Nursing Career Development Opportunities

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Three smiling nurses seated at a nurses station.

Find the best career development at VA.

VA is committed to encouraging and cultivating career development among its nursing population. VA nurses can further their careers through a variety of nursing leadership and clinical development programs:

Nursing Leadership Programs

Nurse Manager Core Curriculum - This program provides guided education online to nurse managers and others interested in leadership roles. Nurse Executive Rotation - This program provides the opportunity for VA nurse executives to work in the VA Central Office or the Office of Nursing Services for a two- to four-week rotation. 

Nurse Executive Leadership Development Program - Currently being piloted, this program offers three week-long sessions of VA-specific leadership training to nurse managers. 

Nurse Executive Mentor/Mentee Program - This program was developed to provide guidance and support to Nurse Executives new to their role or new to VA. 

Clinical Nurse Leader Positions - VA employs Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) who serve as the point person on patient care teams. To support nurses pursuing advanced degrees in this specialty, VA offers a range of scholarship opportunities. 

Medical center sponsored leadership programs - Nursing employees at every medical center have the opportunity to participate in structured leadership programs that are endorsed by VA and designed to develop tomorrow's leaders.

Clinical Development Programs

Every VA medical center offers professional development opportunities in clinical programs. Critical care, mental health, hospice, rehabilitation, and every clinical specialty currently available in health care can be found at some VA medical center. We offer outstanding financial support for nursing employees to pursue academic degrees and specialized training.

Travel Nurse Corps.

What if you could have the adventure of being a travel nurse, without the stress of relearning "the ropes" with each new assignment? Become a VA Travel Nurse.

Since VA technologies and policies are similar nationwide, your training will apply everywhere you go, with minor adjustments for each site.

Plus, your active, unrestricted nursing license is valid at over 1,400 VA facilities nationwide, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories (no re-licensing required).

VA's Travel Nurse Corps (TNC) is actively recruiting qualified nurses across the Nation.

Learn more about TNC

Many paths. One purpose. Explore VA careers.

At VA, there is no shortage of ways to become part of the Nation’s largest health care network. Our medical, professional, technical, administrative and support professional careers make a difference in the lives of Veterans every day. Read our e-brochures to discover our careers.

Learn More