Operating Room

U.S. Navy Nurse Corps – Direct Accession Perioperative Nurse

Position: Perioperative Nurse (Direct Accession Officer)

Rank: Ensign (O-1) to Lieutenant (O-3), depending on experience

Location: Naval Medical Centers and Military Treatment Facilities worldwide (including stateside and overseas locations)

About the Role

The Navy Nurse Corps is seeking experienced Perioperative Nurses to serve as commissioned officers. As a Direct Accession Perioperative nurse, you deliver comprehensive pre-, intra-, and postoperative care in the surgical setting, working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This role is critical in both U.S. and overseas medical facilities, aboard hospital ships like USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, and during humanitarian or combat support missions. This is a direct commissioning opportunity for qualified civilian nurses who want to serve their country while advancing their clinical practice in a dynamic military healthcare system.

Key Responsibilities

• Perioperative Care: Assist in complex and extensive surgical procedures in multi-service operating rooms.
• Surgical Assistance: Manage specialized surgical supplies and equipment; assist surgeons and other medical professionals during and after surgeries.
• Collaborative Care: Work with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement surgical care plans.
• Patient & Staff Education: Provide pre- and post-operative education on care, procedures, and recovery expectations.
• Global Service: Provide care in Navy medical treatment facilities, hospital ships, and during humanitarian missions worldwide.
• Advanced Technology Use: Apply cutting-edge medical equipment and technology to improve surgical outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program (MSN preferred)
• Current, unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory
• Minimum 1–2 years of recent Perioperative nursing experience
• CNOR certification preferred (not required)
• Must meet Navy physical and medical standards and be eligible for a secret security clearance
• U.S. citizenship required
• Maximum age: Generally under 41 at time of commissioning (waivers considered on a case-by-case basis)

What We Offer

• Competitive starting salary (O-1 to O-3) plus housing allowance, subsistence allowance, and potential special pays
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage for you and your family
• 30 days paid vacation annually + federal holidays
• Retirement pension after 20 years of service + Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401k) with matching
• Opportunities for fully funded graduate education (MSN, DNP, etc.)
• Leadership development and career progression within the Nurse Corps
• Potential for global assignments and operational experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates apply. Applicants will undergo a selection board process that reviews clinical experience, education, and interview performance.

Note: This is a direct accession (civilian-to-officer) opportunity. Prior military service is not required.

The U.S. Navy is an equal opportunity employer.