Elevate Your Nursing Career: Chief Nurse, Ambulatory Care at VA Connecticut

Are you a visionary nursing leader looking to make a lasting impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a dedicated Chief Nurse to join the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of ambulatory care for our nation’s heroes.

Job Responsibilities

The Chief Nurse (Ambulatory Care) is a high-level leadership position responsible for:

Clinical Leadership: Implementing innovative care models and evidence-based practices.
Operational Excellence: Managing resource allocation, budgets, and workflow optimization.
Staff Advocacy: Fostering an industry-leading, shared decision-making environment for clinical teams.
Patient Outcomes: Driving performance improvement and ensuring high standards of care for Veterans.

Comparison of Nursing Leadership Tiers

Feature	Clinical Nurse Manager	Chief Nurse (Ambulatory)
Scope	Unit-Specific	Program/Integrated Service Lines
Strategic Impact	Tactical/Daily Operations	Organizational/Mission Influence
Decision Making	Mid-level	Executive Level
Focus	Patient Flow	Healthcare Policy & System Outcomes

Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates must demonstrate:

Current, active, and unrestricted RN licensure.
Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ACEN/CCNE).
Proficiency in English.
Advanced leadership experience in a clinical setting.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $139,618 to $185,686 per year, depending on the candidate’s grade, experience, and nursing education.

Benefits of Working at the VA

Joining the VA offers more than just a paycheck; it includes a comprehensive federal rewards package:

Paid Time Off: 50 total days annually (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
Retirement: Federal pension plan and 401(k) with government matching.
Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, and vision coverage.
Flexibility: Work-life balance through our commitment to employee well-being.

How to Apply

Visit the USAJOBS portal to create your profile.
Upload your CV/resume, ensuring all professional experiences are detailed.
Submit your transcripts and current professional licenses.
Complete the online questionnaire carefully.

If you are an experienced leader passionate about high-quality care, we invite you to help us serve those who served. Your expertise in nursing and leadership is the key to our mission’s success. Apply today to secure your future in federal healthcare.

Why This Chief Nurse - Ambulatory Care Job Matters

Lead transformative nursing care at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System—where your leadership meets our mission to serve those who served.

Chief Nurse - Ambulatory Care Job Overview

The VA Connecticut Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Chief Nurse for our Ambulatory Care unit in West Haven. This leadership role is ideal for an experienced nursing executive ready to influence population health, drive clinical excellence, and foster an environment of evidence-based practice and compassionate patient-centered care for our Veterans.

Requirements for Chief Nurse - Ambulatory Care

Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
Active, full, unrestricted Registered Nurse license from a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited school of nursing.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications for Chief Nurse - Ambulatory Care

3-5 years of specialized primary or ambulatory care experience.
Documented history of progressive clinical leadership, management, and supervisory success.
Advanced Nursing Degree (MSN or DNP) is highly preferred.
Board Certification with executive-level credentials.
Expertise in regulatory compliance, clinical budgeting, and operational workflow optimization.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with periodic increases.
✓Generous PTO (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
✓Comprehensive Federal retirement benefits including a traditional pension and 401(k) with agency matching.
✓Extensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options.
✓Potential for performance-based awards and professional development opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Chief Nurse - Ambulatory Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chief Nurse - Ambulatory Care Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed long-form resume including specific dates, duties, and hours worked per week.
Gather supporting documents such as your RN license, transcripts, and SF-50 (if a current/former federal employee).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
Ensure your CV addresses all five nursing dimensions: Practice, Patient-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Research.
If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 to claim preference.
Double-check that your transcripts are attached and reflect accreditation status.
Apply well before the deadline to ensure your materials are fully uploaded and processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Chief Nurse in Ambulatory Care?

The Chief Nurse oversees population groups and integrated programs, ensuring high-quality clinical outcomes, managing nursing staff, and implementing innovative, data-driven healthcare models.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This is not a virtual position; it is based at the West Haven, CT campus. While some telework may be considered, the nature of this leadership role is onsite.

What documentation is required for current federal employees?

You must submit your most recent non-award SF-50 that clearly displays your job title, series, grade, step, and tenure.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military and their families. At the VA, we live by the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.