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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Nurse (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit-PACU) Near Portland, OR

Qualifications:

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.

Preferred Experience: PACU or ICU RN experience preferred.

Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:

• Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
• Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience.
• Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.
• 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: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Pushing, over 0.5 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking, 6 hours; Standing, 6 hours; Kneeling, 0.5 hour; Climbing (legs only for 0.5 hour); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4; Near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4; Specific visual requirement (specify), Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted).

Environmental Factors: Outside and inside; Electrical energy; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working closely with others.

Responsibilities:

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

The (RN) in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) duties and care are, but not limited to:

• Prepare patients for surgery and provide phase I and phase II post-anesthesia recovery for medical and surgical procedures.
• Patient populations include but are not limited to: cardiothoracic surgery, renal transplant, vascular, orthopedic, neurosurgery, urology, otolaryngology, general surgery, gynecologic surgery, ophthalmology, endoscopy and other medical procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia care.
• Accountable for a defined group of patients for the entire episode of pre-op or post-op care which includes but is not limited to: 1) assessing patient readiness for surgery, monitoring patient phase I and phase II recovery, evaluating the plan of care and ensuring thorough patient education is provided; 2) collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to continuously improve patient/customer satisfaction and patient care outcomes; and 3) assuring that all standards of care are being maintained and followed.
• Based on education and experience, the incumbent may be assigned responsibilities as preceptor or charge nurse.
• ACLS certification is required.

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold (permanent or temporary) and whether your position is on a full-time, part-time or intermittent work schedule. Intermittent, Permanent positions that work 130 hours per month, for 90 days may be eligible for the Health Benefits (Insurance).

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, variable per service needs
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary