The Nurse 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 patient's well-being.
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. 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/12795288. 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: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting and Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling, Pushing, Walking, Standing, Kneeling, Repeated bending, Keyboarding, Viewing computer screen (8 - 12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands and legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); and Emotional/Mental stability.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The Perioperative Registered Nurse (RN) position, works in the Operating Room for Nursing and Patient Care Services, in the main hospital in San Diego, CA. The RN uses the nursing process to develop individualized plans of care and to coordinate and deliver care to patients undergoing surgical procedures in an operating room setting. RN has experience as a perioperative nurse in both circulating and scrub role. Procedures are complex and not clinic based types of procedures.The Perioperative RN identifies patient needs, sets goals with patients, and implements nursing interventions and activities to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Addresses the physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual responses of patients. Uses standards, knowledge, judgment, and skills based on scientific principles. Uses evidence as the foundation for practice. Assumes responsibility for lifelong learning and accountable for adhering to established policies and procedures. This RN reports directly to the Operating Room (OR) Nurse Manager. Roles and responsibilities: Functions in the role of circulator, scrub, pre-op holding, OR/SPS liaison, and/or charge nurse.- Participates in ongoing quality improvement workplace activities as appropriate to the individual's position, education, and practice environment. Performs on-call duties. Applies the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to all aspects of patient care. Participates in the Pre-Op Briefing "Huddle". Confirms availability of implants and special equipment prior to patient entering OR. Participates in the pre-op "Time Out". Communicates and anticipates the needs of the surgical team members (surgeons, anesthesia, residents, surgical technologists, etc.). Restrings instrumentation and pre-cleans Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) according to standard operating procedures. Checks the autonomic dysreflexia kit, crash cart, defibrillators, and temperature and humidity of rooms where sterile equipment is stored. Communicates with Escort and the Blood Bank for delivery, storage and return of blood and blood products. Performs duties of Service Leader/Alternate such as ordering supplies, instrumentation, etc. Strives to achieve certification in perioperative nursing. Maintains current knowledge of and adheres to AORN standards, recommended practices, guidelines, and position statements. Supervises allied health care providers and support personnel with appropriate authority. Performs other duties as assigned by the OR Nurse Manager. Preferred Experience: Current BLS required Minimum 2 years current Operating Room experience in circulating complex cases, scrubbing experience strongly preferred. RN can circulate complex surgical procedures: Orthopedic total joint cases; robotic procedures; spinal fusions, neurosurgery, gynecology, urology, head and neck, vascular, general surgery, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and cardiac surgery. Scrub experience in complex procedures preferred AORN Specialty certification (CNOR) preferred. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Work Schedule: Operating Room Schedule: 0630-1900 Monday - Friday; Shift for vacancy will be for 8 or 10-hour shifts: 0830-1700; 0830-1900; 1030-1900. May need to rotate to 0630-1500; 0630-1700 and other shifts as assigned. On Call required with 60 minutes response time to VA La Jolla facility; 12-24 hours duty. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required