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Va Rn Jobs in Fairfax, IA (NOW HIRING)

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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.

Do VA nurses get paid a lot?

VA RNs typically earn competitive salaries that are comparable to or slightly higher than those in the private healthcare sector, with pay rates often based on experience, location, and federal pay scales. They also receive benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid leave, which can add to overall compensation. Salary ranges vary but generally reflect the responsibilities and required certifications of the role.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

A VA RN can reach a $300,000 annual income by gaining extensive experience, pursuing specialized certifications, working overtime or in high-demand areas, and taking on leadership or advanced practice roles such as nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner. Combining multiple jobs or working in private duty, travel nursing, or consulting can also increase earnings significantly.

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 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 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.

Is the VA still hiring nurses?

The VA regularly hires registered nurses (RNs) to provide healthcare services to veterans. Job openings are posted on the VA's official careers website and may vary based on staffing needs, location, and specialty requirements. Candidates typically need an active RN license and relevant experience to apply.

Is it hard to get hired at the VA as a nurse?

Getting hired at the VA as a nurse can be competitive due to the federal hiring process and preference for veterans and federal employees. Candidates typically need relevant nursing experience, a valid RN license, and may undergo a structured application process including interviews and background checks.
What cities near Fairfax, IA are hiring for Va Rn jobs? Cities near Fairfax, IA with the most Va Rn job openings:
Va Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Va Rn job openings in Fairfax, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Registered Nurse - Critical Care Float

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 288 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) Critical Care Float

At Iowa City VA Health Care System, Registered Nurse (RN) Critical Care Float nurses deliver high-intensity, evidence-based care to Veterans at risk for life-threatening conditions-educating, coordinating, and advocating to improve safety, satisfaction, and outcomes across the continuum of care.

Join the Iowa City VA Health Care System and make a direct impact for Veterans who need acute and critical support. As a Registered Nurse (RN) Critical Care Float, you'll provide vigilant, evidence-based care, partner with an interdisciplinary team, and help shape practice through education, quality improvement, and shared learning-ensuring compassionate coordination and stronger outcomes for those who served.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Being responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care.
  • Coordinating care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care.
  • Administering medications and performing procedures per established policies and guidelines.
  • Collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team to influence care outcomes.
  • Providing competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients and oversight of licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants, as appropriate to the setting.
  • Assisting in directing nursing education, orientation, competencies, and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation.
  • Delivering high-intensity care and vigilance for acutely/critically ill patients at high risk for actual or potential life-threatening health problems, blending data from invasive and noninvasive monitoring technology.
  • Evaluating practice in an ongoing process based on best evidence and questioning clinical practices to provide evidence-based care.
  • Providing peers with informal constructive feedback for improvement and fostering a safe, supportive environment conducive to professional development.
  • Contributing the professional nursing perspective with the interdisciplinary team; partnering to effect change, produce optimal outcomes, and sharing educational findings, experiences, and ideas with peers.

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: 12-hour Day/Night Rotation, rotating weekends and holidays.

72/80 Schedule Eligibility: After successful completion of unit orientation (40 hours per week required until successful completion of orientation); Adherence to hospital policy and procedures, including leave policy required to qualify for 72/80.12 hour tours required with 72/80 schedules. Further details will be discussed during interview process.

Compressed/Flexible: Available.

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.

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