Nursing Student Trainee Program

About the Role

The Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) invites nursing students entering their senior year to apply for our VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP). This program offers a unique opportunity to develop clinical skills by providing care to our nation's veterans under the guidance of a seasoned RN preceptor.

Key Responsibilities

Engage in practical clinical experiences and didactic learning at an accredited VA facility.
Work closely with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher prepared nurse in a one-to-one preceptorship.
Participate in nursing-focused clinical conferences.
Develop competencies in clinical skills, judgment, and critical thinking.
Network and build working relationships within the VA health care system.

Qualifications

Current enrollment in an ACEN or CCNE accredited BSN program.
Completion of junior year by the start of the program, with a CGPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Commitment to complete 400 hours in a VA facility, mainly over the summer.
Flexibility with work hours, primarily during May/June 2025.
U.S. citizenship.
Must not be a current VA employee or under any service obligation to other entities.

Benefits & Additional Information

This is a temporary, intermittent position aimed at providing students with invaluable experience while working towards a future RN position at ICVAHCS. Although this position does not include benefits such as health insurance or retirement, it is a stepping stone to post-graduation employment as a Registered Nurse with us.

All selected candidates must undergo a background/security investigation and meet physical examination standards. This includes compliance with health care personnel vaccination programs, including those for influenza and COVID-19.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

A resume detailing relevant experiences.
Unofficial transcripts verifying GPA and enrollment status.
Two letters of reference, including one from a current faculty member.

For those passionate about a career dedicated to veterans' care, this program offers a significant growth and employment pathway within the IA VA's supportive environment.