Registered Nurse (Perioperative-Operating Room)

Veterans Health Administration • Bronx, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Perioperative Operating Room Registered Nurse is accountable for patient outcomes resulting from nursing care provided to patients undergoing surgical or invasive procedures. The nurse plans, directs, and coordinates care while respecting each patient and recognizing the contributions of all members of the care team. The role requires proficiency in both circulator and scrub functions and competency across the surgical specialties served. The nurse maintains knowledge of current AORN standards, VHA directives, and service-level standard operating procedures.

The nurse maintains the sterility of the surgical field and ensures instrumentation and equipment are used safely and efficiently. Patient-safety responsibilities include protection from chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal injury and extraneous objects; performing counts to prevent retained surgical items; participating in the Time Out process; following implant and tissue-product documentation procedures; managing specimens; administering medications safely; supporting wound and tissue perfusion; and preventing surgical site infections. The nurse ensures timely, complete, and accurate documentation of perioperative care in the electronic health record.

The role includes knowing which reusable instruments, equipment, medical devices, and supplies are used in the clinical area; obtaining and following the applicable reusable medical equipment procedures; and consulting Sterile Processing or Infection Control as needed. The nurse is required to be on call during off-tour hours for emergency procedures. The nurse also contributes to policy and procedure development and revision, supports colleagues through feedback and knowledge sharing, fosters professional development, evaluates evidence-based practice changes, and documents broad and complex outcomes at the program or service level. Other duties may be assigned.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and application requirements. Approved awards may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years; the program office determines approval, amount, and period after reviewing the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing, subject to the stated education and foreign-education provisions.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registered nurse licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a temporary Graduate Nurse Technician exception is described for eligible candidates pursuing licensure.
• Must meet the applicable VA Nurse grade and level qualifications, which vary by grade and include specified nursing education and, for some grades, professional or specialized nursing experience.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements described in VA Handbook 5019.
• Must meet EDRP eligibility requirements and submit an application within four months of appointment to be considered for the debt-reduction program.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate care for patients undergoing surgical and other invasive procedures.
• Function proficiently in both circulator and scrub roles and maintain competency in the surgical specialties served.
• Maintain knowledge of current AORN standards, VHA directives, and service-level standard operating procedures.
• Maintain surgical-field sterility and ensure instrumentation and equipment are used safely and efficiently.
• Protect patients from procedural injury and retained surgical items; participate in the Time Out process and follow implant and tissue-product documentation procedures.
• Manage specimens, administer medications safely, maintain wound and tissue perfusion, and implement interventions to prevent surgical site infections.
• Ensure perioperative care is documented completely, accurately, and promptly in the electronic health record.
• Know the reusable medical equipment and supplies in use; obtain and follow applicable SOPs and consult Sterile Processing or Infection Control as needed.
• Provide on-call patient care during off-tour hours for emergency procedures.
• Collaborate on the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provide constructive feedback and share knowledge with colleagues to support safe, quality nursing care and professional development.
• Evaluate outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes and document broad, complex outcomes at the program or service level.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years
• Competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential performance awards
• 50 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree