This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. HPTs who are on track to graduate/complete the requirements should respond as if they have met the requirements. Provide details in the narrative sections of the assessment. 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 the appropriate State-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). 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. Graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) at the time the program was completed 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: 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. Preferred Experience: -Broad experience in OR and NORA Anesthetics -Works with TEAM model of Anesthesia -Comfortable doing a wide variety of complicated cases i.e. Vascular, Neuro -Regional ultrasound experience Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Entry Level: (Nurse II) (a) Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. (b) 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) (a) 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. (b) 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 and 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 and theories to develop and demonstrate the ability to recognize and solve various complex anesthesia situations. 6. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers in a team concept of anesthesia care and blend management skills with technical experience.7. Ability to recognize clinical and technical aspects of anesthesia care and has in-depth knowledge of anesthesia methods and techniques for the practice of anesthesia.8. Ability to perform as a mentor, preceptor, or nurse educator providing didactic and clinical instruction for graduate-level nurse anesthesia students and/or other anesthesia care providers.9. Ability to participate in the development of anesthesia patient care audit processes involving in depth review and analysis of anesthesia records.10. Ability to provide guidance and instruction in preparing others for positions of leadership and ethical practices which impact patient care. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-7 Nurse Anesthetist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards As the CRNA you are responsible for patient care, daily administrative duties, and will participate in quality assurance projects per the needs of the Anesthesiology Service. The scope of these activities covers hospitalized patients and all phases of ambulatory care. You will be responsible for providing the most effective delivery of anesthetic care throughout the hospital while meeting and exceeding compliance standards. You will provide a complete range of anesthetic care to patients including pre-operative assessment, with intra operative anesthetic administration and monitoring, and post anesthesia care in compliance with the national Joint Commission accreditation standards. You will provide anesthesia-related care in all functional areas of the OR, PACU, ICU ward and clinic setting as needed. You will examine patients, obtain medical history and use diagnostic test to determine risk during surgical and other medical procedures. You will coordinate and direct work during medial procedures with nurses, CRNA's, medical technicians and other health care providers. Participate in the development and implementation of program planning, objectives, policies, and standards essential to delivery of quality anesthetic care. Participate in the teaching and review of intubations and re-intubations in the OR and PACU. Provide consultation for nerve blocks, nerve blocks for diagnostic and therapeutic effect, when indicated. 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; 0630-1500, 0930-1800, 1130-2000, 0730-1600; Rotating shifts; on call is required Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized for Highly Qualified applicants EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov, , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit position."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
