The Registered Nurse Educator (Reusable Medical Device (RMD) works closely with staff both in Sterile Processing and end-users throughout the Medical Center to educate on the proper pre-cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, monitoring, and storage of RMD.
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. 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/12726839. 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. Preferred Experience: Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)1-2 Years of Recent Nursing Education Experience in Sterile Processing2-3 Years Experience in two of the following areas, Sterile Processing education Sterile Processing training. Sterile Processing quality work, operating Room (OR) and endoscopy. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.
The Sterile Processing Registered Nurse Educator Coordinator provides oversight and coordination of standard operating procedures (SOP's) and competencies to the staff and facility. The RN Educator/RMD Coordinator serves as the monitoring and education specialist for all SPS activities, including cleaning/decontamination, sterilization, reprocessing, and distribution of critical and semi-critical RMD. This includes following and educating all users or RMD on bacteriological controls, principles, and methods of sterilization, packaging, and assembly of RMD. Incumbent supports the SPS Chief and SPS Assistant Chief in all duties related to orientation, training, competency, quality assurance and annual review. Creates and revises competencies related to RMD and monitors compliance in collaboration with the SPS RN Quality Nurse. Responsible and accountable for creation and revision of service-specific policies and procedures to ensure compliance with manufacturer instructions for use (MIFU) and VHA Directives. Demonstrates expertise in sterile processing standards and educational practices with knowledge of patient care practices, microbiology, asepsis, disinfection/sterilization, adult education, infectious disease, program administration, and epidemiology. Maintains RMD education material and is responsible for reviewing and analyzing new RMD, changes to manufacturer instructions, and recalls pertaining to RMD. Performs clinical, administrative, research, and educational components, which impact patients and health care personnel throughout the medical center. Ensures the practice of nursing and SPS is consistent with external standards such as but not limited to: Joint Commission, Association of Perioperativ Registered Nurses (AORN), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (MMI), and internal standards such as clinical practice guidelines and the Performance Measures for preventive health and chronic disease management. Performs leadership role in ongoing systematic evaluation and improvement of quality and effectiveness of nursing care and patient outcomes. Assesses the educational needs of the nursing and ancillary staff and implements an education plan to meet these needs. Adheres to established SPS standards of practice and standard operating procedures; demonstrates leadership when applying SPS processing standards and when teaching staff. Provide hands-on training and competency to all SPS and Facility staff covering the entire process from decontamination, assembly, sterilization, scope reprocessing and distribution of critical and semi-critical RMD throughout the medical center. Facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job-specific instruction. Should be well structured, and include hands on demonstrations, return demonstrations, and an evaluation. Develops, monitors, and revises SPS education programs for both new and existing staff and as required to meet new directives and training goals. Serve as a formal or informal preceptor and/or mentor to staff and as a subject matter expert (SME) point of contact. Develops a plan for follow-up training as indicated to achieve competency. Acts as a liaison and SME for SPS to all services to assure their RMD needs are met. Incumbent will manage SOP for current and new equipment, including, reviewing, and providing training to all staff. Monitors and reports the status and progress of training and adjusts curriculum according to established priorities, weekly. Performs other related duties as assigned in the functional statement. Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday -Friday (Alternate tour of duty may be required based on needs of agency) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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