1

Va Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Va Nurse Practitioner information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$37.1K

$116.5K

$178.9K

How much do va nurse practitioner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for va nurse practitioner in Decatur, AL is $116,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,600.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA Nurse Practitioner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VA Nurse Practitioner, you need advanced clinical assessment skills, a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, national board certification, and a valid state license. Familiarity with VA-specific electronic health records (CPRS), telehealth platforms, and VA policies is crucial. Strong communication, cultural competence, and adaptability are key soft skills for building trust and delivering holistic care to veterans. These competencies are vital for ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care in the unique and complex environment of Veterans Affairs healthcare.

What are VA Nurse Practitioners?

VA Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who work within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. They provide primary, specialty, and mental health care to veterans, often acting as primary care providers. VA Nurse Practitioners assess, diagnose, and manage patient care, prescribe medications, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive treatment. Their role is vital in addressing the unique health needs of veterans and improving access to quality healthcare within the VA system.

What are some common challenges VA Nurse Practitioners face when serving the veteran population?

VA Nurse Practitioners frequently encounter complex cases involving multiple chronic conditions and mental health concerns unique to the veteran community, such as PTSD or traumatic injuries. Navigating the VA's structured protocols and electronic health record systems can also be challenging, especially for those new to federal healthcare environments. However, working within multidisciplinary teams provides strong professional support, and the opportunity to build long-term patient relationships is highly rewarding. Adaptability, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Va Nurse Practitioner vs Va Physician Assistant?

AspectVa Nurse PractitionerVa Physician Assistant
CredentialsMaster's or Doctoral degree in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner certificationMaster's degree in Physician Assistant Studies, NCCPA certification
Work EnvironmentPrimary care clinics, hospitals, VA facilitiesPrimary care, specialty clinics, hospitals within VA system
Roles & ResponsibilitiesDiagnose, treat, prescribe, patient educationDiagnose, treat, prescribe, assist in surgeries

Both Va Nurse Practitioners and Va Physician Assistants work within the VA healthcare system, providing patient care, diagnosing, and prescribing treatments. Nurse Practitioners typically have advanced nursing degrees and focus on holistic patient care, while Physician Assistants have medical degrees and may assist in more complex procedures. Both roles are vital in delivering comprehensive VA healthcare services.

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Va Nurse Practitioner jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Va Nurse Practitioner job openings:
Nurse Practitioner - Mental Health

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 638 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 274 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026. Eligible applications received will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until position is filled. The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a licensed independent practitioner with advanced education and national certification who provides evidence-based care for a population of patients. Major duties and responsibilities of the position:

  • Uses advanced clinical judgment to independently provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with acute or chronic mental illness including use of psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, and other modalities.
  • Provides patient and family education on medical/MH conditions, preventive measures, and prescribed treatments.
  • Demonstrates leadership and engages in collaboration with other MH and specialty care professionals while involving Veterans and their families (as appropriate), in treatment plan development.
  • Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
  • Counsels and treats patients with substance use disorders.
  • Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies.
  • Initiates referrals and consults to specialty services.
  • Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
  • Uses advanced clinical judgment to independently provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with acute or chronic mental illness including use of psychotropic medications, and as appropriate controlled substances as outlined by DEA licensure regulations and assigned privileges, psychotherapy, and other modalities.

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: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Night and Weekend back-up rotational on-call shared with other providers, for a limited number of times a year.

Telework: Available. Ad-hoc Telework schedule is limited to VA regulations in limited situations and subject to approval by the Mental Health Service Chief.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized : Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized


What U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom