Registered Nurse- Ambulatory Surgery

Veterans Health Administration • Des Moines, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ambulatory Surgery Registered Nurse provides comprehensive perioperative nursing care to ambulatory surgery patients. The role includes patient assessment, consent and History & Physical (H&P) validation, intravenous therapy, medication administration, pre-procedure preparation, and coordination of required testing. The nurse provides education to patients and families, monitors recovery from anesthesia, follows ASPAN standards and VHA directives, and maintains accurate, timely, and complete electronic health record documentation.

This is a temporary position not to exceed one year, with an intermittent schedule and no regularly scheduled tour of duty. Expected availability is one eight-hour shift per biweekly pay period; additional hours may be scheduled as needed, typically Monday through Friday between 0600 and 1730. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network uses a Whole Health System of care intended to empower Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized health plans, healing relationships and environments, and connection to their communities. This supports the Veterans Health Administration mission to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an approved school of professional nursing accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or an eligible equivalent nursing education pathway described in the announcement.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted professional nurse registration in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a Graduate Nurse Technician exception is described for eligible candidates pursuing licensure.
• A full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• U.S. citizenship, unless appointment of a qualified non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Selected applicants must undergo required drug screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Applicants may be required to serve a probationary period and must complete application requirements in the announcement.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and oversee all phases of the nursing process for ambulatory surgery patients.
• Coordinate patient care across the continuum, emphasizing education, self-management, and patient satisfaction.
• Validate consents and History & Physical (H&P) documentation before procedures.
• Initiate intravenous therapy, perform venipuncture, and assist with peripheral nerve blocks.
• Ensure required laboratory work and pre-procedure testing are completed and communicated.
• Verify surgical sites are properly prepared and marked before procedures.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with established policies and provider orders.
• Provide preoperative education and review discharge instructions with patients and families using verbal and written communication.
• Monitor patients during postoperative recovery, assess levels of consciousness, and observe for anesthesia-related complications.
• Maintain accurate electronic health record documentation.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and promote evidence-based practice.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Regular salary increases
• Potential performance awards
• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility and benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree