🟢 Status: OPEN — Open Continuous Until September 30, 2026 | VA Medical Centers Nationwide | Source: USAJOBS.gov
VA Registered Nurse Jobs 2026 — PACT Outpatient | Veterans Health Administration | $73K–$127K | Apply USAJOBS
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), under the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is hiring Registered Nurses (PACT, Outpatient) for 2026 at VA Medical Centers nationwide. This is an open continuous announcement accepting applications through September 30, 2026, making it one of the most accessible federal nursing opportunities of the year. VA nurses are paid under the Title 38 VHA Nurse Pay Scale — with salaries ranging from $73,159 to $127,463 per year depending on grade, location, and experience.
The Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model is the VA’s primary care delivery framework — combining physicians, nurses, and support staff into patient-centered teams. As a PACT Outpatient RN, you will work alongside VA providers in outpatient clinics serving America’s veterans. The VA is the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system, offering unmatched career stability, comprehensive benefits, and the deeply rewarding mission of caring for those who served.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Nurse (PACT, Outpatient) — Registered Nurse |
| Agency | Veterans Health Administration (VHA) |
| Department | US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Occupation | Title 38 — Registered Nurse (RN) Series 0610 |
| Location | Houston, TX | Washington, DC | Los Angeles, CA | Phoenix, AZ | Chicago, IL | Atlanta, GA | New York, NY | San Antonio, TX + 1,300+ VA Facilities Nationwide |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time — Monday through Friday; some positions include evening/weekend coverage |
| Appointment Type | Permanent — Career Appointment |
| Pay Scale | VHA Title 38 Nurse Pay Scale (NX-I through NX-III grades) |
| Salary Range | $73,159 – $127,463 per year (plus locality pay) |
| Opening Date | Open Continuous — Rolling Recruitment |
| Closing Date | September 30, 2026 — Apply Now |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens — Open to Public |
| Security Clearance | Background investigation required — no clearance level |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Travel Required | Occasional travel for training and coverage at community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) |
| Telework Eligible | Limited — primarily on-site clinical position |
| Student Loan Repayment | Available — up to $40,000 through VHA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) |
| USAJOBS Control No. | 848288200 |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As a VA PACT Outpatient Registered Nurse, you are a core member of a Patient Aligned Care Team — an interprofessional team that includes a primary care physician, a clinical pharmacist, a health technician, and a social worker, all working together to deliver coordinated, proactive primary care to a panel of veterans. You will conduct nursing assessments, coordinate care transitions, manage chronic conditions, administer medications and vaccines, facilitate health coaching, and serve as the primary care coordinator for your veteran panel.
The PACT model fundamentally transforms how veterans receive care — from reactive sick-care to proactive, personalized health management. VA nurses in PACT work closely with veterans who have served in all eras — Vietnam, Gulf War, OIF/OEF, and post-9/11 — many managing complex conditions including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and substance use disorders.
