Excelling in Perioperative Care: Join the Hampton VA Medical Center as an Operating Room Nurse
Are you a dedicated Registered Nurse with a passion for surgical excellence? The Hampton VA Medical Center is actively seeking a professional, high-energy Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse to join their mission-driven team. This position is not just a job; it is an opportunity to provide life-changing, compassionate care to the veterans who have sacrificed for our nation. If you thrive in high-stakes environments and are looking for a career with stability, excellent benefits, and professional fulfillment, this may be your next career milestone.
Job Responsibilities
As an OR Registered Nurse, you will be responsible for the seamless coordination of patient care throughout the surgical experience. Your daily duties will include:
- Serving in both scrub and circulator roles during a wide range of surgical procedures.
- Ensuring the maintenance of a sterile surgical field at all times.
- Managing equipment, instruments, and surgical supplies with extreme precision.
- Documenting comprehensive patient care in the electronic health record.
- Participating in "Time Out" procedures to ensure patient safety and correct site identification.
- Protecting patients from potential hazards including chemical, thermal, and mechanical risks.
- Providing leadership in collaborative strategies to improve holistic care.
- Maintaining availability for on-call emergency surgical support.
Comparison: Standard Hospital vs. VA Nursing
| Feature | Standard Private Hospital | Hampton VA Medical Center |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Varies by employer | Federal government comprehensive plan |
| Retirement | Varies (often 401k only) | Federal Pension + 401k match |
| Loan Forgiveness | Rarely offered | EDRP (up to $200k) available |
| Mission | Patient care & profit | Purely Veteran-centric care |
| Paid Time Off | Competitive | 50 days (annual, sick, holidays) |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is preferred; non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable.
- Education: Completion of an accredited professional nursing program.
- Licensure: You must possess a full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Physical Fitness: The role requires physical stamina, including walking, standing, and lifting.
- Vaccinations: Participation in the annual seasonal flu program is mandatory for VA clinical staff.
Salary Overview
Positions within the VA use a pay-for-performance model based on the grade and level of the candidate. The salary for this position ranges from $83,487 to $153,496 per year. Your starting salary is determined based on your experience, education level, and the complexity of your previous clinical practice.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Our Total Rewards package includes:
- Retirement: Traditional federal pension combined with a 401k-style savings plan featuring government matching.
- Leave: A robust leave policy including 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
- Insurance: Access to the federal employee health, vision, and dental programs which remain available even into retirement.
- Financial Aid: The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) can help pay off student loans for those who qualify.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Format: Download the standard Clinical Resume document link provided in the announcement.
- Be Detailed: When writing your resume, cover the five dimensions of nursing: practice, patient-driven care, leadership, professional development, and evidence-based practice.
- Follow Procedures: Submit all required documentation, including your license and transcripts, to avoid being disqualified for an incomplete application.
Join a community of professionals committed to the highest standards of safety and compassion. The Hampton VA Medical Center offers a supportive, mission-focused environment where your skills as an Operating Room Nurse will be valued, challenged, and rewarded. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Registered Nurse (Operating Room) Job Matters
Join a dedicated team at the Hampton VA Medical Center and make a tangible impact on the lives of our nation's heroes as an Operating Room Registered Nurse.
Registered Nurse (Operating Room) Job Overview
The Hampton VA Medical Center is seeking a highly skilled Registered Nurse for its Operating Room department. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safety and well-being of Veterans undergoing surgical and invasive procedures. As part of a dynamic perioperative team, you will manage patient care, maintain strict sterile field protocols, and provide high-quality, evidence-based nursing interventions. This position offers a unique chance to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where patient care is the top priority.
Requirements for Registered Nurse (Operating Room)
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be hired if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license from a U.S. State, Territory, or DC
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing school
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Ability to undergo and pass a background/security investigation
- Completion of Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse (Operating Room)
- At least one year of professional nursing experience in an Operating Room setting
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively in high-stress surgical environments
- Expertise in Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) standards
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary surgical team
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular performance-based increases
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) retirement system with employer matching
- ✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for qualified candidates
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and research
- ✓Portable benefits and career mobility within the VA system
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse (Operating Room) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse (Operating Room) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile
- Prepare your resume using the required VA clinical template
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Upload all necessary documentation including transcripts, licenses, and veteran status forms
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 14, 2026
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume about your experience in the five dimensions of nursing: practice, patient-driven care, leadership, professional development, and research.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; explicitly list your duties in each previous role.
- Ensure your OR experience, including scrub and circulator responsibilities, is clearly detailed.
- Use the specific VA clinical resume format provided in the job announcement to ensure your application is processed correctly.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement for qualifying expenses up to $200,000.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with additional on-call requirements during off-tour hours for emergency procedures.
Do I need a specific type of nursing degree?
Requirements vary by grade level, ranging from an Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma for Nurse I, Level I, to higher-level degrees for advanced nursing roles. All degrees must be from an accredited program.
What if I don't have OR experience?
While one year of OR experience is highly preferred, the VA values your core nursing skills and dedication to Veterans. Ensure your application highlights your aptitude for complex, fast-paced environments.
Can I work from home?
No, this position is onsite at the Hampton VA Medical Center as it involves direct surgical patient care.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest healthcare system in the United States. At the Hampton VA Medical Center, we carry out President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our perioperative team, you become a critical link in the chain of care that restores health, manages pain, and saves the lives of our Veterans every single day.