Practical Nurse (Operating Room)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA•Fort Belvoir, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Practical Nurse (Operating Room) supports A. T. Augusta Military Medical Center in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, helping provide consistent, high-quality patient care and support facility operations. The role performs nursing procedures in inpatient and outpatient services, including post-anesthesia recovery after scheduled and emergency surgery. Recovery care involves close observation, cardiorespiratory monitoring, and ongoing patient evaluation. The nurse administers medications by oral, intramuscular, topical, inhaled, rectal, and intravenous routes; initiates IV access and monitors fluid and medication administration; performs sterile dressing changes; documents patients’ physical and emotional status; and carries out diagnostic support duties. The position also includes assessing changing patient conditions, updating care plans, entering information into the electronic medical record, and teaching patients and family members about postoperative procedures. This is a Direct Hire Authority solicitation for appointment to the competitive service. The position is designated mission essential and inclement-weather essential. The incumbent must meet credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain relevant clinical privileges. A one-year probationary period applies.

Requirements

Current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, or an application for licensure; candidates appointed pending licensure must obtain the license during the probationary period.
One year of nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing, or patient care facility involving practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, including setting up perioperative operating equipment or monitoring patient vital signs during perioperative phases.
Qualification must be based on experience; education cannot substitute for the required experience.
U.S. citizenship and proof of U.S. citizenship.
Successful completion of a background investigation and required pre-employment and ongoing screenings, including drug testing.
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
Required immunization screening, including Hepatitis B for direct patient contact, seasonal influenza vaccination unless exempted, and tuberculosis testing.
Ability to meet credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain relevant clinical privileges.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds may be required.
Availability for on-call work during irregular hours, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or varying schedules.
Ability to report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies as a mission-essential employee.

Nice To Haves

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

Perform nursing procedures in inpatient and outpatient services.
Provide post-anesthesia recovery care after scheduled and emergency surgery, including close observation, cardiorespiratory monitoring, and ongoing evaluation.
Administer oral, intramuscular, topical, inhaled, rectal, and intravenous medications.
Initiate IV access and monitor IV fluid and medication administration.
Perform sterile dressing changes.
Document pertinent information about patients’ physical and emotional status.
Perform diagnostic support duties, including taking vital signs, tracking intake and output, obtaining laboratory specimens, monitoring cardiac telemetry, and providing basic cardiac life support (BLS).
Assess changes in patients’ conditions and update patient care plans.
Enter patient information into the electronic medical record (EMR).
Teach patients and family members about postoperative procedures.
Meet credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate clinical privileges.
Report to or remain at work during severe weather or emergency situations as required to support mission operations.