurse II | BSN/MSN/Doctoral | 0-2 Years of specialized experience |
Salary and Benefits
The VA offers a highly competitive total rewards package. The salary range for this position is $71,488 to $147,277 per year, with potential for performance awards and regular salary increases. Your comprehensive federal benefits include:
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: Access to the federal pension system and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- Insurance: A wide selection of health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options that can follow you into retirement.
Application Tips
When applying for federal positions, specificity is key. Avoid vague summaries; detail your specific nursing duties, the populations you have served, and how your practice aligns with the five dimensions of VHA nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice. Ensure all your documentation, especially your license and transcripts, are legible and correctly attached.
This position is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide transformative care to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. If you are an experienced, compassionate RN ready to embrace the culture of the VA, we encourage you to submit your application by October 29, 2026.
Why This Nurse (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program / Mental Health) Job Matters
Advance your nursing career while providing life-changing support to our nation's heroes in the heart of Idaho.
Nurse (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program / Mental Health) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) in Boise, Idaho. In this role, you will provide compassionate, recovery-oriented mental health care within our Transformation Recovery Center. You will serve as a vital member of an interdisciplinary team, facilitating group therapy, managing patient safety, and guiding veterans through their journey to wellness.
Requirements for Nurse (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program / Mental Health)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
- Background and security investigation clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program / Mental Health)
- At least one year of professional nursing experience
- Experience in mental health or residential rehabilitation environments
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate psychoeducational groups
- Strong assessment and crisis intervention skills
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% employer matching
- ✓50 days of combined paid time off (26 annual leave, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Career growth and leadership development opportunities
- ✓Professional liability protection
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program / Mental Health) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program / Mental Health) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed long-form resume or CV emphasizing your nursing practice and dimensions of care.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, nursing license, and veteran preference forms (if applicable).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline on October 29, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically address the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Do not leave gaps in your work history; provide clear, detailed descriptions of your clinical duties.
- Verify that your nursing license is current and uploaded as a clear PDF document.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues on the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This role involves 12-hour shifts, typically from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with variable days depending on unit needs.
Can I apply if I am a recent nursing graduate?
Yes, depending on your education level and the specific Nurse I level requirements, you may be eligible. Please review the grade determination criteria in the official posting.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite, in-person clinical role at the Boise VA Healthcare System.
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 and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As an employee of the Veterans Health Administration, you will join a mission-driven organization that values Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE).