Exploring VA nursing residencies 

Access to high-quality, timely healthcare requires a skilled nursing workforce. To address the current national shortage of experienced nurses, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers nursing residency programs at VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) across the country. Through these programs, VA supports the clinical training of more than 25,000 nursing students annually. 

Each program offers wide-ranging opportunities for participants to develop competent, confident, practice-ready Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans. 

Read on to learn more about the different types of nursing residency programs offered by VA. 

Geriatrics and Extended Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program 

Dedicated to serving our nation’s aging Veterans, this program provides residents with comprehensive clinical training across the continuum of care, including long-term care, rehabilitation, home-based primary care and palliative medicine. The program emphasizes evidence-based, Veteran-centered care, scholarly inquiry and interprofessional collaboration. Guided by VA’s I CARE values (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence), we prepare nurse practitioners to deliver care with clinical excellence and cultural competence. 

The Geriatrics and Extended Care Nurse Practitioner Residency is offered at VAMCs across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Boston and Houston. Check out the website to see the full list of participating VAMCs. 

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program 

VA is dedicated to meeting the specific mental health needs of our nation’s Veterans. Through completion of this program, mental health nurse practitioner residents will acquire clinical experience in the management of various mental health conditions impacting our Veteran population, build on their diagnostic, psychiatric medication management, and psychotherapy skills, and develop a strong skill set in interprofessional collaboration and Veteran-centric care. 

The Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency is offered at VAMCs across the U.S., including Cincinnati, Seattle, and Atlanta. Check the website to see the full list of participating VAMCs. 

Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency Program 

Research indicates that newly graduated RNs who engage in residency programs exhibit greater competence, improved organizational abilities, enhanced communication skills, reduced turnover rates, and stronger leadership and collaboration with fellow healthcare professionals. This program assists new nurses in transitioning into their professional roles and fosters professional development within a supportive learning environment focused on evidence-based clinical care. 

“(The program) gave me an opportunity to get first-hand insight and experience in different units and truly find where my passion lies,” said Hollie Slagle-Suruagy, Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency, Portland VAMC alum. 

The Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency is offered at VAMCs across the U.S., including New York, Portland, and Boise. Check the website to see the full list of participating VAMCs. 

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program 

The Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency is offered at VAMCs across the U.S., including Milwaukee, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Check the website to see the full list of participating VAMCs. 

Join our team 

Learn more about VA nursing residencies at VA Careers.