Practical Nurse (Operating Room)

The A. T. Augusta Military Medical Center at Fort Belvoir, VA is seeking a Practical Nurse (Operating Room) to provide nursing support in the operating room and perioperative setting. This is a federal position under Direct Hire Authority, offering the opportunity to deliver high-quality patient care in a military medical facility.

Clinical Setting

You will work in the operating room and perioperative environment, supporting both scheduled and emergent surgical procedures. The role involves direct patient care in inpatient and outpatient services.

Responsibilities

• Provide post-anesthesia recovery care for patients following scheduled and emergent surgery, including close observation, cardio-respiratory monitoring, and ongoing evaluation
• Administer medications via oral, intramuscular, topical, inhaled, rectal, and intravenous routes
• Initiate IV access and monitor IV fluid and medication administration
• Perform sterile dressing changes
• Perform diagnostic support duties including vital signs, intake and output measurement, laboratory specimen collection, cardiac telemetry monitoring, and basic cardiac life support (BLS)
• Set up and operate operating room equipment
• Assist surgeons during surgical procedures
• Assess patients' changing conditions and update care plans accordingly
• Document all pertinent data regarding patients' physical and emotional status
• Enter patient information into the electronic medical record (EMR)
• Provide instruction and teaching to patients and family members on post-operative procedures

Required Qualifications

• Current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, or proof of application for licensure
• One year of nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided practical knowledge of human body structure, sterile techniques and procedures, including setting up or operating operating room equipment, monitoring patient vital signs during perioperative phases, and assisting surgeons during surgical procedures
• U.S. citizenship

Licenses and Certifications

• Current practical or vocational nurse license (required; must be submitted with application)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) certification (required for duties)
• Hepatitis B immunization (required for all positions with direct patient contact)
• Tuberculosis testing (required)
• Seasonal Influenza vaccination (mandatory annually unless medically or religiously exempted with documentation)
• Immunization screening and proof of other immunizations as required based on position type

Employment Details

• Position Type: Permanent, full-time federal employment
• Grade: GS-6
• Salary: $56,893 - $68,530 per year (includes applicable locality pay)
• Location: Fort Belvoir, VA (1 vacancy)
• Telework: Not eligible
• Travel: Occasional travel required (approximately 10%)
• Work Schedule: Full-time with potential for on-call duties during irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Probationary Period: 1 year required

Conditions of Employment

• Background investigation required to determine suitability for federal employment
• Specific background investigation and periodic re-verification required due to potential interaction with individuals under 18 years of age
• Pre-employment physical examination required, with annual examinations thereafter
• Pre-employment urinalysis screening for illegal drug use required
• Subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing, including testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing related to on-duty accidents
• Mission Essential designation: Required to report to work or remain on duty during severe weather and emergency situations
• Inclement Weather Essential: Must make every attempt to report on time and remain on duty during severe weather
• Credentialing requirements and clinical privileges must be obtained and maintained
• Lifting up to 40 pounds may be required
• Direct deposit of pay required
• Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450) required upon entry and annually thereafter
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration

Application Requirements

• Resume (two pages or less) must clearly describe relevant experience with employer name, job title, start and end dates (including month and year), hours worked per week, and brief description of duties
• Copy of current practical or vocational nurse license or certification (required)
• Responses to online questionnaire
• Cover letter (optional)
• Most recent performance appraisal (if applicable)
• Application deadline: 11:59 PM EST on October 15, 2026

Benefits

As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, and other federal employee benefits. Eligibility depends on position type and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Additional Information

Relocation expenses are not reimbursed. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized. PCS allowances may be authorized subject to Joint Travel Regulations and agency determination that a move is in the Government interest. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Veterans and military spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.