Registered Nurse
Job Description
If you’re a compassionate REGISTERED NURSE seeking a meaningful career where your skills truly make a difference, this opportunity with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers both professional growth and the chance to serve those who served our nation.
Based at the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, this full-time nursing role allows healthcare professionals to provide compassionate, high-quality care to veterans while building a stable and rewarding career within the State of Florida workforce.
With competitive compensation, strong benefits, and opportunities for advancement, this role is ideal for nurses passionate about long-term care nursing, patient-centered care, and veteran healthcare services.About the Registered Nurse Role
Supporting Veterans Through Compassionate Healthcare
The REGISTERED NURSE plays a vital role in delivering clinical care and maintaining the highest standards of healthcare within the state veterans’ nursing facility. Working under the supervision of the Senior Registered Nurse Supervisor, the nurse is responsible for administering treatments, monitoring patient health, and coordinating care with physicians and healthcare staff.
This role focuses on delivering skilled nursing care, supervising staff members, and ensuring that residents receive safe, respectful, and high-quality medical support.
Work Location and Schedule
The position is located at the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, within Florida.
Available Nursing Shifts
Healthcare professionals may work various schedules depending on operational needs:
- 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM
Each shift includes a 30-minute break and may involve evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.
Key Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse
Clinical Care and Patient Support
A REGISTERED NURSE in this role provides hands-on care and clinical leadership within the facility. Core responsibilities include:
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
- Monitoring patient conditions and documenting medical observations
- Performing nursing rounds and assisting with diagnostic procedures
- Maintaining accurate medical records and care plans
- Supporting residents with activities of daily living (ADL)
- Recognizing and responding to changes in patient health conditions
These duties ensure that residents receive safe, effective, and compassionate nursing care.
Leadership and Team Coordination
In addition to patient care, the REGISTERED NURSE supervises staff members and coordinates healthcare delivery within the assigned unit.
Responsibilities include:
- Supervising Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and nursing staff
- Assigning work responsibilities based on patient needs
- Ensuring accurate documentation and medication administration
- Monitoring narcotic inventory and records for compliance
- Collaborating with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare teams
This leadership role helps maintain efficient healthcare operations and high-quality patient outcomes.
Care Planning and Medical Coordination
Effective care planning is a key component of the nurse’s responsibilities. The REGISTERED NURSE participates in developing and updating care plans while coordinating with physicians and healthcare specialists.
Responsibilities include:
- Participating in Interdisciplinary Care Plan meetings
- Completing MDS assessments and care documentation
- Communicating patient health changes to families and physicians
- Reviewing incidents or complaints and ensuring appropriate follow-up
Through these responsibilities, nurses contribute to a holistic and personalized approach to veteran healthcare.
Salary, Benefits, and Career Advantages
This REGISTERED NURSE position offers a competitive compensation package within the Florida state government system.
Annual Salary:
$67,742.74 (paid bi-weekly)
Additional Compensation Benefits
- Overtime eligibility
- $1.00/hour Florida Nurses’ Association shift differential for qualifying shifts
Comprehensive State Employee Benefits
Working for the State of Florida provides access to a strong benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Disability and supplemental insurance options
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Nine paid state holidays plus a personal day
- Retirement and deferred compensation plans
- Tuition waivers for Florida State Universities and Community Colleges
Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Facilities operated by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs are eligible employment sites for the Florida Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Qualified nurses may receive:
- Up to $4,000 per year toward student loan repayment
- Eligibility for up to four years of loan assistance
Payments are made directly to the lender based on available program funding.Qualifications for Registered Nurse Applicants
Required Credentials
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Active Florida Registered Nurse License
- Current CPR certification
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed
- Successful completion of background screening and drug testing
Preferred Experience
Candidates with the following experience are highly valued:
- Long-term care or skilled nursing facility experience
- Familiarity with Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Medication administration experience
- Knowledge of healthcare software such as Microsoft Office tools
Why Become a Registered Nurse with the State of Florida?
Healthcare professionals who join the State of Florida workforce benefit from a supportive environment focused on public service, career growth, and community impact.
Key advantages include:
- Stable government healthcare employment
- Opportunities to serve and support U.S. military veterans
- Strong retirement and benefits packages
- Career development within Florida’s public healthcare system
- A collaborative healthcare environment committed to excellence
Build a Meaningful Nursing Career Serving Veterans
For healthcare professionals passionate about patient care and public service, this REGISTERED NURSE opportunity in Florida offers the chance to combine clinical expertise with a mission-driven career.
By joining the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs team at Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home, you will play a vital role in delivering compassionate care to those who have served the country.
Explore this opportunity and take the next step toward a rewarding, stable, and impactful nursing career in Florida.
