Summary

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) is seeking highly skilled and experienced Registered Nurses (RNs) to join our fast-paced Operating Room (OR) within the Perioperative Nursing Department. RNs are responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assesses - plans - implements - and evaluates age-specific care while influencing outcomes through leadership and collaboration.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• 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 one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (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 to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
• Current - full - active - and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. - 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.) 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 following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade
• 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: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12744590
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I Delivers fundamental - knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
• An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing - with no additional professional nursing required
• Nurse I - Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
• Nurse I - Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
• A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
• MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Preferred Experience: Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ALCS) certification
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) credential is preferred
• Technical Skills: 3-5 years operating room Rn experience
• Proficient in maintaining and ensuring a sterile field throughout surgical procedures
• Understanding of aseptic practices to prevent infection
• Skilled in handling and passing surgical instruments efficiently and correctly during operations - recognizing various instruments and their uses
• Adept at documenting intraoperative patient data and surgical details accurately in the electronic health records (EHR) system - ensuring all records are complete and compliant with regulations
• Strong communication skills - with the ability to work effectively in a team
• Problem solving abilities and critical thinking High level of attention to detail and organizational skills
• Knowledge or preoperative preparations - including patient positioning - site marking - and draping
• Understanding of postoperative care routines and assisting with patient transfer to recovery
• Compassion and empathy towards patients
• Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure
• Expertise in the cleaning - sterilization - and maintenance of surgical instruments to ensure they are safe for use in procedures
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and priorities
• Competent in setting up and maintaining surgical equipment - including operating tables - lights - and suction machines
• Ability to troubleshoot and rectify equipment issues during procedures
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over)
• Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over)
• Straight pulling and pushing
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking and standing up to 8 hours
• repeated bending
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• hearing aid permitted.

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Accountable for patient outcomes related to nursing care during surgical and invasive procedures
• Plans - directs - and coordinates perioperative care with respect for individual needs and team contributions
• Functions proficiently in both circulator and scrub roles across all surgical specialties
• Maintains knowledge and application of AORN standards - VHA Directives - and service-level SOPs
• Ensures sterility and safe - efficient use of instruments and equipment throughout procedures
• Protects patients from chemical - thermal - electrical - mechanical hazards - and foreign objects
• Performs counting procedures to prevent retained surgical items and participates in Time Out protocols
• Follows policy for documentation and handling of implants - tissue products - and patient specimens
• Administers medications safely and monitors wound and tissue perfusion to prevent complications
• Implements infection prevention measures - including evidence-based surgical site interventions
• Documents perioperative care thoroughly - accurately - and promptly in the electronic health record
• Ensures proper use and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment per SOP and consults with Sterile Processing/Infection Control when necessary
• Provides on-call coverage during off-tours for emergency surgical procedures
• Participates in policy development - evaluation - and revision at the unit or facility level
• Demonstrates leadership by supporting peers - offering feedback - mentoring - and driving evidence-based improvements in patient care outcomes
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary - regular salary increases - potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 7:00am - 3:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized