RN Jobs at Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS)

Nursing Specialties Offered

At the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS), we offer various nursing specialties including 3 inpatient medical-surgical units equipped with telemetry monitoring, inpatient mental health unit, critical care unit, emergency department, operating room, post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU), outpatient services including dialysis, urology, cardiology, transplant, hematology, oncology, chemotherapy, renal, neurology, vascular, wound, orthopedics, women's health, ear nose and throat (ENT), eye clinic, endocrine, dermatology, mohs, allergy, diabetic services, pulmonary, community care, home health, and more. Our hospital RNs serve over 184,000 unique Veterans in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northeastern Missouri, through our main medical center and community-based outpatient clinics.

Job Benefits for VA Registered Nurses (RN)

As an employee of the Veterans Administration, you will enjoy diverse opportunities and exceptional benefits while working with the Federal Government. 

• Competitive salaries
• 40 hours per week guaranteed, some areas offer 72/80 meaning (6)12 hour shifts worked per pay period is paid at full time 80 hours 
• 10% night and 25% weekend premium pay shift differential
• Regular pay increases including cost of living adjustments and promotional opportunities
• TSP (401K) employer contributions and matching contributions
• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is an employer contributed pension
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options and employer premium contributions
• Health and dependent savings account is a Flex Spending Account
• Life insurance employer contributions
• Scholarship opportunities and degree advancement support
• Child care program
• Credit for military service
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• 15 days of military annual leave
• 13 paid sick days annually
• 26 paid vacation days annually
• 11 paid federal holidays annually
• Relocation opportunities to other VA facilities

Also included: Union liability protection, smoke-free campus, employee wellness programs, safe patient handling training to limit physically stressful working conditions, canteen dining facilities, and tax-free retail.

Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) Nurse Recruiter

For inquiries or assistance, please reach out to our Nurse Recruiter, Alicia Beanblossom, RN. She offers expert guidance throughout the job search process, from application to orientation. 

Job Application, Selection, and Orientation Process

How to Apply

To explore nursing opportunities at the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS), follow these steps:

1. Visit USAJobs.gov: View current RN job openings posted on USAJOBS.
2. Create an Account: Set up an account on USAJOBS and subscribe to daily email notifications for new RN positions.
3. Contact the Nurse Recruiter: For internal nursing vacancies, email your resume and position of interest to the Nurse Recruiter.
4. Visit VA Careers: While applying on USAJOBS is recommended, also explore opportunities posted on the VA Careers websites.

Selection

Once selected for a VA nursing position, expect it to take approximately 1-3 months to complete the following pre-employment requirements for federal jobs:

• Fingerprinting and security clearance (eQip)
• Medical examination (including drug screening and current immunization records)
• Credentialing verification (Vetpro) of education, work history, and license
• Letters of recommendation, professional references, and performance reviews
• Transcripts may be required
• DD214 for prior military service

After selection and receipt of all the required items, HR will present an official offer and determine the start date. Stay actively involved in the pre-employment process to prevent start date delays. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the nurse recruiter.

Orientation for RNs

• Human Resources Benefits and Documentation Completion: During orientation, the RN will receive detailed information on Human Resources benefits and complete essential documentation for your employment. This includes enrolling in healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and other HR-related processes necessary for your role as a VA RN.
• AFGE Union Introduction: As part of the orientation process, the RN will be provided with information about the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union, its role in representing federal employees, and how it impacts your rights and benefits as an RN working in a federal healthcare setting at the ICVAHCS.
• Emergency Management and Natural Disaster Plan Training: Understanding emergency management protocols and the natural disaster plan is crucial for ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and yourself. The registered nurse will receive training on emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and response protocols specific to the ICVAHCS during orientation.
• Employee Wellness Programs Introduction: Promoting employee well-being is a priority at the ICVAHCS. Orientation will introduce the RN to various employee wellness programs aimed at supporting your physical, mental, and emotional health. These programs include transit benefits, child care subsidy, and other employee assistance programs.
• Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior Training: As part of your orientation, the RN will undergo training on the prevention and management of disruptive behavior in healthcare settings. This training equips you with strategies to de-escalate challenging situations, ensure patient and staff safety, and maintain a positive care environment near Iowa City.
• Safe Patient Handling Training: Ensuring safe patient handling practices is essential for preventing injuries to both patients and healthcare providers. Nursing orientation will include training on proper techniques for safe patient handling, transferring patients between surfaces, using assistive devices and equipment, and maintaining ergonomic principles in your daily practice.
• Healthcare Equipment Training: Being familiar with the equipment used in patient care is vital for delivering quality healthcare services. During orientation, the RN will receive comprehensive training on the use of medical equipment, technology systems, and specialized devices relevant to the role as a registered nurse near Iowa City.
• Patient Charting and Documentation Training: Accurate patient charting and documentation are critical aspects of nursing practice. Nursing orientation will cover training on electronic health record systems, documentation standards, confidentiality protocols, and best practices for maintaining thorough and precise patient records at the ICVAHCS.
• RN Transition to Practice (RNTTP): For new graduate nurses joining our ICVAHCS, we offer a comprehensive 12-month Nurse Residency Program designed to provide additional support during the transition from academia to clinical practice. This program includes:
  • No separate application is required; admission is granted upon acceptance into the program.
  • Paid at the current staff RN rate during the residency program.
  • Support throughout the first year of employment to ensure a successful transition into professional nursing practice.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Regular meetings with organizational leaders.
  • Graduates must commit to completing the full 12-month Residency Program.

For more information about our ICVAHCS orientation process, please contact the nurse recruiter. 

Experience the Difference at the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS): Your Nursing Career Awaits

Join the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) team to embark on a rewarding nursing career, dedicated to serving our nation's Veterans. At VA, we understand the importance of work/life balance for our nurses. Whether you are a seasoned RN looking for new challenges, or a new graduate eager to kickstart your career, we have the perfect position for you. Take the first step towards a fulfilling nursing career by applying to the Veterans Affairs Hospitals.