Registered Nurse Critical Care (OR)

The Perioperative Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse (RN) is accountable for patient outcomes resulting from the nursing care for the patient undergoing a surgical/ invasive procedure. The OR RN plans directs and coordinates the care of every patient undergoing operative and other invasive procedures taking into consideration respect for the individual and recognition of the important contribution that each team member makes to the patients wellbeing. The OR RN is expected to function proficiently in both the circulator and scrub role within the OR and to be competent in all surgical specialties served. The OR RN maintains knowledge of current Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) standards Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directives and service level standard operating procedures (SOPs). The OR RN assures the sterility of the surgical field is maintained and all instrumentation and equipment in play is used in a safe and efficient manner. Protects the patient from injury caused by chemical electrical mechanical and thermal sources and extraneous objects performs counting procedures to protect the patient from unintended retained surgical items participates in the Time Out process to ensure correct site side and level and follows implant and tissue/tissue-based product documentation policy and procedures.

The Perioperative Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse (RN) Manages the patients specimens in the appropriate manner administers medications safely and correctly performs interventions to maintain the patients wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels and performs interventions to protect the patient from surgical site infection. Responsible for ensuring comprehensive documentation of all care provided during the perioperative experience is timely complete and accurate in the electronic health record. Responsible for knowing what reusable instruments equipment medical devices or supplies are in use in the clinical area. Obtains reads and follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all reusable medical equipment (RME) in use in the clinical area and consults Sterile Processing and/or Infection Control as needed. The OR RN is required to be on-call during off tours hours to provide patient care for emergency procedures.

The OR RN collaborates in the development implementation evaluation and revision of policies procedures and/or guidelines. Demonstrates performance and leadership that is broad enough to improve the care for a group of patients. Provides peers with formal or informal constructive feedback for improvement. Supports colleagues and other nurses through knowledge sharing to provide safe quality nursing care. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of health care professionals. Evaluates outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes for individuals groups and populations. Responsible for the documenting broad and complex outcomes at the program or service level that can be demonstrated at any organizational level within a facility


Work Schedule: To Be Determined
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a masters level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelors level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005 Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing possession of a current full active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
• Current full active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements but do not possess the required licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.)