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VA Nurses: The Heart of Veteran Care

National nurses week 2025

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest employer of nurses in the United States, with more than 120,000 registered nurses (RNs), advanced nurse practitioners (APNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nursing assistants providing empathetic and respectful care to those who so bravely served.  

Nurses Week, held annually May 6-12, is a chance to recognize and celebrate the compassionate, skilled, and unwavering dedication of nurses across the nation.  At VA, Nurses Week carries a special meaning; our nurses don’t just serve patients—they serve heroes. 

From emergency departments to long-term care facilities, VA nurses are on the frontlines of healing. Keep reading to learn more about nursing at VA and how you too can join our mission in a nursing career that’s All About Veterans. 

Nursing at VA 

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Nursing Services (ONS) leads and supports all things related to nursing at VA—like patient care, training, research, and staffing—at every stage of care and in all the sites where Veterans receive services. VA nurses play a critical role in many health fields and settings, including acute care, residential care, ambulatory care, and interventional and telehealth services. Through their unwavering commitment, they transform the lives of Veterans, their families, and caregivers, fostering a culture of excellence in every aspect of care. 

Our nurses also lead in innovation and research, shaping the future of Veteran health care. Whether it’s implementing new telehealth solutions, participating in clinical studies, or helping design programs that address Veteran-specific needs like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), VA nurses are helping set national standards in patient-centered care. 

A Heartfelt Thank You 

To every VA nurse: thank you. Your skills save lives. Your compassion brings hope. Your dedication makes VA what it is—a trusted partner in health for our nation’s Veterans.  

Join Our Mission 

If you’re a caring, reliable, skilled nurse looking to have your career make a real difference in the life of a Veteran, a nursing career at VA might be right for you. 

For more information on a rewarding career at VA, please visit: VA Careers.  


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