Practical Nurse (Surgical)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Tacoma, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Department of Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. The Practical Nurse provides nursing care to patients of all ages in specialty surgical, pre- and post-operative, and outpatient settings. Duties include preparing and administering prescribed medications; assisting physicians during diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures; preparing supplies and equipment; positioning and monitoring patients; and maintaining emergency equipment and sterile instruments. The role includes working with patients in various conditions, including critically ill patients and patients under anesthesia.

The position requires one year of qualifying nursing experience and an active practical or vocational nurse license, or an application for licensure subject to the stated conditions. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, and salary negotiation may be available to candidates new to Federal service. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation.

Requirements

• Currently hold a license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state or territory or the District of Columbia, or have applied for a license. Applicants appointed pending licensure must obtain the license during the probationary period.
• One year of nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility, providing practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, including assisting professional healthcare providers with surgical pre- and post-operative procedures.
• Qualifying experience must be used to meet the experience requirement; education cannot substitute for experience.
• Obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Fulfill credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate clinical privileges.
• Complete required suitability, fitness, personnel security, and background investigations, including periodic re-verification due to recurring interaction with minors.
• Meet required immunization screening, including Hepatitis B immunization for direct patient contact, and consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
• Consent to pre-employment and random drug screening, including random urinalysis.
• Complete a pre-placement medical examination.
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to report to or remain at work during severe weather or emergency situations; the position is mission essential and inclement-weather essential.
• U.S. citizenship is required; proof of citizenship must be provided.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• A one-year probationary period is required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• The position requires business or temporary duty travel approximately 5% of the time, potentially on military aircraft, ships, and vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to patients of various ages and conditions in specialty surgical, pre-operative, post-operative, and outpatient settings.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications by oral, topical, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular routes.
• Assist physicians during diagnostic, therapeutic, and minor to complex surgical procedures, including procedures involving critically ill or anesthetized patients.
• Prepare supplies and equipment; drape and position patients; monitor their condition; hold patients in position; and hand instruments and supplies to physicians during procedures.
• Perform auxiliary nursing duties, including checking the operational status of emergency equipment and ensuring surgical, examination, and treatment instruments and tools are sterile.

Benefits

• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed