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Registered Nurse - Progressive Care Unit

US Veterans Health Administration

Lexington, Kentucky

$78k–$145k/yr

Posted pay

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US Veterans Health Administration workplace

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US Veterans Health Administration workplace
RNHealthcare OccupationsPatient Care Nursing OccupationsNursing OccupationsRegistered Nurses

Posted Aug 13, 2026 · Last seen active Aug 14, 2026

What this might mean for you

US Veterans Health Administration is hiring for its own floors — no agency between you and the manager. It's a night shift — quieter halls, a tighter crew, and your daylight hours back.

What the posting states

Base pay
$78k–$145k/yr
Shift
Nights
EHR & union
Union position

About this role

Show full description
Summary The Progressive Care RN is responsible for all elements of the nursing process, including assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care. This role focuses on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction, administering medications, and procedures per policies. The RN collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to improve care outcomes and demonstrates leadership in managing complex patient care. Learn more about this agency This job is open to The public U. S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U. S. Internal to an agency Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement. Clarification from the agency NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Duties The Progressive Care Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. This includes assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care based on age-specific components. The RN assumes responsibility for the coordination of care, emphasizing patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. They administer medications and procedures according to established policies and guidelines and influence care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. This position requires the RN to execute responsibilities demonstrating leadership, experience, and innovative approaches to managing complex client care. The RN is also involved in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and guidelines. Demonstrating broad performance and leadership, the RN improves the care of acutely ill patients who are moderately stable but with an elevated risk for instability. They provide peers with formal or informal constructive feedback for improvement and support colleagues and other nurses through knowledge sharing to ensure safe, quality nursing care. A significant aspect of their role is fostering a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals. The RN evaluates the outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes for individuals, groups, and populations, and is responsible for documented outcomes at the program or service level. These outcomes are broad and complex, capable of being demonstrated at any organizational level within a facility. The RN must possess vast experience and knowledge, skillfully integrating theoretical concepts, strong critical thinking skills, and demonstrating expert technical practice. Pay Scale: N01H 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: Days/Nights 12 hours with rotation to other shifts as needed. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Requirements Conditions of employment 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. Qualifications 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/13032339. 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. Preferred Experience: BSN Previous experience in Med/Surg preferred Critical Care Experience preferred Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight pulling (up to 8 hours); Pushing (up to 8 hours); Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); kneeling (2 to 3 hours); repeated bending (up to 8 hours); both legs required; hearing (aid permitted). Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U. S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information,…

Skills for this role

Critical ThinkingPatient Care

Certifications

BLSACLS

Requirements

  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals
  • Background check
  • Care plan evaluation
  • Nursing
  • Medication administration
  • Doctoral degree
  • Heavy lifting
  • Clinical staff policy implementation

About the employer

US Veterans Health Administration
Hospital

The U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the healthcare arm of the Department of Veterans Affairs, operating as the nation's largest integrated healthcare system serving America's veterans. The Seattle, Washington (98108) location is part of this federal healthcare network, which…

3.7 Google rating
US Veterans Health Administration workplaceUS Veterans Health Administration workplace

What reviewers appreciate

  • Noble and mission-driven work serving veterans and their families
  • Clear core values (I CARE: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence) guiding all interactions
  • Interdisciplinary team collaboration model

What reviewers flag

  • Tiered hiring preference limits external applicant opportunities, with first consideration given to current permanent VA employees
  • Strict educational and experience requirements (BSN with 2 years or MSN with 1 year specialized experience) may create barriers to entry
  • Federal hiring process may be slower and more bureaucratic than private sector
mission-drivenveteran-focusedintegritycommitmentadvocacyrespect

Living in Lexington, KY

Lush rolling horse pastures meet a lively college-town energy in Lexington, home to the University of Kentucky and its major medical campus. The city blends Bluegrass charm with growing healthcare opportunities, making it an appealing spot for RNs seeking a mid-size city with Southern warmth.

Map showing the location of Lexington, KY
Lexington, KY on the map · © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap· Open the live map
Metro price level · Lexington area
92.9
7% below the national average

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024 metro Regional Price Parities

Browse open roles in Lexington

On your path

Travel Nursing is a first-year unit lane. Staff experience first; a compact license opens more states.

Worth asking

The posting doesn’t answer these. Good ones to ask a recruiter or in the interview.

  • Can you walk me through the differentials?
  • What should I expect for weekly hours, weekend, holiday, call, and rotation?
  • What orientation, preceptor time, and ongoing unit support are included?
  • How are patient load, floating, and staffing support handled day to day?
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