Advanced Practice Nurse - Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Job in Wilmington, DE

Vacancy No. CBSZ-12751132-25-LN Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $185,228.00 to $246,344.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/16/2025 Close Date 6/23/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Wilmington, DE


Summary

The Chief Nurse Anesthetist makes recommendations that may significantly affect the content, interpretation, or development of VA policies or programs concerning critical matters or major issues within their scope of practice. Regularly provides anesthesia care in unusually extensive and complex surgical procedures that are of prolonged duration and involve high-risk patients. Additionally, are first line supervisor and have administrative responsibility for CRNAs and Medical Instrument Techs.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Areas Of Consideration: Current Permanent Employees of the Wilmington VA Medical Center.

Duties

This position is located at the Wilmington VA Medical Center. The Chief Nurse Anesthetist regularly provides anesthesia care in unusually extensive and complex surgical procedures that are of prolonged duration and involve high-risk patients. Additionally, the Chief Nurse Anesthetist is the first line supervisor and has administrative responsibility for CRNAs and Medical Instrument Technicians (Anesthesia tech). The Chief Nurse Anesthetist additionally participates in performance improvement projects and makes recommendations that impact the content, interpretation, or development of VA policies or programs concerning critical matters or major issues within their scope of practice.

Assigned duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Clinical Functions

  • Demonstrates current clinical practice and act as a consultant in nurse anesthesia practice.
  • . Attends Medical Center Staff meetings, community meetings, seminars, conferences, and represents a professional image of Nurse Anesthesia practice in the Surgical Service Line and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
  • Designs/revises formal standards of practice to improve patient outcomes and health care delivery processes at the service, functional group, Medical Center, network, or community levels. Participates and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in implementing and improving standards of practice.
  • Acquires and maintains current knowledge in practice (assessments, therapies, procedures, and technology) to effectively meet program, service, functional area, protocols and/or system performance.
  • Addresses ethical issues that impact individual patients, families, peers, and functional groups in collaboration with service, interdisciplinary, and administrative staff.
  • Knowledge to participate in the audit of anesthesia care, recommending changes were indicated
Administrative Functions
  • Effectively and consistently communicate administrative directives, policies and protocols to personnel and encourage interactive department meetings and discussions.
  • Manage activities including interviewing, hiring and discipline. Help staff to understand the context of their work and how it relates to the work of others and the agency.
  • Delegate appropriately to subordinates to share responsibilities for efficient departmental operations.
  • Design and management of budget and cost benefit analysis in order to ensure optimal stewardship of resources.
  • Monitor the quality of anesthesia care. Ensure retrospective, ongoing and continuing evaluation of the quality of nurse anesthesia care rendered by nurse anesthetists anywhere in the facility using ongoing professional performance evaluations and yearly performance appraisals.
  • Responsible for maintaining competencies and SOPs in all Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and technology, participate as a member of the RME committee, and adhere to all Medical Center requirements.
  • Attend department, organization, quality improvement, and medical staff committee meetings, to include but not limited to: Surgical M&M, Transfusion committee, Critical Care, Professional Practice Council, RME, RCA's, HCFMA's etc., as well as other assigned task forces positions and advisory committees.
  • Help develop and implement anesthesia specific policies and procedures in conjunction with the Chief Anesthesiologist and medical staff. Coordinate policy review and Joint Commission readiness standards with staff and system.
  • Comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule: Tour of duty subject to facility needs. Current tour is Tues 7:00am-7:30pm, Wed 7:00am-4:00pm, Thurs 7:00am-4:00pm, Fri 7:00am-7:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) Basic Requirements
  • Education. A masters or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing anesthesia accredited by Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
  • Licensure and Certification. The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment.
    • License. All APN (CNAs) must maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a CNA or equivalent, in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.
    • Basic Certification. All APN (CNAs) must maintain full and current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) or an equivalent Nurse Anesthetist certification recognized by the COA.
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNA) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.

APN (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) IV, Chief Educator/Leadership-Management.

(a) Chief APN (CNA) IV.

i Assignment. The Chief APN (CNA) makes recommendations that may significantly affect the content, interpretation or development of VA policies or programs concerning critical matters or major issues within the anesthesia arena. The Chief APN (CNA) is distinguished by educational range, clinical experience and collaborative skills. The Chief APN (CNA) is a first line supervisor and may have administrative responsibility for anesthesia staff.

ii Education and Experience Requirement.
(A) Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNA)
AND
(B) Four years of APN (CNA) progressively responsible assignments in clinical, administrative, education and/or research related to CNA practice, one of which is specialized experience equivalent to the APN (CNA) III grade level. At this level, emphasis is placed on strategic planning and administrative responsibilities.

iii Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Must have the ability to perform long and short-term planning goals for their anesthesia department. Chief APN (CNA) functions may include, but are not limited to, the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
(A) Ability to assume progressive responsibility for planning organizing, directing and evaluating section and departmental processes and programs.
(B) Ability to supervise staff, students or ancillary personnel and to ensure proper scheduling and staffing.
(C) Skill to perform as a provider and mentor for unusually extensive and complex anesthetic cases.
(D) Knowledge to participate in a continual audit of anesthesia care and to ensure periodic performance and professional practice (focused and ongoing) evaluation requirements are met.
(E) Knowledge to represent departmental interests at interdisciplinary committee meetings, participate in departmental reviews, collaborate in problem solving and develop quality improvement initiatives.
(F) Knowledge to engage in departmental resource stewardship, evaluation of staffing, equipment and time value management.
(G) Ability to interpret efficiency data as well as implement and evaluate cost-effective operational strategies.
(H) Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks to enhance employee investment offering opportunities for staff leadership development.
(I) Skill to collaborate and support the development of clinical and educational programs and anesthesia protocols to improve patient outcomes and improve service level performance. 50
(J) Ability to provide guidance and instruction in preparing others for positions of leadership and ethical practices which impact patient care.
(K) Skill to provide leadership level commitment to foster a safety lifestyle and continuous process improvement.

Additional information

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action




The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/23/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12751132.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Lisa Newton
Address
Wilmington VA Medical Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19805
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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