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Nurse Anesthetist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Cape Girardeau Healthcare Center (HCC) is part of the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center (JJPVAMC) and provides several services to the Cape Girardeau, MO catchment area including: Primary Care, Ambulatory Specialty Care, Mental Health, Telehealth and Community Health/Home Care. The HCC provides healthcare services to a five-county catchment area of more than 10,000 Veterans of which approximately 5000 Veterans are enrolled for care.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open date: 12/16/2021
Closed date: 11/16/2022
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$132,228 - $191,680 per year
Pay scale & grade
VN 3
Promotion potential
3
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Announcement number
CBSS-11289582-22-AW
Control number
627342000

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Duties

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The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) safely provides anesthesia to surgical patients for a variety of operations and/or procedures. The CRNA performs pre-anesthesia patient evaluations/histories, prepares anesthesia plans, delivers all forms of anesthesia and follows up on anesthesia cases. The CRNA will consult and collaborate with the entire surgical care team. Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of anesthesia equipment.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to translate the principles of professional nursing practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care.
  • Ability to perform a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes collecting pre-operative consults and data.
  • Ability to formulate an anesthetic plan and describe the anesthetic risks, benefits and options to the patient.
  • Ability to administer inhalation, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics and to detect unfavorable reactions to continuously evaluate the patient's physical status.
  • Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care.
  • Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
  • Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
  • Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of anesthesia care.
  • Ability to perform IV's.
Outstanding interpersonal skills are essential, as the successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary staff in the delivery of excellent health care to our nation's Veterans. Marion VAMC provides cutting-edge surgical and procedural care to Veterans having standard surgical complexity procedures, including general surgical, ENT, orthopedic, ophthalmic, and podiatric surgery. Our facility does not do open heart, neurology, OB, or pediatric cases.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

  • Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit for qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part.)
  • English Language Proficiency. Nurse Anesthetists must be proficient in spoken and written English. in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part
  • Education: (1) A degree in nursing from a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate state-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: (a) The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), an accrediting arm of the National League for Nursing located at 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10006. Additional information may be obtained from the NLNAC Web site; or (b) The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The CCNE accredits bachelor's and master's degree programs and is located at One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036. Additional information may be obtained from the CCNE Web site. (c) In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, and unrestricted registration (see basic requirement in subparagraph c below) and the possession of a Certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. (2) Graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. The AANA has compiled current listings of approved training institutions, which are published annually in the December issue of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal. The American Hospital Association in their "Guide to the Health Care Field" also publishes listings of approved training institutions annually in August.
  • Registration. (1) Condition of Employment. 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. The nurse anesthetist must maintain a current, full, active and unrestricted registration to continue employment with VA. The appointing official may waive this requirement if the nurse anesthetist is to serve in a country other than the United States and has registration in that country (e.g. Philippines).
  • Certification. (1) On and after May 4, 1993, certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to non-certified nurse anesthetists employed by VA as a nurse anesthetist prior to May 4, 1993 and continuously thereafter. Any nurse anesthetist who leaves VA employment or vacates the nurse anesthetist occupation for another VA position, must meet the current requirement of certification for re-appointment as a nurse anesthetist. The CCNA and the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists have designated the AANA's web site as a display agent for their information.(2) Nurse Anesthetists will maintain recertification by meeting the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetist's requirements as a condition of employment.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Entry Level: (Nurse II) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Nurse Anesthetist. Entry level into nurse anesthesia practice may include but are not limited to the following:
1. Ability to translate the principles of professional nursing practice in the care of assigned patients in order to provide appropriate care.
2. Ability to do a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes collecting pre-operative consults and data.
3. Ability to formulate an anesthetic plan and describe the anesthetic risks, benefits and options to the patient.
4. Ability to administer inhalation, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics and to detect unfavorable reactions in order to continuously
evaluate the patient's physical status.
5. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care.
6. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
7. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
8. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of anesthesia care.

Full Performance Level: (Nurse III) Experience and Education. In addition to meeting the requirements for Entry Level, the CRNA has had progressively responsible experience in the administration of anesthetics as indicated in the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below. These individuals must demonstrate the ability to participate in a program for nurse anesthesia care and demonstrate knowledge of anesthetizing locations, methods, equipment and procedures. At this level, the CRNA has experience in the administration of anesthetics that has demonstrated the nurse anesthetist's ability to participate in team programs that are technically challenging and/or complicated. Typically, candidates can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of Full Performance Level within 2 years from entering the occupation.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Full Performance Level practice in nurse anesthesia includes but is not limited to the following:
1. Skill in conducting and managing anesthesia for a broad range of complex surgical procedures. In addition, the CRNA must be able to adapt/modify anesthesia techniques in order to optimize patient care.
2. Ability to complete work assignments selected to add depth and breadth to their technical knowledge & skill competence. Work assignments will vary at each facility depending on the progressive acuity required for anesthesia care.
3. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and by the use of basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques in order to perform necessary resuscitation procedures.
4. Ability to effectively blend technology, skills, and competency for the advancement of anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, and equipment.
5. Ability to apply new developments & theories to develop and demonstrate the ability to recognize and solve various complex anesthesia situations.
6. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues & peers in a team concept of anesthesia care & blend management skills with technical experience.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G7 Nurse Anesthetist Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is Nurse III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Nurse II to Nurse III.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Physical Requirements: Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers & both hands; walking & standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4. Far visions correctable in one eye to 20/20 & to 20/40 in the other. Must have depth perception & ability to distinguish basic colors & shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Pandemic Telework Program: Due to COVID-19, the VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. [Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable.] At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.

Testing Designated Position: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered by a Nurse Professional Standards Board in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

As a VA provider your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries.

The Cape Health Care Center in Cape Girardeau, MO is looking for 2 CRNA's to join their Health Care team, Please review the announcement below.

**This position may be filled prior to the closing date.**

Agency contact information

Audrey West
Phone
618-997-5311 X54093
Email
AUDREY.WEST@VA.GOV
Address
John J Pershing VA Medical Center
1500 North Westwood Boulevard
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
US

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