What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Nurse Anesthetist position at VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION?

Summary

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will remain on file through December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants will be referred each month as vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent North Florida / South Georgia Veterans Health System VA facility employees only.

Videos

Duties

In compliance with VA Policy and union requirements / recommendations for Title 38 clinical positions, internal facility employees must receive first consideration prior to hiring managers making selections externally to other applicants. So, this internal announcement ensures this is met by posting all positions internally to facility employees throughout the year. This announcement does not signify that a vacancy exists at this time. Should a true vacancy become available in this occupation / specialty, applicants will be reviewed and referred to hiring managers for consideration at that time. You will receive notification when / if your application progresses to the next stage of recruitment.

Some positions / specialties are eligible for 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. Program 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. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

This announcement may be used to fill various positions. You must choose which duty location and specialty you wish to be considered for. You may select multiple duty locations and specialties, but you must select at least one when you apply. You will be considered for the duty location(s) / specialties that you select when you apply. Note that there may not be any current vacancies at the time of this announcement, however, applicants may be considered for future vacancies that become available until the announcement closes.

As a Licensed Independent Provider, the Certified Nurse Anesthetist practices autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. The incumbent collaborates closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective anesthesia delivery to patients. Must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following :

Performing pre-anesthesia evaluations, preparing anesthesia plan, delivering all forms of anesthesia, and following up on all general anesthesia cases.

Providing emergency airway and resuscitation management throughout the facility.

Performing pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, including the collection of preoperative consults and data from which an appropriate anesthetic plan is formulated.

Administering inhalation, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics and continuously evaluating the patient's physical status and responses to anesthesia.

Performing post-anesthetic management of patients to optimize the recovery from anesthesia and minimize pain.

Maintaining clear communication with surgeons, other healthcare providers, and patients regarding the anesthetic plan and any changes during the procedure.

Other related duties as assigned.

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

Work Schedule : Various work schedules available. Some positions may require rotating call coverage, weekdays, nights, weekends and / or holidays. The supervisor will determine the actual work schedule (FT, PT, Intermittent and the specific work shift) upon selection based on the needs of the organization.

Telework : Not Available

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment) : Authorized. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply for EDRP. Contact the VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at VISN8CCOE@va.gov for questions / assistance. Learn more.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959.

Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

You may be required to serve a probationary period.

Subject to background / security investigation.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.

Basic Requirements : All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications.

United States Citizenship : Must be a US Citizen

Education. A master's or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing anesthesia accredited by Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.

License. Active, current, full and unrestricted CNA license to practice as a CNA or equivalent, in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.

Certification . Must possess and maintain full and current board certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) or an equivalent Nurse Anesthetist certification recognized by the COA.

English Language Proficiency . In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

NOTE : Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNA) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1 / 29 / 2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure / certification.

Grade Determination : In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of a CNA is based on a combination of education, experience, and knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certified Nurse Anesthetist II :

Education and Experience Requirement. Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (CNAs); no experience is required.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level CNA. Entry level into practice may include but are not limited to the following :

Ability to translate into anesthesia care the principles of professional nursing practice including the patients' rights to autonomy, dignity, privacy, and safety.

Knowledge of current research and practice guidelines to frame anesthesia practice including up to date techniques, pharmacology, and equipment.

Ability to obtain, document and verify informed anesthesia consent and perform a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes managing pre-operative consults and interpreting data.

Ability to formulate a patient-specific anesthetic plan and describe salient anesthetic risks, benefits, and options to the patient.

Ability to administer inhalational, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics.

Skill in detecting and treating anesthesia or surgically related physiologic changes and ability to treat accordingly in order to maintain homeostasis.

Skill in assessing patient status for appropriateness of transfer of care to another healthcare provider and communicating essential patient information to other providers effectively.

Ability to participate in collaborative responsibility for proper patient positioning, physiologic monitoring, infection control and anesthesia documentation.

Skill in responding to emergency situations by providing airway management, fluid and medication administration, invasive line insertion and management and the use of advanced cardiac life support techniques.

Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession, (e.g., ultrasound techniques).

Ability to practice anesthesia in an interdisciplinary environment utilizing a collaborative concept of anesthesia care.

Knowledge of quality improvement processes to maintain ongoing review and evaluation of anesthesia care to improve outcomes.

Ability to demonstrate a practice emphasis on safety, current established guidelines and protocols while recognizing the duty to report unsafe conditions or errors.

Certified Nurse Anesthetist III :

Education and Experience Requirement : One year of specialized APN (CNA) experience equivalent to the APN (CNA) II grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Progressively responsible experience in the administration of anesthetics as indicated in the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below :

Ability to plan, administer and manage anesthesia for a broad range of complex surgical procedures skillfully employing continuous assessment and anesthetic adaptation based on patient response and comorbidities. Work assignments will vary by facility.

Ability to participate in assignments that are technically challenging, encompass a variety of anesthetizing locations and utilize advanced equipment and procedures while adapting techniques to solve various complex anesthesia problems including the development of individualized programs of post-op anesthesia care.

Skill in responsibility and accountability to perform to the extent of the CNA standards of practice as a licensed healthcare professional in any model of anesthesia practice.

Ability to contribute to the educational mission as a mentor or preceptor providing didactic and clinical instruction in anesthesia to student nurse anesthetists, medical and dental residents, and other health care trainees.

Knowledge to participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of auditing processes that ensure and improve the quality and consistency of anesthesia and associated documentation.

Ability to contribute to departmental administrative processes through quality assurance, shared governance, or committee representation as applicable.

Ability to serve as a representative on interdisciplinary teams to establish and maintain guidelines and communication.

Skill demonstrated in the ability to embrace the safety culture emphasis by continuously assessing for safety risks, actively reporting safety concerns, and maintaining a just culture by identifying faults in systems rather than individuals.

Reference : For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

The full performance level of this vacancy is Grade III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Grade II to III.

Physical Requirements : This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Applicant is required to potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative / invasive procedures. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Must be able to assist with positioning of patients. Must be physically, emotionally and mentally competent and able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to yourself or others.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration / Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA / OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and / or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE : Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Benefits

Review our benefits

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Note : Incomplete packets will not be considered. Failure to submit the required documentation will make you ineligible for this position.

The following documents are required from all applicants :

Rsum / CV : For each job / position listed, you must include a job title, detailed duties, month and year for each start / end date and if full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week.

SF-50 : All facility employees should submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (that is not an award SF-50) that shows you're a current, permanent facility employee. You may get your SF-50 directly from your eOPF by going here on a VA computer / network :

Transcripts : Must provide a copy of your relevant education transcript(s).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 12 / 31 / 2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE : It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Yolanda Stubbs

Phone

228-523-4256

Yolanda.Stubbs@va.gov

Address

Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1601 Southwest Archer Road

Gainesville, FL 32608

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE : Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability

New employee probationary period

Privacy Act

Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service

Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents