This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-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). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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. 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. Preferred Experience: Operating room and/or Surgical Experience highly preferred. Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience. NOTE: Nurse III must demonstrate performance and leadership that is broad enough to improve the care for a group of patients. The Nurse III is responsible for the documented outcomes at the program or service level. Program or service level outcomes must be broad and complex and can be demonstrated at any organizational level. In order to be considered for appointment to Nurse III, outcomes must be documented. Meeting the Practice dimension involves incorporating and implementing the requirements of the other qualification standards, including:(a) Leading and organizing delivery of care to assure continuity of care and peer accountability for practice, including access to care and discharge planning.(b) Using advanced clinical knowledge/judgment to promote staff involvement in planning, decision-making and evaluating outcomes.(c) Functioning as an expert in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities.(d) Systematically evaluating current practice, and formulating outcomes for groups of patients and/or organizational processes within area of expertise.(e) Guiding, developing and supporting staff from a leadership perspective.(f) Using professional standards of care, scientific evidence and practice to evaluate programs and/or service activities. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours); Standing (up to 4 hours); Repeated bending (up to 2 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted). ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The OR Nurse (RN) provides perioperative care to both inpatient and outpatient adult and elderly patients undergoing local, minor, and major surgical procedures. The patient population served includes all surgical specialties, as well as patients undergoing cystoscopy. The RN is responsible for assuring patient preparation for surgery and is directly accountable for the care of the patient in the Operating Room (OR). The RN is expected to function proficiently in the circulator and/or scrub roles within the OR and be competent in all surgical specialties served The perioperative RN circulator delegates, supervises, and evaluates the activities of other team members while simultaneously executing immediate directives and interventions in urgent or emergent situations. The RN maintains proficiency in the use of all surgical equipment as well as tissue and implant management. The RN assures the sterility of the surgical field is maintained and all instrumentation related to the surgical procedure is used safely according to manufacturer's guidelines. Collaborates with physicians and ancillary services to determine desired postoperative outcomes; issues and institutes a plan of care to achieve outcomes.\nDuties include but not limited to the following: Nursing care within the operating room environment Preoperative nursing assessment Intra-operative nursing care plan Implementation and documentation of care given as well as documentation of patient disposition postoperatively. Interviews patient/family appropriately reporting concerns and needs and/or systems issues during preoperative assessment. Provides age specific care for adult and geriatric veteran population. Collaborates with physicians and ancillary services to determine desired postoperative outcomes; issues and institutes a plan of care to achieve outcomes. Shares expertise with peers related to management of safe, therapeutic care. Anticipates emergencies, coordinates prevention and evaluates responses through critical analysis of patient situations. Demonstrates knowledge and/or required safety skills in the OR, and in the following: hazardous materials handling, equipment failure responsibilities, fire and emergency plan and utility response procedures. Assumes responsibility and accountability for maintaining a productive working environment and manages stressful situations professionally. Provides and willingly accepts constructive criticism. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, Various shifts (Tour of duty subject to change based on agency needs)\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]