Registered Nurse - Surgical

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program 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 review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

• English Language Proficiency (required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) for direct patient‑care positions).
• Graduate of a professionally accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE) or enrollment in a master’s‑level bridge program with completed bachelor‑level nursing coursework.
• Possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted state nursing license (or equivalent for foreign school graduates, with documented equivalency when required).
• For foreign graduates: a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted evaluation agency such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception – candidates meeting education requirements but lacking licensure may be appointed on a temporary basis while pursuing licensure.
• Preferred experience in ambulatory care, perioperative, surgical, orthopedic, wound care, urology, vascular, ENT, or specialty clinic nursing.
• Strong triage, patient education, care coordination, and clinical assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Grandfathering provision – current VHA personnel performing these duties as of 1/29/2024 meet all qualification requirements.
• Grade/Level Scope Education criteria (e.g., Nurse I, II, III) as defined in the online assessment linked in the original posting.
• Physical requirements – applicants must be able to satisfactorily perform all duties.
• Pre‑placement examination required before appointment.

• Registered Nurse in the Surgical Clinic at the Manchester VA location – full‑time (40 hrs/week).
• Key member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team delivering veteran‑centered care in surgical specialty clinics (General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Urology, Vascular Surgery, Podiatry, Wound Care).
• Provide comprehensive nursing care, care coordination, education, and advocacy throughout pre‑operative, perioperative, and post‑operative phases.
• Review and triage specialty consults, referrals, diagnostic results, patient inquiries, secure messages, walk‑in visits, and telephone encounters.
• Coordinate pre‑operative preparation, including testing, imaging, pathology reports, clearances, consents, and screenings.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans based on assessments, evidence‑based practice, and veteran goals.
• Assist providers during clinic procedures and deliver care for veterans undergoing specialty treatments and minor surgeries within RN scope.
• Promote evidence‑based practice through quality improvement initiatives, policy development, and program evaluation.
• Maintain competency in specialty surgical practice and cross‑train to support multiple clinics as needed.
• Demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and independent decision‑making in complex patient care situations.
• Ensure compliance with VA policies, accreditation standards, infection prevention practices, patient safety initiatives, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Surgical Services and veteran care delivery.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am–4:00 pm (not a virtual position).
• EDRP authorized: former participants are ineligible for incentive.
• Contact Karen Chapman (karen.chapman) for EDRP questions or assistance.
• Additional information regarding permanent change of station and special rate coverage is provided in the original posting.
• Current and former federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF‑50 identifying title, series, grade, step, tenure, and service type; multiple SF‑50s may be required.
• Pay:
  Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards.
• Paid time off: 50 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance:
  Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal programs.
• Licensure: one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.