Registered Nurse - Chief Nurse Operations

Veterans Health Administration; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 166,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs in Chicago is seeking a Registered Nurse, Chief Nurse of Operations to provide senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative nursing operations per ADPCS guidance. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, ensure compliance with VHA guidelines, and champion a High Reliability Organization focused on safety and evidence-based care.

The position offers a comprehensive federal benefits package with a 7:30 am–4:00 pm Monday–Friday

Qualifications

• A transcript must be submitted with your application.
• Foreign education requires Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Provides senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative operations within nursing as directed by the Associate Director for Patient Care Services (ADPCS).
• Manages all aspects of care within the operations service line with knowledge of Nursing and Emergency Nursing regulations and VHA guidelines.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and program leaders nationwide to achieve patient-centered and organizational goals.
• Champions a High Reliability Organization (HRO) prioritizing safety and evidence-based care.

Job description

Registered Nurse - Chief Nurse Operations

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Registered Nurse, Chief Nurse of Operations, functions as an advisor, administrator, educator, consultant, and mentor who possesses a wide range of experience and leadership ability.

Key Responsibilities

The Registered Nurse, Chief Nurse of Operations, duties include, but are not limited to the following: This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments. Provides senior leadership and oversight for daily clinical and administrative operations within nursing as directed by the Associate Director for Patient Care Services (ADPCS).

Responsible for all aspects of care that fall under the operations service line, providing administrative oversight and direction in the programs within the service. Possesses solid knowledge of Nursing and Emergency Nursing regulations, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guidelines, medical review criteria, clinical practice and documentation requirements, current standards of care, and compliance guidelines.

Supports the integration and collaboration of nursing with other professional disciplines and functional areas in the mutual achievement of patient-centered and organizational goals. Champions a High Reliability Organization (HRO) with a lifestyle of safety founded on a systems approach to developing evidence-based health care solutions based on prevention, not punishment, with collective mindfulness.

Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, including other program and service leaders at the facility and network. Works closely to establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of Veteran Affairs (VA) staff nationwide. Relates effectively with customers, families, and the community as well as program and service leaders at the local and network levels. Assists the ADPCS with healthcare operations and the functions and activities expected of them.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized.

Requirements & Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $165897 – $228000/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-12.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Excepted' hiring path.