Registered Nurse (Perioperative)

Quick Facts

• Perioperative Registered Nurse role covering pre-op, PACU (Phase I & Phase II), and endoscopy
• Includes moderate sedation administration and specialized post-anesthesia monitoring

Description

The Perioperative (Pre-op, PACU, Endoscopy) Registered Nurse prepares patients for procedures, administers moderate sedation, monitors patients during procedures, and provides post-procedure care. The RN uses the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate age-specific care while providing and/or supervising direct patient care.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate perioperative care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care
• Administer medications and complete procedures per established policies and guidelines
• Assess patients for procedures, recognize contraindications for anesthesia and/or surgical intervention, and verify procedural consents and H&P documentation
• Administer IV fluids, perform venipuncture, ensure pre-operative/procedural testing and lab work are completed and communicated to the team
• Confirm surgical sites are prepared and marked; administer medications as ordered
• Provide specialized peri-anesthesia care across pre-procedure, PACU Phase I, PACU Phase II, and administer moderate sedation for endoscopy and other procedures
• Apply post-sedation scoring and monitor postoperative status: cardiovascular/respiratory systems, airway, neurological status, hemodynamic stability, pain, comfort needs, and mental status
• Implement appropriate interventions to maintain or return physiological systems to baseline or above; document responses and report changes
• Deliver clear preoperative teaching and review discharge instructions with patients and families using written and verbal communication
• Monitor level of consciousness after recovery from anesthesia/sedation and observe signs of side effects from residual anesthesia medications
• Maintain knowledge of current American Society of Peri Anesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) standards and applicable directives and operating procedures
• Lead and organize delivery of care to ensure continuity and peer accountability aligned with ANA Standards of Nursing Practice
• Apply advanced clinical judgment to lead planning, decision-making, and evaluation of outcomes beyond the immediate practice setting
• Lead improvement initiatives to enhance veteran/patient experience, satisfaction, and/or safety

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens only if qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy)
• English proficiency (basic written and spoken)
• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE) or meet VA education/licensure equivalency requirements
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted RN registration
• Pass pre-employment physical evaluation
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements (I-9 documentation)
• Seasonal influenza vaccination program participation required
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Urinalysis drug screening required for applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated positions

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance awards
• Paid time off: 50 days/year (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays)
• Retirement: federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% employer contributions
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many plans can be carried into retirement)
• Work schedule: 8-hour or 10-hour shifts, 40 hours/week; M–F 6:00am–6:00pm (hours negotiable; subject to change based on service needs)
• Not available for telework; not a virtual position