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Veterans Affairs Rn Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Veterans Affairs Rn information

See Iowa salary details

$85.5K

$165.5K

$233.4K

How much do veterans affairs rn jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterans affairs rn in Iowa is $165,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,900.00 and $186,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Veterans Affairs RNs, and how can they be managed effectively?

Veterans Affairs RNs often encounter unique challenges such as caring for patients with complex physical and mental health needs, including PTSD and chronic conditions. Balancing administrative requirements with high-quality patient care can also be demanding. Effective management involves strong communication skills, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices for veteran care. Support from peers and access to specialized VA resources can also help RNs navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Veterans Affairs Rn vs Veterans Affairs Lpn?

AspectVeterans Affairs RnVeterans Affairs Lpn
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) licenseLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, inpatient and outpatient careLong-term care, outpatient clinics, basic patient care
Job ResponsibilitiesAssessments, care planning, complex proceduresBasic patient care, medication administration, routine tasks

The main difference between Veterans Affairs Rn and Veterans Affairs Lpn lies in their credentials, responsibilities, and work scope. RNs have a broader scope of practice, including assessments and complex procedures, while LPNs focus on basic patient care and routine tasks. Both roles are essential in VA healthcare settings, but RNs typically handle more advanced clinical duties.

What is a Veterans Affairs RN?

Veterans Affairs Registered Nurses (RNs) are licensed nurses who work within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, providing medical care and support to military veterans. Their duties include assessing patient health, developing care plans, administering medications, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care. VA RNs may work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community settings, and they play a vital role in meeting the unique health needs of veterans. They also have access to specialized training and benefits tailored to caring for the veteran population.

Do Veterans Affairs RNs get paid a lot?

Veterans Affairs RNs typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and education level. They often receive benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid leave, which can add to overall compensation. While salaries are generally in line with federal nursing pay scales, they may be lower than those in some private healthcare settings depending on the region and facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterans Affairs RN?

To thrive as a Veterans Affairs RN, you need a current RN license, a solid background in clinical nursing, and a strong understanding of veterans’ healthcare needs. Familiarity with VA-specific electronic health record systems (such as CPRS), federal healthcare regulations, and relevant certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) are important. Exceptional communication, cultural competence, and emotional resilience help build trust with veterans and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. These skills are vital to providing safe, patient-centered care and addressing the unique physical and mental health concerns of the veteran population.
What are popular job titles related to Veterans Affairs Rn jobs in Iowa? For Veterans Affairs Rn jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Veterans Affairs Rn jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Veterans Affairs Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Veterans Affairs Rn job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,451 per year, or $79.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse- Progressive Care

Veterans Health Administration

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$72K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,004 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
The Progressive Care Registered Nurse (RN) will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization consultation. Provides direct care for acutely ill patients who are moderately stable with an elevated risk for instability. Provides high intensity care and vigilance.
This is a Temporary/Intermittent, not to exceed 12 months position.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Major Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Applies the nursing process including assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation with close supervision
  • Delivers fundamental knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical skills.
  • Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on age-specific components.
  • Coordinates care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction.
  • Administers medications and procedures per established policies. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to influence care outcomes.
  • Formulates plans of care based on nursing assessments and seeks guidance to improve care provided to patients and families
  • Delegates elements of care to appropriate individuals based upon assessed needs, condition, and safety of the patient
  • Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients to help them attain, maintain, or regain optimal function through assessment and treatment
  • Engages patients, families, and caregivers to incorporate knowledge, values, and beliefs into care planning without judgement or discrimination
  • Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and teamwork with internal and external customers
  • Provides age-appropriate care and services to patients considering cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation across young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late maturity populations
  • Maintains competency through participation in unit-based educational activities and continuing education requirements for professional growth

Pay: Competitive salary
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
Work Schedule: Intermittent - This is an intermittent position. Intermittent employment is defined as non-fulltime employment in which employees are appointed without a regularly scheduled tour of duty. Work is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty may not be regularly scheduled in advance.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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/evaluation.
  • 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/13020967.
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 examination.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Veterans Health Administration

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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