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Va Rn Jobs in McAllen, TX (NOW HIRING)

Va Rn information

See McAllen, TX salary details

$8

$37

$77

How much do va rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for va rn in McAllen, TX is $37.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.45 and $45.29 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Va Rn jobs in McAllen, TX? For Va Rn jobs in McAllen, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Va Rn jobs in McAllen, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Va Rn jobs in McAllen, TX are:
What cities near McAllen, TX are hiring for Va Rn jobs? Cities near McAllen, TX with the most Va Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Va Rn job openings in McAllen, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,495 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Registered Nurse (Current Permanent Valley Coastal Bend Employees Only)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Mcallen, TX

$77K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

This Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) is only open to any current, permanent employees of the Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System.
This is an open continuous announcement and will remain open until the closing date or until positions are filled. Eligible applications received will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until the position is filled.
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/13008547.Grade/LevelScopeEducationNurse I, Level IDelivers 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 IIDemonstrates 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 IIIDemonstrates 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 IIDemonstrates 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 IIIExecutes 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: May include any of the following; Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, Light Lifting, under 15 pounds, Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over, Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Straight pulling (8-12 hours), Pulling hand over hand (8-12 hours), Pushing (8-12 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (8-12 hours), Standing (8-12 hours), Crawling (8-12 Hours), Kneeling (8-12 Hours), Repeated bending (8-12 hours), Climbing, legs only (8-12 Hours), Climbing, use of legs and arms, Both legs required, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Specific visual requirements (specify), Both eyes required, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Ability to distinguish shades of color, Hearing (aid permitted), Hearing without aids, Mental and Emotional stability required, Strong legs, no skin allergies, Sitting (8 hours) Simple grasping (2-4 hours), Fine manipulation (including keyboarding 4-6 hours) Twisting (2 hours) Strong legs, no skin allergies.Education:The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), or Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) must be fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission On Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Verification of accreditation may be obtained from http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm or https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
  • If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
  • If your school was accredited by ACEN or CCNE at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
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, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Employment Type: OTHER