Chief Nurse (Clinical and Scientific Inquiry)

Quick Facts

• Role: Chief Nurse (Clinical and Scientific Inquiry)
• Focus: Nursing excellence across research, evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, innovation, and administration

Description

Lead nursing excellence across Nursing Service lines by supervising specialty areas including Clinical Nurse Leaders, Nurse Researchers, and Nursing Informatics. Develop and manage an ongoing nursing research program, promote research activities, publish in professional journals, and pursue funding for research studies. Provide senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative nursing operations, while championing a High Reliability Organization (HRO) culture of safety.

Responsibilities

• Supervise specialty areas within the department across the organization (Clinical Nurse Leaders, Nurse Researchers, Nursing Informatics)
• Consult and collaborate with VA program offices, VISN staff, facility leadership, nurse executives, and other stakeholders to resolve complex nursing practice issues
• Develop and implement RN/LVN/Nursing Assistant/Health Care Technician policies and practices supporting high-quality nursing care
• Develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate nursing research programs (including integrated, cross-service/discipline programs)
• Conduct research, promote research-related activities, publish, and seek funding
• Mentor nursing staff, students, and nurse fellows in research conduct, dissemination, and utilization
• Provide senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative operations within nursing
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve patient-centered and organizational goals
• Champion an HRO culture of safety using a systems approach to evidence-based solutions based on prevention

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship and English proficiency for direct patient care
• Accredited nursing education (ACEN/CCNE) and current, full, active, unrestricted RN license
• Minimum 5 years of RN nursing experience plus clinical and scientific research experience
• Prior Chief Nurse / Chief Nurse Officer leadership experience (acting/interim/permanent)
• Personnel management experience (performance evaluations, organizational structures, EEO practices)
• Master’s degree in Nursing or related field per Nurse IV criteria; must meet scope, leadership, and business acumen dimensions
• Ability to meet VA employment conditions (background/security, pre-employment physical, onboarding)

Benefits

• Competitive federal salary with performance awards
• Paid time off (up to 50 days/year)
• Federal pension and 401K with up to 5% VA contribution
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options
• Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30AM–4:00PM; telework not available