Advance Your Career: Registered Nurse Educator (Operating Room) at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to the men and women who have served our country. To maintain this high standard, the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is seeking a passionate and experienced Registered Nurse Educator (OR). If you are an expert in perioperative nursing with a desire to mentor the next generation of caregivers, this role offers a unique opportunity to combine clinical expertise with educational leadership.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nurse Educator, your primary mission is to empower the perioperative nursing staff. Your core responsibilities include:
- Program Management: Planning and coordinating orientation programs for new nursing staff.
- Competency Tracking: Facilitating and monitoring ongoing staff clinical competencies.
- Mentorship: Providing just-in-time training at the bedside to improve clinical outcomes.
- Policy Implementation: Assisting in the development and maintenance of nursing policies based on the latest evidence-based practices.
- Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams to ensure educational products meet the needs of a modern OR environment.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements:
- A valid, full, and unrestricted nursing license.
- A degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
- Proficiency in English.
- Ability to clear a security and background check.
- Physical capability to perform the duties of the role, including heavy lifting (45 lbs) and standing for long durations.
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is competitive, reflecting the expertise required for such a specialized educator role. Below is a breakdown of the compensation range.
| Position Level | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Educator-OR) | $111,502 - $190,737 |
Benefits
Choosing a career with the VA comes with a robust total rewards package, often referred to as the VA Nurse Total Rewards. Benefits include:
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of vacation, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: A stable federal pension and a 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with a 5% employer match.
- Insurance: Premium-supported health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
- Professional Growth: Consistent opportunities to promote and gain leadership experience within the federal system.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: The VA provides a standard clinical resume template. Using this increases the likelihood that your experience is formatted in a way that resonates with hiring managers.
- Be Specific: Do not just list duties. Explain how your work in the OR impacted patient outcomes or staff performance.
- Submit Early: Ensure all documents—especially your nursing license and performance appraisals—are uploaded prior to the July 24, 2026, closing date.
This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to shape the standard of care for Veterans in one of the most dynamic cities in the country. By utilizing your clinical background to teach and mentor others, you contribute directly to the excellence of the VHA. Apply today to begin your journey with the VA.
Why This Registered Nurse (Educator-Or) Job Matters
Shape the future of patient care by joining the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System as a Registered Nurse Educator for the Operating Room.
Registered Nurse (Educator-Or) Job Overview
The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is actively seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to step into the role of Clinical Nurse Educator within the Perioperative Service. In this pivotal position, you will bridge the gap between clinical theory and hands-on excellence, providing vital training and educational oversight for our nursing staff. By developing curriculum, facilitating orientation programs, and providing bedside mentorship, you will directly influence the quality of care provided to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (Educator-Or)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE approved).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation and security screening.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must be able to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 45 lbs, standing/walking for up to 8 hours, and bending.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Educator-Or)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is highly preferred.
- National certification and/or clinical specialty certification.
- At least 5 years of recent, direct clinical experience within an Operating Room or procedure room setting.
- Demonstrated proficiency in curriculum development, lesson planning, and adult learning theories.
- Strong technical skills with electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
- Proven experience as a charge nurse in an OR environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive salary with regular increases and potential performance bonuses.
- âś“Generous PTO: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- âś“Traditional federal pension (vesting after 5 years).
- âś“Federal 401k plan with up to 5% employer matching.
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options.
- âś“Professional development support and mentorship opportunities.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Registered Nurse (Educator-Or) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Educator-Or) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the official federal portal.
- Prepare your resume; note that a specific standard clinical resume template is highly recommended by the agency.
- Gather supporting documentation, including your nursing license, transcripts, and proof of veteran preference (if applicable).
- Log in or create your account on the application portal.
- Complete the online questionnaire in its entirety.
- Upload your resume and all required documents before the closing date of July 24, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with clinical teaching and OR operations to demonstrate match with the five dimensions of nursing.
- Always include your SF-50 if you are a current VA employee to receive first consideration.
- The system does not make assumptions; be explicit about your experience in your documentation.
- Double-check your application for completion to avoid missing out on consideration due to errors.
- If you need an alternative application method, contact the HR point of contact listed in the announcement immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the OR Nurse Educator?
You will assess, coordinate, and implement nursing orientation and competency programs, provide bedside mentorship, and ensure perioperative staff remain updated on evidence-based practices.
Is a Master's degree required?
While a BSN is the required baseline, a Master's degree in nursing or a related field is highly preferred and impacts grade determination.
Are there specific physical requirements for this role?
Yes, candidates must be capable of lifting 45 lbs, reaching, pulling, and standing or walking for extended periods up to 8 hours.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.*
What is the work schedule like?
*A: The role operates on either 8-hour (7am-3:30pm) or 10-hour (6am-4:30pm) shifts.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care at over 1,200 facilities, the VHA serves as a leader in clinical innovation, research, and education. Working within the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System means joining a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the VHA mission: honoring our Veterans through compassionate, whole-health care.