The Prep/Recovery & Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN), known as Perianesthesia RN, is responsible for administering care to the patient pre and post surgical or other invasive procedural care in the 12 bed Prep/Recovery unit and the 7 bed PACU unit. The RN is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care.
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 master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's 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.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Preferred Experience: BSN or Higher preferred Recent RN experience in Post Anesthesia Care (PACU) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) preferred Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794932. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. 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: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting. This position also requires that the staff member be able to wear a lead apron for an extended period of time.
Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives as well as customer service programs. The Nurse II Perianesthesia RN provides specialized care in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care throughout the pen anesthesia continuum to include the Pre anesthesia Phase, Post anesthesia Phase I, Post anesthesia Phase II, and extended care from sedation/analgesia and/or anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures. The Perianesthesia RN possesses knowledge related to the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical interventions. The Perianesthesia RN assesses and prepare patients for procedures appropriately. Performs clinical assessment of the patient and readily recognizes contraindication for anesthesia and/or surgical intervention. The Perianesthesia RN applies the appropriate post sedation scoring and assesses the patient's postoperative status to include cardiovascular and respiratory systems and airway management needs, neurological system, hemodynamic stability, pain, and comfort needs and mental status, implementing appropriate interventions to maintain or return all physiological system to baseline. The Perianesthesia RN maintains knowledge of current American Society of Pen anesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) standards, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directives and facility/service level guidance. The Perianesthesia RN is responsible for ensuring comprehensive documenting of all phases of care and is timely, complete, and accurate in the electronic health record (EHR). The Perianesthesia RN demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Evaluates practice in an ongoing process, based on best evidence. Provides peers with informal constructive feedback for improvement. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals. Contributes professional nursing perspective in discussions with the interdisciplinary team. Partners with others to effect change and produce optimal outcomes. Supports colleagues through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care. Shares educational findings, experiences, and ideas with peers. Questions clinical practices for the purpose of providing evidence-based care. Engages in activities and implements strategies to maintain an environment grounded in evidence-based practice. The staff of Prep-Recovery and PACU strive to provide High Quality Care based on ASPAN Standards: Pre-Admission: The nursing roles in this phase focus on physical, psychosocial, sociocultural and spiritual preparation for the experience. Interview and assessment techniques are used to identify potential or actual problems. Education and interventions are initiated to optimize positive outcomes. Day of Surgery/Procedure: The nursing roles in this phase focus on validating existing information, reinforcing preoperative teaching, reviewing discharge instructions and providing nursing care to complete preparation for the experience. lntraoperative: Prep/Recovery and PACU doesn't not provide intraoperative care, but will communicate and collaborate with the Operating Room Team performing intraoperative care and be available to assist in the event of emergency in the operating room. Phase I Recovery: The nursing roles in this phase focus on providing post anesthesia nursing in the immediate post anesthesia period, transitioning to Phase II, the in-patient setting, or to an intensive care setting for continued care. Basic life-sustaining needs are of the highest priority. Phase II Recovery: The nursing roles in this phase focus on preparation for care in the home or an extended care environment. The Prep/Recovery & PACU RN reports to the Perioperative (OR/Prep/Recovery/PACU) Nurse Manager. May be assigned other duties as appropriate by Perioperative leadership. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM, schedule to be discussed at interview. 8, 10, 12 hour shifts to be determined. No weekends, No holidays. Telework: Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required