Advance Your Nursing Leadership Career at VA San Diego
Are you an experienced nurse leader looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the San Diego Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with high-level administrative leadership to serve those who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
The Nurse Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Medical/Surgical Telemetry Unit. Key responsibilities include:
- Team Leadership: Overseeing nursing staff, including mentorship and competency evaluation.
- Patient Care Coordination: Managing unit flow, staffing ratios, and clinical standards to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Operational Excellence: Using data-driven decision-making (such as SAIL and NDNQI metrics) to identify system improvements.
- Collaboration: Working with interdisciplinary teams to lead committees, task forces, and Shared Governance councils.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the unit meets all Joint Commission, OSHA, and VA requirements.
Comparison: Nurse Grade Levels
| Level | Education Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level 1 | ADN / Diploma | Fundamental care delivery |
| Nurse I, Level 3 | BSN + 1yr Exp / MSN | Complex client situations |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2yrs / MSN + 1yr | Leadership in holistic care |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2yrs / DNP | Creative management approaches |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet basic requirements, including:
- A degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program.
- A current, unrestricted RN license from a U.S. State or Territory.
- A passion for Veteran-centered care and emotional/mental stability.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Salary and Benefits
Our Nurse Managers are rewarded with a comprehensive compensation package. In addition to a competitive annual salary ranging from $103,980 to $225,813, employees enjoy:
- Time Off: A generous 50 days of paid leave annually.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and a 401(k) with agency matching.
- Insurance: A robust selection of health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
Application Tips
Focus your resume on your leadership accomplishments. Don't just list your tasks; describe how your interventions led to better clinical outcomes or improved team efficiency. Ensure all certificates, licenses, and transcripts are uploaded, as missing paperwork is a primary reason for disqualification.
If you are ready to elevate your career and give back to our Veterans, the VA San Diego Healthcare System is the place for you. Apply today to lead one of our critical medical-surgical teams and join a community that values excellence in every action. Your leadership can change the lives of the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
Why This Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager Job Matters
Lead a high-impact team at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and shape the future of veteran-centered medical-surgical care.
Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager to oversee daily operations at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. As a leader in this Level 1a teaching facility, you will bridge the gap between clinical excellence and administrative efficiency. You will play a vital role in ensuring high-quality, compassionate care for our nation's heroes while mentoring staff and driving interdisciplinary initiatives.
Requirements for Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Passing a pre-employment physical examination
- Must pass a drug screening test
- Ability to complete a 2-year trial/probationary period
- Completion of mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
- 1-2 years of recent leadership experience in an acute inpatient care unit
- 3-5 years of recent full-time bedside nursing experience
- Proven experience in clinical program outcome management
- Strong fiscal, operational, and project management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and clinical data reporting systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan (5-year vesting)
- ✓Federal 401(k) with matching contributions up to 5%
- ✓50 days of paid time off (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
- ✓Performance awards and bonuses
- ✓Career development and mentorship opportunities
💡 How to Apply Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Nurse Manager Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy requirements and documentation list.
- Prepare your long-form resume, CV, and professional nursing license.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documents, including transcripts and veteran preference forms (if applicable).
- Submit your application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to ensure all clinical and leadership experience is captured.
- Clearly link your nursing practice experience to the five core VHA dimensions (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, Evidence/Based Practice).
- Don't forget to attach your nursing license and degree transcripts—missing documents are the most common cause of disqualification.
- Double-check your application submission status in the USAJOBS dashboard after clicking submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a 24/7 hospital environment; therefore, the position requires flexibility. You may be asked to work weekends, holidays, or extended shifts to meet operational needs.
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed in California?
Yes, you must hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted license in any state, territory, or district of the United States.
Is relocation assistance available?
Relocation and recruitment incentives are currently not authorized for this position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) is a premier Level 1a teaching hospital. We are committed to providing world-class, compassionate, and whole-health care to Veterans. Our system includes the main medical center in La Jolla and six Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) located throughout the San Diego area. When you work with us, you join an organization dedicated to innovation, research, and unwavering service to the Veteran community.