Wound Care Registered Nurse
Veterans Health Administration
Columbia, South Carolina
The Wound Care Registered Nurse executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to the management of complex wound care patients.
Posted Sep 17 · Applications close Oct 29 · New grads welcomed
- Shift and hours
- Monday- Friday 7:30am-4:00pm5 shifts · 40 hours a week
- Unit and setting
- Wound Care · Military complex wound care patients
- License
- RN license
- Term
- Permanent
Do you qualify?
- New grads
- Welcomed
- License
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN license from any US State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia Check your license
- Also asks
- 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.
- Also asks
- Urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment 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.
- Also asks
- Background/security investigation Subject to background/security investigation.
- Also asks
- Pre-employment physical evaluation/examination Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
- Also asks
- Seasonal influenza vaccination or approved exemption Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Preferred
- Certification
- WOC certified Preferred Experience: WOC certified.
- Experience
- Wound Care experience 1 year of Wound Care experience.
Your six-month RN application plan
Start about six months before graduation. Some programs open earlier; use each employer’s application dates.
6 months before
Shortlist units
Check application windows. Gather clinical experience, references and your expected graduation date.
Find residencies →4–6 months before
Apply as windows open
Apply before graduation when the program allows it. Keep the cohort date and license deadline with each application.
Explore new grad jobs →2–3 months before
Meet the unit manager
Ask about overtime, a shadow shift, preceptor continuity and the schedule after orientation.
Prepare your questions →Around graduation
Confirm your start
Coordinate NCLEX, the required license and your start date. Get relocation and repayment terms in writing.
Plan your license →
Why start this early?
Advocate describes a 6–9 month application runway for several regional RN programs. These milestones are a planning guide, not deadlines for every employer. See program calendars.
What it pays
- Against similar roles
- South Carolina staff median is $79k/yrSouth Carolina staff postings that state pay run $60k/yr to $113k/yr, the middle half $65k/yr to $94k/yr, across 222 postings. This posting's $80k/yr to $145k/yr is wider than that, so where you land depends on the offer.
- Bonus
- Potential for performance awards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
- Pay reviews
- Regular salary increases
Benefits
- Benefits50 days of paid time off per year (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays)Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
- BenefitsTraditional federal pension (5 years vesting)Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
- BenefitsFederal 401K with up to 5% employer contributions
- BenefitsFederal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insuranceInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement
More benefits (5)
- 401K
- Health Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
The role and schedule
- Day to day
- Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on skin and wound etiology Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on skin and wound etiology.
- Day to day
- Coordinates care focused on education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout continuum of care Responsible for the coordination of care focused on education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care.
- Day to day
- Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines.
- Day to day
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to influence care outcomes Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Day to day
- Coordinates care as expert clinician and patient advocate in wound, ostomy, and continence management Coordinates care by serving as an expert clinician and patient /resident advocate in wound management (which may include ostomy and continence care.
- Day to day
- Identifies programmatic steps to reduce risk and incidence of pressure injuries Identifies programmatic steps to reduce risk and incidence of pressure injuries.
- Day to day
- Monitors education effectiveness and ensures evidence-based current content Monitors effectiveness of education provided an assures evidence-based current content of education.
- Day to day
- Collaborates in developing, implementing, evaluating, and revising policies and guidelines Collaborates in the development, implementation, evaluation and revision of policies, procedures and /or guidelines.
- Hours stated
- Monday- Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs.
- Weekends
- No weekends
- Details
- Telework not available Telework: Not Available
- Details
- Non-virtual position Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
- Details
- Relocation or recruitment incentives not authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
- Details
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
- Details
- Possibility of serving a probationary period You may be required to serve a probationary period.
The workplace
Worth asking
- Can you walk me through differentials?
- What should I expect for holiday, call, and rotation?
More questions to askFewer questions
- What orientation, preceptor time, and ongoing unit support are included?
- How are patient load, floating, and staffing support handled day to day?
Your fit
Original listing
Posted on Veterans Health Administration’s careers page.
Read full text
The Wound Care Registered Nurse executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to the management of complex wound care patients.
Duties include but are not limited to: Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on skin and wound etiology. Responsible for the coordination of care focused on education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines.
Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Coordinates care by serving as an expert clinician and patient /resident advocate in wound management (which may include ostomy and continence care. Identifies programmatic steps to reduce risk and incidence of pressure injuries.
Monitors effectiveness of education provided an assures evidence-based current content of education. Collaborates in the development, implementation, evaluation and revision of policies, procedures and /or guidelines. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure
1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade.
The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13060595. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.
Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Preferred
Experience
WOC certified. 1 year of Wound Care experience. Physical
Requirements
Heavy Lifting, Heavy Carrying, Straight Pulling, Pushing, Reaching above the shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13'' and 16''; Hearing Aid permitted.
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.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.
For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
All…
What's around it?
Columbia, SCFrom Census ACS 2024.
Living costs about 6% below the US average
- Median rent
- $1,204/mo
- Household income
- $55,529/yr, all local households, not nurse pay