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Performs professional nursing work including patient care, health assessment, and nursing management.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0610
A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Degree from Foreign Nursing School: Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.
Advanced Practice Nurse Positions: For Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) positions, applicants must possess a graduate or higher level degree in nursing from an accredited educational program in the area of expertise or specialty indicated by the position.
Areas of specialties for positions include, but are not limited to, Acute Care, Anesthesia, Community Health, Family, Geriatric, Home Health, Midwifery, Neonatal, Oncology, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Allergy and Immunology, Women’s Health, Cardiovascular, Dermatology, Occupational Health, Orthopedic, Respiratory, or other specialties identified for the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal nurse position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0610
Military nursing leadership. Highlight nursing practice, leadership, and healthcare management.
Specialized nursing translation. Highlight anesthesia, critical care, and advanced nursing.
Direct nursing translation. Highlight nursing care, patient management, and healthcare leadership.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to evaluate patient conditions through observation and examination.
Skill in providing comprehensive nursing care including treatments and procedures.
Knowledge of safe medication administration practices.
Ability to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
Skill in teaching patients and families about health conditions and self-care.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate nursing records.
Ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0610 Nurses are registered nurses providing professional nursing care at federal facilities. They assess patients, develop care plans, administer medications, educate patients, and coordinate with healthcare teams. They work primarily at VA hospitals, IHS clinics, military treatment facilities, and federal prisons.
GS-0610 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) for new graduates to GS-13 ($90,025-$117,034) for advanced practice nurses and managers. Most staff RN positions are GS-9/10/11 ($52,205-$82,108). VA uses Nurse Professional Standards Boards for pay—many earn above base GS. Locality pay and recruitment bonuses add significantly.
Graduation from an accredited nursing program (BSN, ADN, or diploma) AND current, active RN license in a U.S. state or territory are mandatory. This is a positive education requirement—no substitution allowed. BSN is preferred and often required for advancement. Specialty certifications enhance competitiveness.
Your military nursing experience is highly valued, but the nursing degree and RN license are mandatory—no substitution. Military nurses transition seamlessly: your clinical experience, leadership, and understanding of veteran health issues make you ideal for VA positions. Many VA hospitals actively recruit separating military nurses.
Entry at GS-5/7 for new grads, staff nurses at GS-9/10/11. Charge nurses and clinical leads reach GS-12. Nurse managers, educators, and advanced practice nurses reach GS-12/13. VA offers Nurse Professional Standards Boards for advancement. NP, CRNA, and CNS roles command highest compensation.
Search USAJOBS for 'Registered Nurse' or 'Staff Nurse.' VA is the largest employer of federal nurses. Also check IHS, BOP, and DoD civilian positions. Highlight your clinical specialty, certifications, and leadership experience. Veterans with RN credentials have priority at VA—your military nursing background is a significant advantage.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.