Become a Surgical Technician with the VA in Nashville
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Surgical Technician to join the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality surgical support to those who have bravely served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Surgical Technician, you are the backbone of the operating room. Your daily duties will include:
- Surgical Preparation: Organizing complex sterile setups and anticipating the needs of the surgical team.
- Technical Assistance: Directly assisting surgeons with tasks such as suctioning, holding retractors, and applying staples.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring all instruments and equipment (including fiber optic and laparoscopic tools) are properly cleaned and maintained.
- Safety Oversight: Performing instrument counts and identifying potential hazards to maintain a safe surgical environment.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level.
- Assessment: Completion of the required USA Hire competency assessment.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a drug test and adhere to the influenza vaccination policy.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Requirement Type | Specific Criteria |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year Specialized (GS-6 equivalent) |
| Education | Relevant graduate level or internship |
| Security | Background investigation required |
| Health | Annual influenza vaccination mandatory |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $57,525 to $74,874 per year. Employees of the VA benefit from comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and generous leave policies. Furthermore, the VA offers professional growth opportunities, allowing you to advance your clinical skills alongside industry experts.
Application Tips
- Resume Formatting: Keep your resume strictly under two pages and focus on your most relevant surgical experience.
- Assessment Prep: Use the resources on the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the testing format.
- Documentation: Ensure all supporting documents (transcripts, professional certifications) are scanned clearly and uploaded as PDFs.
The role of a Surgical Technician at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is more than just a job; it is a chance to serve the community that has served us. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a supportive team environment, this is an ideal step for any experienced surgical tech looking to grow their career in Nashville. Apply today and start your journey with the VA.
Why This Surgical Technician Job Matters
Advance your surgical career while serving those who served. Join the Veterans Health Administration in Nashville as a Surgical Technician and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's heroes.
Surgical Technician Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Surgical Technician for the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This role is pivotal in supporting our surgical team, ensuring that sterile environments are maintained and that surgical procedures are executed with precision and care. You will work in a high-impact environment, directly assisting surgeons and contributing to the health and recovery of Veterans in the Nashville area.
Requirements for Surgical Technician
- U.S. Citizenship.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Completion of mandatory online assessments.
- Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Surgical Technician
- Experience setting up sterile fields with specialized surgical equipment (e.g., fiber optic, laparoscopic, laser, and arthroscopy devices).
- Demonstrated ability to assist surgeons with procedures such as skin grafts and suturing.
- Strong knowledge of aseptic techniques and surgical instrument maintenance.
- Completion of relevant graduate-level education or internships in surgical technology or physiology.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave)
- ✓Professional Development Opportunities
- ✓Access to State-of-the-Art VA Medical Facilities
💡 How to Apply Surgical Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Surgical Technician Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement details carefully.
- Prepare your two-page resume following the specific formatting guidelines provided.
- Submit your application and complete the required online questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for a notification containing the link to the USA Hire assessment.
- Complete the online assessments within the designated timeframe.
- Track your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer to meet merit hiring requirements.
- Be specific in your resume by including job titles, duties, and hours worked per week.
- Upload your resume in PDF format to ensure the formatting remains intact.
- Set aside at least three hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire assessment.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents, such as transcripts or SF-50s, are attached before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum length allowed for the resume?
To comply with the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than this will result in ineligibility.
Is a drug test required for this role?
Yes, this is a drug-testing designated position. A urinalysis is required prior to appointment.
Can I substitute education for the experience requirement?
Yes, you may substitute one full year of relevant graduate education or an internship for the required specialized experience.
What is the primary duty of this role?
*A: The primary duty is to act as a scrub person, handling instruments and maintaining the sterile field during surgical procedures.*
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: No, relocation assistance is not available for this position.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is a premier medical provider, operating two primary hospitals in Nashville and Murfreesboro, along with 21 outpatient clinics. As an integrated system, we prioritize compassionate care, research, and innovation. Joining the TVHS team means you are supporting the health and well-being of over 146,000 Veterans. In addition to a mission-driven career, you will enjoy living in Nashville, a vibrant city that boasts a high quality of life and the benefit of no state income tax.