Nurse; Operating room

Overview

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 perioperative 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.

• 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 ACEN or 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
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher than an associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as ICD
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (e.g., 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)
• Preferred experience:
  
  2 years OR experience
• 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 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:  Questionnaire/
• Grade/Level Scope:
  Nurse I - Level I, II, III (see details in original posting for specific education and experience criteria)
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Moderate lifting (15-44 lbs);
  Moderate carrying (15-44 lbs);
  Straight pulling;
  Pushing;
  Reaching above shoulder;
  Use of fingers;
  Both hands required;
  Walking;
  Standing;
  Repeated bending;
  Both legs required;
  Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination;
  Vision and hearing requirements;
  Mental and emotional stability;
  Ability to walk without assistive devices
• Environmental Factors:
  Working closely with others

• Function proficiently in both the circulator and scrub roles within the OR and be competent in all surgical specialties served
• Maintain knowledge of current Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) Standards, VHA Directives, and service-level standard operating procedures
• Assure the sterility of the surgical field and ensure all instrumentation and equipment are used safely and efficiently
• Protect the patient from injury caused by chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal sources; ensure removal of extraneous objects; participate in counting procedures to prevent retained surgical items; participate in the Time Out process to verify correct site, side, level, and implant/tissue product documentation, policy, and procedures
• Manage patient specimens appropriately; administer medications safely and correctly; perform interventions to maintain wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline; prevent surgical site infection
• Ensure comprehensive documentation of all perioperative care in the electronic health record in a timely, complete, and accurate manner
• On-call during off-tour hours to provide patient care for emergency procedures
• Accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care based on…