About the opportunity
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Chief Nurse within Community Care Service. This position reports directly to the Associate Director for Patient Care Services (ADPCS) and serves as a key member of the nursing executive leadership team. The Chief Nurse executes leadership characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for population groups or integrated programs that cross services and/or discipline lines. Functions as an advisor, administrator, educator, consultant, and mentor, providing senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative operations within nursing. Responsibilities include supervising nursing staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, and championing a High Reliability Organization with a lifestyle of safety.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $158,044 to $210,195 per year with regular salary increases and potential for performance awards
- 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays)
- Traditional federal pension with 5 years vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching contributions by VA
- Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs that can be carried into retirement
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy)
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
- Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by an accrediting agency and accredited by the ACEN or CCNE at the time of completion
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
- Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) and 4 years of professional nursing experience (one year specialized equivalent to Nurse III), OR Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and 4 years of experience, OR Doctoral degree in nursing and 3 years of experience, OR Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and 3 years of experience
- Selective Service Registration for males born after December 31, 1959
Required documents
- Resume
- Standard Clinical Resume Document (downloaded from VA careers and uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' upload field)
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (current federal employees must provide most recent SF-50 dated 01/2026 or later)
- Transcript (required if basing all or part of qualifications on education)
- DD-214 / Statement of Service and SF-15 (if claiming Veterans' Preference)
- License (proof of current professional nursing license)
When to apply
- Applications open on August 27, 2026
- Complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 7, 2026
How to apply
- Create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document and prepare your full CV/resume and supporting documents
- Complete the occupational questionnaire online
- Upload all required documents, ensuring your complete application package is submitted by the closing date
Additional information
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel
- Selected applicants are subject to a background/security investigation, drug screening, and pre-employment physical evaluation
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Experienced nursing leaders with a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing or a related field.
- Professionals with at least 3-4 years of specialized nursing experience seeking a senior executive role.
- Candidates committed to High Reliability Organization principles and safety-focused clinical leadership.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is an Excepted Service position, which does not confer competitive status within the federal government.
- The role requires on-site presence in Battle Creek, Michigan, and adherence to mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policies.
- Applicants must be prepared for a comprehensive background investigation, drug screening, and pre-employment physical.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for a seasoned nursing administrator looking to influence clinical strategy and operations at a high level within the VA system. It offers a stable, long-term career path with significant federal benefits, including a pension and comprehensive insurance, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing long-term financial security and leadership impact in public service.
Our take
This is an excellent opportunity for experienced nursing executives ready to lead clinical operations at the Battle Creek VA. It is less suitable for those seeking flexible remote work or those who do not meet the specific advanced degree and specialized experience requirements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
