---

Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Near Des Moines, IA

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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.
• 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.
• 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: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:

• Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
• Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience.

Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required.
Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
Physical Requirements: The position will require walking, standing, or sitting for periods of up to or beyond 10 to 12 hours each day. In addition, the incumbent will need to bend, lift, and turn. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required.

Responsibilities:

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Additional duties may be assigned by the appropriate Chief of the Service.

The entry level CRNA translates the principles of professional Nurse Anesthesia practice into appropriate patient care. Performs the pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, including the collection of preoperative consults and data, from which an appropriate anesthetic plan is formulated.
Assists in the development of policies, procedures, and protocols related to anesthesia within the institution and contributes to other policies, procedures, and protocols as appropriate. Participates in ad hoc committees as needed.

• Responsible for maintaining competencies by attending relevant continuing education programs and maintaining active professional involvement within the academic community.
• Applies current research data by contributing to Health Care System policies, procedures, and protocols. Participation in clinical research as appropriate.
• The CRNA will write those orders specified in the scope of practice and in accordance with skill and proficiency.
• Will work as a Licensed Independent Practitioner and report directly to the Chief of CRNA and ultimately Chief of Anesthesiologist.
• Must meet the needs of customers while supporting VA missions; consistently communicate and treat customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner; provide customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures; and handle conflict and problems in dealing with customers constructively and appropriate.
• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy
• Collaborative team concept of anesthesia care while demonstrating effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Responds to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids, and medications as well as using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care.
• Emergency treatment directed by patient's request as noted in the advance directives.
  
  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: The tour of duty for this position is typically 730am - 4pm Mon - Fri. Additional information may be provided during the interview process
  
  Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary