Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Assists the Operating Room Nurse Manager in managing the roles and responsibilities of the Operating Room (OR) staff and the day-to-day operations of the OR suite:

• Responsible for 24/7 accountability in planning, and organizing comprehensive, safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.
• Functions in the role of Unit Charge Nurse/Coordinator and front-line resource when department needs require.
• Serves as a clinical expert resource for perioperative personnel in perioperative practice using advanced knowledge, evidence, and prevailing clinical recommendations to guide the development of standards for optimal patient care.
• Helps direct flow of Surgical Schedule. Ensures effective use of system resources. Provides functional expertise essential to staff and leadership.
• Serves as a liaison between supervisors, physicians, nursing personnel, patients/families, and other departments to direct smooth transitions of patient care activities during perioperative care.
• Actively participates in and supports Shared Governance and Relationship Based Care and related activities at the department level.
• Participates in and supports system redesign projects and Lean thinking to positively impact the service and organization. Facilitates performance improvement initiatives with unit/team.
• Provides clinical leadership in assessment, development, and implementation of policies and procedures that are directly and indirectly related to perioperative nursing. Standards of care/practice (policy and procedure enforcement, revision, and creation), and nursing care delivery models.
• Helps NM in assessing staff performance, writes performance appraisals, creates/revises position descriptions and functional statements, assists Nurse Educator in Service Competency Folders, & participate in performance based interview process.
• Facilitates communication between departmental staff. Meets regularly with medical staff to share information and problem solve.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of The Joint Commission requirements and ensures compliance with VA, TJC, and OSHA standards.
• Expert in the interpretation and knowledge of specific performance results and metrics such as Strategic Analytics for Improvement Learning (SAIL), Nurse Sensitive Indicators (NDNQI), Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP). 16.Actively participates in and supports Shared Governance and Relationship Based Care and related activities at the department level.
• Collaborates with front-line staff/Unit Practice Councils (UPCs) to implement changes in unit processes related to feedback from the All-Employee Survey (AES). Assists the UPC in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the Unit Score Card.
• Assists the OR NM with employee complaints, grievances, disciplinary actions and other matters involved in the day-to-day administration of labor-management agreements. Performs human resources management functions such as EEO actions, management of performance issues, and disciplinary actions.
• Knowledgeable of union contracts and ensures compliance.
• Assists NM with timekeeping, labor maps, emergency disaster cascade, changes of work schedules, overseeing Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), conducts staff meetings, helps to oversee monthly audits (such as hand hygiene and Universal Protocol), Mock Tracers, TMS compliance, Environment of Care Rounds, inspections, workload activity reports, enforcement of regulations and directives, Patient Event Reports, centralized temperature monitoring, and overseeing surgical scheduling and staff schedules.
• Assists NM in review of occurrence reports (JPSR), sentinel events and other problem prone areas are reviewed and submits timely investigations and updates to JPSR.
• Collaborates with peers and leaders to evaluate various outcomes based on strategic priorities.
• Oversees supplies and equipment function: approves Operating Room supply chain management system requests, surgical implants, facilitates new equipment/supply requests to CPRC and Surgical Service Chief; oversees OR Equipment Inventory List.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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: Full Time
Telework: N/A
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/12870350.

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 Experiences;

• Current BLS required; ACLS
• MSN
• Minimum of 3-5 years current experience in the Operating Room
• Recent OR Assistant Nurse Manager experiences
• Experience as a charge nurse or clinical coordinator in the Operating Room
• Educator experience (orientation, competency development, policy development)
• Administrative experience (time cards, proficiency, leave, disciplinary)

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting and Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling, Pushing, Walking, Standing, Kneeling, Repeated bending, Keyboarding, Viewing computer screen (8 - 12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands and legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); and Emotional/Mental stability.

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, resume, 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 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 five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research. 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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

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.