Veterans Health Administration is hiring for its own floors — no agency between you and the manager. The posted pay pencils out to roughly $130k–$172k a year.
What the posting states
Base pay
$130k–$172k/yr
About this role
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Basic
Requirements:
English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U. S. C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Nurse IV: Scope: Executes leadership that is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross service and/or discipline lines and influence organizational mission and health care.
Education:
Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and 4 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and 3 years of professional nursing experience, one of which is specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse III and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse IV. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Dimensions: Leadership. Leads health care delivery by leveraging evidence-based practices, industry-leading research, and innovative care models. Drives a shared vision and successfully leads change to improve performance and attain measurable outcomes at the program or service level. Business Acumen. Transforms health care by implementing new processes, technology, informatics, and data analytics using business models and fundamental concepts of resource management at the program or service level. Inspiring an Industry-Leading Lifestyle. Employs an industry leading, shared decision-making lifestyle. Cultivates a workforce that serves Veterans, families and caregivers of all backgrounds and builds trust, lifestyle competencies and catalyzes dynamic teams at the program or service level. Communication and Relationship Management. Directs the effective use of relationship management principles to achieve positive customer service experiences that are consistent with professional organizational values, beliefs and practices at the program or services level. Professional and Social Responsibility. Operationalizes a lifestyle of holistic care, health advocacy and health equity. Applies ethical principles in decision-making at the program or service level. Advances nursing knowledge through health science research and the translation and dissemination of evidence into practice to maximize the value to Veterans and the community. Preferred
Experience:
We are seeking an exceptional, mission-driven leader to join our organization as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This role is instrumental in advancing our commitment to delivering the highest quality care, service, and experience to our Veterans. The ideal candidate will demonstrate authentic servant leadership, consistently placing the needs of Veterans, employees, and the organization at the center of decision-making while fostering a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, respect, trust, and excellence. In this highly visible leadership role, the selected candidate will represent the organization with professionalism, integrity, humility, and sound judgment while effectively engaging with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. As a trusted member of the ELT, you will help shape strategic direction, lead meaningful organizational initiatives, and strengthen operational and cultural performance in support of exceptional Veteran outcomes. We are seeking a leader who brings emotional intelligence, resilience, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a collaborative mindset. The successful candidate will inspire others through positive leadership, cultivate trust-based relationships, develop high-performing teams, and contribute to an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, supported, and connected to the mission. The ideal candidate will embrace innovation, continuous improvement, and thoughtful change management while maintaining a strong commitment to employee engagement and organizational health. We value leaders who create psychologically safe environments where employees are encouraged to collaborate openly, share ideas, solve problems proactively, and grow professionally in service to Veterans. This opportunity is ideal for a principled and service-oriented leader who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans and those who serve them. If you are committed to leading with integrity, fostering a people-centered culture, and delivering lasting impact through collaboration, compassion, and excellence, we encourage you to apply. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical
Requirements:
VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5019
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
About the employer
VA
Veterans Health Administration
Hospital
Day to day you chart in CPRS/VISTA, and union coverage across VA postings shows up as mixed, so the contract details on your offer letter matter. Cleveland’s cost of living sits roughly 6% below the national level, and Ohio is…
What reviewers appreciate
+Cleveland cost of living about 6% below the national level
+Ohio compact-license state
+CPRS/VISTA already in use as the EHR
What reviewers flag
−VA on pace to cut nearly 30,000 staff by end of FY2025 via attrition, early outs, and hiring freeze
−Nurses discuss anxiety, stress, and uncertainty about staying in VHA roles
−Public threads note doctors and nurses turning down VA offers