W‑2 full-time

Full details

This VA position carries eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program, a student loan repayment reimbursement benefit. Applicants must satisfy VHA policy requirements and file the EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, the award amount of up to $200,000, and the eligibility period of one to five years are set by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office after it reviews the application. Anyone who previously took part in EDRP cannot apply.

The total rewards package includes a competitive salary with routine raises and possible performance awards. Staff receive 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year. Retirement options include a traditional federal pension vesting after five years and a federal 401K with employer contributions of up to 5%. Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance are offered, and several federal programs can be kept into retirement. A full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory is required. The schedule is weekday days, Monday through Friday, with the exact tour still to be set.

CRNAs are independently licensed clinicians who answer for their own practice, which covers direct care, administration, teaching, and research. They work with patients of every age, including adults and older adults, and address needs specific to each age group. The CRNA reports clinically to the Chief of Anesthesia Service and collaborates collegially with other health professionals toward safe, high-quality care. Responsibilities fall into four areas: preparing and evaluating patients before anesthesia, giving induction, maintenance, and emergence care, providing post-anesthesia care, and supporting peri-anesthetic needs outside the operating suite.

Practitioners are expected to bring nursing principles to anesthesia care, respecting patient autonomy, dignity, privacy, and safety, and to keep current with research, pharmacology, and equipment. Core duties include obtaining informed consent, performing pre-anesthetic histories and physicals, building individualized anesthetic plans, and explaining risks and alternatives to patients. CRNAs administer inhaled, regional, intravenous, local, and topical agents, detect and correct physiologic changes, manage emergencies including airway care and advanced cardiac life support, and hand patients off safely. Involving families in care decisions when appropriate is also part of the role.

Entry-level appointment at the Nurse II grade requires a master's or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia from a program accredited by COA when completed, with no experience required. Candidates must maintain an active, unrestricted state license and current NBCRNA certification or an equivalent COA-recognized credential. A temporary appointment of up to one year and a day may be offered to candidates who meet the basic requirements but lack the license or certification. Advancement to the Nurse III grade requires one year of specialized CRNA experience at the Nurse II level and includes complex case management, mentoring trainees, quality auditing, committee service, and safety reporting.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, except where VA policy allows non-citizens because qualified citizens cannot be recruited. Other conditions include passing urinalysis drug screening, demonstrating English proficiency, complying with Selective Service registration where applicable, completing a background investigation and a pre-employment physical, showing identification that meets REAL ID standards, and receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine. A probationary period may apply. The work involves walking, bending, stooping, some lifting, and extended periods of sitting.