Sterile Processing Services Educator

The RN Educator for Sterile Processing Services (SPS) delivers a fundamental understanding of adult learning principles and is a lifelong learner that can practice with flexibility to adapt or change learning strategies based on the assessment of learning needs within SPS.

• Ensures personal competency by completing VHA level 1 SPS training through modules in the VHA Talent Management System (TMS) within 90 days of hire.
• Obtains VHA level 2 SPS training within one year of appointment and annually completes 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually or obtains annual certification through a nationally recognized sterilization organization such as HSPA's Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification program or CBSPD.
• Utilizes Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (MIFU) or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on MIFU to create competencies for SPS staff.
• Competency validation is required for all tasks before being performed independently. Each SPS SOP must have a corresponding Competency Assessment Tool (CAT).
• Develops and implements a standardized education/training program for SPS staff, including a staff development program beginning with an initial orientation program for new SPS employees, Level 1 training, and recurring on-the-job training for all SPS employees.
• Encourages staff to aspire to VA level 2 SPS training.
• Uses a variety of competency validation methods to measure the proficiency of an individual for a specific task.
• Collaboratively develops and keeps updated a competency risk analysis based on, but not limited to, complexity of the device, reprocessing frequency, and bioburden exposure during use.
• Ensures all flexible, channeled endoscope competencies are validated once a year at minimum as these are always determined high-risk.
• Any RMD not deemed high-risk will have competency validations completed prior to the performance of any assigned task in accordance with MIFU.
• Competency validation is required for new employees; new devices; changes in policy, SOPs; or when an employee demonstrates a need for additional education, training, and competency validation.
• All SPS employees that perform RMD reprocessing must participate in a continuing education program with a minimum of 12 CEUs per year.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• English Language Proficiency.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
• 2-3 years of recent nursing experience.
• Previous experience in two of the following areas: education/training, quality work, Operating Room (OR), procedural area, and sterile processing.

The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade.

The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies.

An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required.

Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills, and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1; OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required.

Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.

A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.

MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in a related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.