Summary 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. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates educational needs to facilitate learner development and skill training of SPS staff and Reusable Medical Device (RMD) end users. Responsibilities Major Duties include but are not limited to: Is responsible to ensure their personal competency by completing VHA level 1 SPS training through modules in the VHA Talent Management System (TMS) (VHA-174) 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 obtain annual certification through a nationally recognized sterilization organization such as HSPA's Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification program or CBSPD. To be eligible for the VHA level 2 certification exam, 400 hours of hands-on reprocessing experience must be completed with attestation by SPS Assistant Chief or SPS Chief. Utilizes Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (MIFU) or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based of 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). In addition, any RMD that provides specific reprocessing MIFU must have a CAT, the CAT must be developed based on MIFU and can be combined with the SOP into one document. Responsible to develop and implement 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. At least two of the following validation methods must be used to adequately assess competence: test, return demonstration, simulation, interview or observation. For RMD reprocessing tasks at least one validation method must be direct observation. The validator must have current competency for the task the employee is being validated for and must provide full signatures for handwritten CAT. Electronic signatures are acceptable when Personal Identity Verification (PIV) technology is utilized to verify authenticity of all signatures. 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. The frequency of competency validation required for each item is based on this tool. 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. The SPS educator must maintain clear records of CEUs for each employee and make these records available to SPS leadership and any other oversight entities. Routinely and systematically observes and evaluates current practices of SPS staff. Performs audits as assigned. Arranges SPS in-services and other training opportunities with vendors. Develops SPS mentors and the mentor program. Establishes frequent routine check-ins to get input and identify educational needs of SPS staff. Collaborates with the RN SPS RMD Coordinator, OR educator, MVAHCS education service and RMD end users. Identifies, develops and delivers education and training when needs are identified. Completes the MVAHCS Preceptor program, ensures mentors also attend. Assures compliance with Basic Life Support (BLS) training when required. 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: Varied day shift. Telework: ADHOC-May be authorized (Employee who Telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement). Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Please contact the HR specialist for specific requirements. This amount may be prorated based on part time status. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). 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. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and 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. Preferred Experience: 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. Grade Determinations: 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: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12579902. 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 *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. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of examination. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. Additional Information VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards As a VA employee, you will enjoy a truly rewarding career, comprehensive benefits, competitive pay and other generous perks to help build a fuller, more balanced life for you and your family. Strong starting salary, career growth, and recognition VA Nurse Locality Pay System (LPS) - ensuring our nurses are paid competitive rates within each local labor market VA Special Rates - providing regular performance-based increases and potential accelerated increases for outstanding performance Premium Pay - including overtime, Saturday, Sunday, holiday, on-call and night work Incentive Awards - including Superior Performance Awards, Special Contribution Awards, VA Honor Awards 8 hours of annual leave (Vacation Time) accrual for full-time Nurses for each full biweekly pay period. 4 hours of Sick leave accrual per full biweekly pay period. 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave Military Leave Disabled Veteran Leave Health Insurance - pre-taxed premiums and a variety of plans to choose from, ranging from traditional HMO/PPO plans with low co-pays, to High- Deductible plans. Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) -Tax deferred retirement savings account that is similar to private sector 401(k). You may be eligible for an automatic 1% agency contribution, plus a 4% matching agency contribution. Flexible Spending Accounts - medical & dependent care Life Insurance - with available additions for family coverage Long Term Care Insurance Leave Sharing Program Holidays - 11 paid Federal holidays each year Child Care Subsidies Employee Assistance Program Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs Transit Subsidies Continuing Education Opportunities 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.