Advanced Practice Nurse: Career Opportunities as a CRNA at VA Black Hills
Are you a highly skilled Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) looking to make a profound difference in the lives of those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Black Hills Health Care System is seeking dedicated professionals to join our anesthesia team in the scenic Fort Meade, South Dakota area. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the Whole Health of our Veterans.
About the Agency: VA Black Hills Health Care System
The VA Black Hills Health Care System is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: to care for those who have served in our military and their families. Our facilities, located in Fort Meade and Hot Springs, serve as pillars of health for Veterans across South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. We prioritize a "Whole Health" system of care, which empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being in a supportive, healing environment.
Living in South Dakota offers a fantastic quality of life. With no state income tax, access to the Black Hills National Forest, and a community known for its outdoor opportunities, it is an ideal location for those who enjoy hiking, skiing, and the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist), you will be a vital member of the surgical and clinical teams. Your core duties include:
- Patient Assessment: Conducting pre-anesthetic evaluations and obtaining informed consent.
- Anesthesia Delivery: Administering and maintaining various forms of anesthesia (inhalational, regional, intravenous, local, and topical) for diverse patient populations.
- Clinical Support: Responding to emergency situations using advanced cardiac life support and airway management skills.
- Quality & Safety: Participating in quality improvement, evidence-based practice development, and safety reporting protocols.
- Education: Serving as a preceptor for student nurse anesthetists and medical/dental residents.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the basic VA standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's or Doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia from a COA-accredited program |
| Licensure | Current, full, and unrestricted license in any U.S. state or territory |
| Certification | NBCRNA or equivalent certification recognized by the COA |
| Language | Proficiency in written and spoken English |
| Physical | Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening |
Salary Overview
The annual salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $163,249 to $236,660, depending on your experience, scope of practice, and grade level (Nurse II or Nurse III).
Benefits
Beyond a strong salary, the VA offers an exceptional total rewards package:
- Generous Leave: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401K (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans that stay with you into retirement.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights your specific clinical experience—do not leave the recruiter guessing about your capabilities.
- Documentation: Keep your license, certification, and education transcripts easily accessible.
- Consistency: Ensure your application aligns with the grade level you are targeting (Level II for entry, Level III for experienced).
- Veterans Preference: If you are a veteran, upload your DD-214 to receive proper prioritization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the work schedule? A: The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Q: Is this position open to the public? A: Yes, this announcement is open to both internal agency employees and the public.
If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a desire to serve, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the perfect balance of professional challenge and a high quality of life. Visit the official USAJOBS link below to submit your application and join the VA team.
Why This Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist) Job Matters
Join the VA Black Hills Health Care System and elevate your nursing career while providing life-changing anesthesia care to America's Veterans in the scenic heart of South Dakota.
Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist) Job Overview
The VA Black Hills Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and skilled Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to join our clinical team at Fort Meade. In this role, you will provide comprehensive anesthesia services, including pre-operative evaluation, anesthesia delivery, and post-operative monitoring for Veterans across various surgical specialties. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, patient-centered environment dedicated to the Whole Health model, all while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of Western South Dakota.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist)
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a Nurse Anesthetist in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) or equivalent recognized by the COA.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
- Must register with the Selective Service if applicable (males born after 12/31/1959).
- Commitment to receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist)
- One year of specialized experience at the Nurse Anesthetist II grade level for Nurse Anesthetist III consideration.
- Demonstrated expertise in complex surgical anesthesia, ultrasound-guided techniques, and advanced airway management.
- Experience in mentoring or precepting student nurse anesthetists and medical/dental residents.
- Proven ability to contribute to quality improvement initiatives, audits, and interdisciplinary team leadership.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with regular increases and performance award potential
- âś“Comprehensive paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
- âś“Traditional federal pension (vesting after 5 years)
- âś“Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%
- âś“Flexible Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance options
- âś“Ability to carry federal insurance coverage into retirement
đź’ˇ How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume/CV highlighting your anesthesia clinical experience.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts, licensure, and, if applicable, military discharge papers (DD-214) or SF-50 forms.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package via USAJOBS before the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard for updates and interview requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be explicit and specific in your resume—do not assume the recruiter knows your daily clinical duties.
- Ensure your resume matches the grade level (II or III) for which you are applying.
- Double-check that your professional license and NBCRNA certification are active and unrestricted.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure you upload your DD-214 to receive proper preference consideration.
- Submit your application early; applications are reviewed every two weeks in this open continuous announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site, full-time position located at our medical facility in Fort Meade, South Dakota.
What is the probation period for this role?
As this is a Title 38 position in the Excepted Service, you will be required to complete a 2-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and alignment with the public interest.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens are preferred. Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.