About the opportunity
The Clinical Nurse Educator in the surgical and procedural areas such as Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, and Outpatient Surgical Services supports the development of nursing staff by providing independent, evidence-based education to nurses across areas within the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. They demonstrate increasing expertise in instructional design, implementation, and evaluation. They conduct comprehensive learning needs assessments, develop and deliver educational programs, collaborate in the orientation of new employees, and monitor progress. The role involves offering guidance, assisting in the creation of individualized learning plans, applying coaching and mentoring strategies, and incorporating the unique health needs of Veterans into educational content. The position also supports nurse residency programs, participates in organizational committees, and serves as a trainer and consultant within the Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdI) Program.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $153,887 to $228,000 per year with regular salary increases
- 37 to 50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays)
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
- Child care subsidy eligibility for full-time employees with total family income below $144,000
- Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
- Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens)
- English language proficiency in basic written and spoken English
- Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or meet alternative bridge/foreign education program requirements
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
- Meet specific grade and experience requirements depending on Nurse level (Nurse I, II, or III) based on education, specialized experience, and nursing dimensions
Required documents
- Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- License
- Professional Certification
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
- DD-214 / Statement of Service and SF-15 (if claiming Veterans' Preference)
- Disability Letter (VA, if applicable)
When to apply
- Application opening date: 2026-09-08
- Application closing date: 2026-09-16 at 23:59:59 (ET)
How to apply
- Create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account
- Review the job announcement and complete the full online occupational questionnaire
- Upload the required documents, such as your resume, transcripts, and nursing license
- Submit your complete application package and questionnaire answers before the closing deadline
Additional information
- Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1600
- This is not a remote or virtual position
- Relocation, recruitment incentives, Permanent Change of Station (PCS), and Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) are not authorized
- Selected applicants are subject to a background/security investigation, drug screening, physical examination, and a 1 or 2-year trial period
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment
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…
- Registered professional nurses with an active license who possess specialized experience in surgical and procedural areas like the Cath Lab or Interventional Radiology.
- Educators with a background in instructional design, curriculum development, and staff training or nursing mentorship.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation, recruitment incentives, and the Education Debt Reduction Program are not authorized, so candidates must independently manage relocation to Palo Alto, California.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and a background investigation are mandatory conditions of employment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role aligns with the career objectives of experienced clinical educators seeking a high-compensation position dedicated to training nursing staff and supporting Veteran healthcare needs.
Our take
Licensed nurses with specialized procedural expertise who are ready to commit to a non-remote educational leadership role at the VA should seriously consider applying.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS




