Advance Your Nursing Career at the VA Maine Healthcare System
Are you an experienced Registered Nurse looking for a fulfilling career path that honors those who have served our country? The VA Maine Healthcare System in Togus is currently seeking dedicated individuals to fill full-time Inpatient Medical-Surgical nursing roles. This is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As an Inpatient Medical-Surgical RN, your duties are multifaceted and critical to the patient experience. You will:
- Provide and supervise direct patient care using the full nursing process.
- Coordinate care plans with an emphasis on patient self-management and education.
- Administer medications and perform clinical procedures per established safety guidelines.
- Lead interdisciplinary team efforts to improve evidence-based patient outcomes.
- Mentor junior staff and promote a culture of professional growth and safety.
Comparison of Nursing Grade Levels
| Level | Education Requirement | Experience Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level 1 | ADN or Diploma | Entry-level competence |
| Nurse I, Level 3 | ADN/BSN + Experience | Complex client management |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 yrs experience | Holistic care leadership |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 yrs experience | Senior management & research |
Requirements
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license. You must demonstrate proficiency in English and successfully pass a pre-employment physical. All selected candidates will undergo a background check and must participate in the VA's mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
VA nursing salaries are competitive and recognize your professional development. The salary range for this position is $79,904 to $139,497 per year, depending on your education, years of specialized nursing experience, and scope of practice. Regular salary increases and performance awards are also available.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a robust total rewards package:
- Comprehensive Insurance: Full health, vision, and dental coverage.
- Retirement: Federal pension plus a 401k plan with agency matching up to 5%.
- Generous PTO: Up to 50 days of paid time off including annual, sick, and federal holidays.
- Loan Forgiveness: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Application Tips
To ensure your application stands out:
- Be Precise: When describing your work history, include the exact start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Quantify: Highlight your leadership or quality improvement initiatives.
- Map Experience: Clearly link your previous roles to the five VA dimensions: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Joining the VA Maine Healthcare System means joining a mission-driven organization where your skills directly improve the lives of Veterans. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a focus on professional development, this is an ideal role for the dedicated healthcare professional. Apply today and start your journey with the VA.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is an inpatient clinical position requiring onsite attendance at the Togus, Maine facility.
Why This Rn Staff-Inpt-Med/Surg Job Matters
Join the VA Maine Healthcare System and turn your nursing passion into a rewarding career supporting our nation's Veterans.
Rn Staff-Inpt-Med/Surg Job Overview
The VA Maine Healthcare System is seeking dedicated Registered Nurses (RNs) for Inpatient Medical-Surgical roles at the Togus facility. This is a unique opportunity to provide holistic, evidence-based care in a patient-centered environment. Successful candidates will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to improve health outcomes for those who have served our country. This role offers competitive federal compensation, excellent work-life balance, and potential student loan repayment options.
Requirements for Rn Staff-Inpt-Med/Surg
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license from any U.S. State or Territory
- Graduate of an accredited nursing school (ACEN or CCNE)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to complete background/security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Rn Staff-Inpt-Med/Surg
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher
- Direct inpatient medical-surgical nursing experience
- Demonstrated ability in interdisciplinary team collaboration and evidence-based practice
- Active registration/certification in specialized nursing areas
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan
- ✓Federal 401k with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Up to 50 days of combined paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
- ✓Flexible and predictable scheduling options
- ✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities
💡 How to Apply Rn Staff-Inpt-Med/Surg Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Rn Staff-Inpt-Med/Surg Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume including dates and hours per week for all employment.
- Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documents, including transcripts, nursing license, and SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed in your resume; do not leave gaps in employment history.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the five dimensions of nursing (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice).
- Verify your school's accreditation status via the provided links before applying.
- Double-check that all required documents (transcripts, DD-214, etc.) are attached to avoid disqualification.
- Tailor your cover letter to highlight your experience with acute care or medical-surgical units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP. You must submit your application within four months of appointment to be considered.
What is the schedule for this position?
This is a full-time position requiring rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends, with hours spanning 7:30am to 8:00pm or 7:30pm to 8:00am.
Are foreign nursing degrees accepted?
Yes, provided you include a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization like the International Consultants of Delaware.
What is EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 in assistance for eligible participants.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest healthcare system in the United States. We are driven by the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Working at the Togus facility offers a unique environment where clinical expertise meets compassionate, patient-centered care. Our nurses enjoy a collaborative atmosphere, clear advancement structures, and the satisfaction of supporting the Veteran community.