Registered Nurse - SDS/PACU

Registered Nurse - SDS/PACU

This Registered Nurse - SDS/PACU position is located in the Nursing, Specialty Service at the Augusta, ME location. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Conduct pre-operative assessments, including medical history review, medication reconciliation, required testing, and patient/family education.
• Prepare patients for surgery by verifying orders, confirming consent, initiating IV access, and ensuring readiness for anesthesia and the procedure.
• Assist providers with minor procedures and pain management procedures while maintaining sterile technique and patient safety.
• Receive patients from the OR or procedural areas and perform Phase I post-anesthesia recovery, focusing on airway management, breathing, circulation, consciousness level, pain control, and stabilization of vital signs.
• Transition patients to Phase II recovery once criteria are met, providing ongoing monitoring, comfort measures, mobility assistance, hydration, and preparation for discharge.
• Manage post-operative needs such as pain control, nausea prevention, respiratory support, and hemodynamic monitoring throughout both recovery phases.
• Respond promptly to changes in patient condition using strong clinical judgment and established protocols.
• Provide comprehensive discharge teaching regarding post-operative expectations, home-care instructions, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up needs.
• Maintain accurate, clear, and timely documentation across all stages of care.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, procedural nurses, and other perioperative team members to support safe, efficient patient transitions.
• Promote a safe, calm, and supportive environment for patients and families throughout the surgical experience.

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 3:00pm

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Karen Chapman View email address on click.appcast.io, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

EDRP Assignment Code: AS

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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

Notifications:

• This position is an AFGE Bargaining Unit position
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• This position is covered by a special rate
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

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