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Va Rn Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Educate Service Members on available medical/dental resources, TRICARE benefits, and VA eligibility ... Registered Nurse (RN) License (State-specific or compact license as applicable) * Prior case ...

Educate Service Members on available medical/dental resources, TRICARE benefits, and VA eligibility ... Registered Nurse (RN) License (State-specific or compact license as applicable) * Prior case ...

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Showing results 1-20

Va Rn information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$43

$89

How much do va rn jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for va rn in Iowa is $43.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $52.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a VA Registered Nurse, you need a solid background in clinical nursing, patient assessment, and care coordination, supported by an active RN license and, often, a BSN degree. Familiarity with VA-specific electronic health record systems (such as CPRS), government compliance protocols, and additional certifications like BLS or ACLS are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and resilience help you provide compassionate care to veterans and effectively collaborate within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring high-quality, veteran-centered care and navigating the unique demands of the VA healthcare system.

What are some common challenges faced by Registered Nurses (RNs) in a VA healthcare setting, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Registered Nurses (RNs) working in VA healthcare settings often encounter unique challenges such as managing complex patient cases related to veterans’ service-connected conditions, navigating federal healthcare systems, and collaborating within interdisciplinary teams. It's important for applicants to be adaptable, possess strong communication skills, and be comfortable with electronic health records (EHRs) used by the VA. Preparing by familiarizing yourself with veteran-specific health issues and VA protocols will help ease the transition and enhance your effectiveness in this rewarding role.

What are VA RNs?

VA RNs are Registered Nurses who work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They provide care to veterans in VA hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. VA RNs perform a wide range of duties including patient assessment, administering medications, coordinating care, and supporting veterans' physical and emotional needs. They play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare to those who have served in the military.

What is the difference between Va Rn vs LPN?

AspectVa RnLPN
Required CredentialsState RN license, possibly some VA-specific certificationsLicensed Practical Nurse license, state-specific
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, VA medical centersLong-term care facilities, clinics, VA outpatient settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily VA healthcare system, hospitalsLong-term care, outpatient clinics, VA facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Va Rn and an LPN lies in their scope of practice and credentials. Va Rns hold a registered nurse license and can perform more complex medical tasks, while LPNs have a practical nurse license with a more limited scope. Both roles work within the VA healthcare system, but Va Rns typically have broader responsibilities and higher qualifications.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Va Rn jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Va Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Va Rn job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,442 per year, or $43 per hour.
Registered Nurse - Community Living Center 2

Registered Nurse - Community Living Center 2

Veterans Health Administration

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$72.38K - $134.43K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 954 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 4, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 13, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. There is no need to reapply if not originally selected. Applicants not selected will remain on file with the hiring manager for the duration of this announcement.
Community Living Center (CLC) Clinical Resource Nurse (CRN) is a Direct Care/Clinical staff Registered Nurse (RN) who is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned residents. Provides comprehensive nursing care in a CLC, assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating age-specific care; coordinating education and self-management; administering medications and procedures; and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team, including rotational charge duties directing staff, making assignments, rounding, and serving as point of contact for urgent provider needs.
Major Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Deliver age-specific nursing care; assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care based on patient needs.
  • Coordinate care focused on patient education, self-management, and satisfaction across the continuum.
  • Administer medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines.
  • Provide culturally and spiritually sensitive physical and mental care; educate older adults and families on chronic and mental health care options.
  • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to influence care outcomes.
  • Participate in quality improvement and Unit Based Council activities to support Shared Governance.
  • During rotational charge coverage, direct team leads and staff in delivering patient care.
  • Prepare daily staffing assignments for all shifts at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Mentor and educate staff, attend interdisciplinary rounds when the Patient Care Coordinator is absent, and address emerging care needs.

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: Nights - 6 days 7:30pm - 8:00am, 1 day 11:30pm - 8:00am - Rotating weekends and holidays
Telework: Not Available
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
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
Requirements
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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 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education
    • Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Experience
    • Geriatric

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/12925521.
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/.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination
Additional information
As a VA employee, you will enjoy a truly rewarding career, comprehensive benefits, competitive pay and other generous perks to help build a fuller, more balanced life for you and your family.
  • Strong starting salary, career growth, and recognition
  • VA Nurse Locality Pay System (LPS) - ensuring our nurses are paid competitive rates within each local labor market
  • VA Special Rates - providing regular performance-based increases and potential accelerated increases for outstanding performance
  • Premium Pay - including overtime, Saturday, Sunday, holiday, on-call and night work
  • Incentive Awards - including Superior Performance Awards, Special Contribution Awards, VA Honor Awards
  • 8 hours of annual leave (Vacation Time) accrual for full-time Nurses for each full biweekly pay period.
  • 4 hours of Sick leave accrual per full biweekly pay period.
  • 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Disabled Veteran Leave
  • Health Insurance - pre-taxed premiums and a variety of plans to choose from, ranging from traditional HMO/PPO plans with low co-pays, to High- Deductible plans.
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) -Tax deferred retirement savings account that is similar to private sector 401(k). You may be eligible for an automatic 1% agency contribution, plus a 4% matching agency contribution.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts - medical & dependent care
  • Life Insurance - with available additions for family coverage
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Leave Sharing Program
  • Holidays - 11 paid Federal holidays each year
  • Child Care Subsidies
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness a...

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About Veterans Health Administration

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US