Advance Your Nursing Career: Operating Room RN at the Lexington VA
The Lexington VA Health Care System is currently seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse to join our Operating Room team. Located in the heart of Kentucky, our facility is committed to providing world-class medical care to our nation’s veterans. If you are an experienced perioperative nurse looking for a role that combines clinical challenge with a mission-driven environment, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As an Operating Room Registered Nurse, you will be the backbone of our surgical services. Your core responsibilities include:
- Perioperative Planning: Managing the full spectrum of patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures.
- Technical Proficiency: Functioning effectively as both a circulator and scrub nurse.
- Safety Compliance: Maintaining sterile fields and strict adherence to AORN standards.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate and timely electronic health records.
- Team Collaboration: Participating in shared governance councils to improve care quality.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Current, full, and unrestricted nursing license.
- Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical activities, including lifting and standing.
- English language proficiency as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
Salary and Grade Comparison
The salary range for this position is determined by education and experience level. Below is a breakdown of how grades are generally evaluated:
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN or Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/BSN | 1-2 Years |
| Nurse II | BSN/MSN | 1-2 Years Specialized |
| Nurse III | MSN/Doctoral | 2+ Years Specialized |
Benefits
The VA offers a comprehensive "Total Rewards" package, including competitive pay, 50 days of paid time off per year (inclusive of vacation, sick, and holidays), a federal pension, and 401K matching.
Serving our veterans is a rewarding career path. If you are ready to bring your clinical expertise to the Lexington VA, please prepare your application documents and apply before the September 14, 2026 deadline.
Why This Registered Nurse - Operating Room Job Matters
Elevate your nursing career in the operating room while providing world-class care to those who have served our nation.
Registered Nurse - Operating Room Job Overview
The Lexington VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for our Operating Room unit at the Troy Bowling Campus. In this role, you will provide expert perioperative care, ensuring patient safety and clinical excellence during surgical and invasive procedures. We are looking for a skilled professional who thrives in collaborative, high-stakes environments and is committed to upholding the highest standards of Veterans' healthcare.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Operating Room
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in a U.S. state, territory, or district
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited professional nursing school
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and ongoing drug testing requirements
- Ability to perform essential physical tasks, including lifting 50 lbs and standing for extended periods
- Must be able to obtain and maintain necessary security/suitability clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Operating Room
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Documented experience in an Operating Room setting, including proficiency as a circulator and scrub nurse
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive base salary with regular increases
- ✓26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension program
- ✓Federal 401K with up to 5% agency matching contributions
- ✓Professional growth and development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Operating Room Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Operating Room Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (Resume, License, etc.).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all supporting documents before the closing date of September 14, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to ensure all qualifications are clearly mapped to the five dimensions of VHA nursing.
- Ensure your license status is current and readily documentable.
- Highlight any previous experience as a circulator or scrub nurse clearly to demonstrate technical competency.
- Double-check that your application package is complete before hitting submit; late submissions or missing documents will lead to disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific nursing duties does the OR RN perform?
The OR RN plans and coordinates care for patients undergoing surgery, maintains sterile fields, ensures safe medication administration, manages surgical specimens, and handles comprehensive documentation.
Is on-call availability required?
Yes, this position requires the incumbent to be on-call during off-tour hours to support emergency surgical procedures.
What is the typical work schedule?
This position operates on a standard Monday through Friday day tour of duty, supplemented by required on-call availability.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served and their families. The Lexington VAHCS is a recognized leader in quality care, consistently ranking as a top workplace in the region. We operate across multiple campuses, including the Troy Bowling Campus, which offers a robust environment for surgical and acute inpatient care.