“Caring for veterans is among the most meaningful work a nurse can do. The trust our veterans place in us, and the complexity of their needs, makes VA nursing uniquely challenging and uniquely rewarding.” — VHA Chief Nursing Officer
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments for assigned veteran patient panel in the outpatient PACT clinic setting
- Manage care coordination for veterans with chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, COPD, heart failure, and mental health conditions
- Administer medications, vaccinations (including flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19), and treatments per provider orders
- Conduct clinical triage — evaluate urgent and emergent patient concerns and determine appropriate level of care
- Facilitate health coaching — support veterans in tobacco cessation, weight management, and chronic disease self-management
- Coordinate referrals to specialty care, mental health, social work, and community resources
- Complete clinical documentation in the VA’s electronic health record system (Oracle Health / Cerner)
- Participate in team huddles and case conferences to manage complex and high-risk veterans
- Conduct telephone and telehealth nursing visits using VA Video Connect (VVC)
- Serve as a preceptor for nursing students, new graduate nurses, and nursing assistants assigned to the PACT team
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | US Citizen required |
| License | Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in any US state, territory, or DC required |
| Education | Graduate of an accredited school of nursing — Associate’s degree (ADN), Diploma, or Bachelor’s (BSN) accepted; BSN preferred |
| Experience | At least 1 year of professional nursing experience post-licensure; primary care or outpatient experience preferred |
| English Language | Must be proficient in written and spoken English |
| Background Check | Federal background investigation required prior to appointment |
| Drug Test | Pre-employment and random drug screening throughout employment |
| Physical Requirements | Ability to stand, walk, lift patients, and perform clinical duties throughout the shift |
| Computer Skills | Electronic health record experience preferred (VHA uses Oracle Health/Cerner) |
VHA Nurse Pay Grade Assignment
| Grade | Salary Range | Typical Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| NX-I Grade 3 | $73,159 – $89,835/yr | ADN or Diploma RN with 1+ years experience |
| NX-II Grade 1 | $83,716 – $103,147/yr | BSN or 5+ years VHA experience; charge nurse or specialty roles |
| NX-II Grade 2 | $93,812 – $115,374/yr | Advanced clinical expertise; specialty certification; MSN preferred |
| NX-III Grade 1 | $104,604 – $127,463/yr | Advanced practice role; APRN, educator, or leadership track |
💡 BSN Preferred: VA nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) receive higher grade assignments and faster promotion. VA also offers generous tuition assistance and scholarship programs to help nurses complete their BSN or MSN while working.
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $73,159 – $127,463/yr (Title 38 VHA Nurse Pay Scale + locality pay) |
| Student Loan Repayment | Up to $40,000 through VHA’s Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) — paid directly to your lender |
| NURSE Corps Scholarship | Scholarship program available for nursing students committing to VA service |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with full pension |
| Health Insurance | FEHB — comprehensive coverage for nurse and family; VA pays most of premium |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP coverage |
| TSP | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% government match |
| Paid Time Off | 26 days vacation + 13 sick days per year |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks paid parental leave |
| Continuing Education | Paid CE credits, VHA-funded specialty training, BSN/MSN tuition assistance |
| License Renewal | VA reimburses state nursing license renewal fees |
| Specialty Certification | VA encourages and supports specialty nursing certification (AANP, AACN, etc.) |
| Career Advancement | Staff RN → Charge RN → Assistant Nurse Manager → Nurse Manager → Associate Chief Nurse |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create your free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Go to usajobs.gov/job/848288200 and click Apply
Step 3 — Submit your federal resume including all nursing experience with dates, hours per week, patient population, and clinical settings
Step 4 — Upload required documents: nursing license verification, nursing school transcripts, DD-214 (if veteran), and any specialty certifications
Step 5 — If referred, you will be contacted by a VA HR specialist to schedule an interview with the nurse manager of the PACT team
Step 6 — Upon conditional offer: complete background investigation, drug test, and pre-employment health screening before your start date
⚠️ Important: This is an open continuous announcement — applications are reviewed and selections are made on a rolling basis. Early applicants are reviewed first. This announcement closes September 30, 2026. You can also view all VA nursing openings at USAJOBS VA Nursing Search.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge qualify for veterans’ hiring preference at VA, though all Title 38 VHA nursing positions (RN, NP, PA, etc.) are competitively hired based on professional qualifications rather than competitive service rules. However, VA makes every effort to hire veterans and strongly encourages applications from veteran nurses. Veterans who are also Registered Nurses bring uniquely relevant experience to VA patient care — understanding military culture, deployment health issues, and PTSD from personal experience.
About the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, operating more than 1,300 healthcare facilities — including 170 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and over 1,100 outpatient clinics — serving more than 9 million enrolled veterans per year. VHA employs approximately 350,000 people including more than 100,000 nurses — making it the single largest employer of nurses in the United States. VA nurses provide care in primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, mental health, oncology, spinal cord injury, blind rehabilitation, geriatrics, and virtually every other clinical specialty.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at usajobs.gov/job/848288200. We are not affiliated with VHA, the VA, or any US government agency.
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