The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is recruiting for a Associate Chief Nurse Nurse within our Sterile Processing Unit.

Duties

Major Duties: This Associate Chief Nurse of Sterile Processing is a leadership role that requires subject matter expertise (SME) with a background and experiences in reprocessing and sterilization programs. S/he is "an administrative nurse who has an intuitive grasp of each situation and zeros in on the accurate region of the problem without wasteful consideration of a large range of unfruitful, alternative diagnoses and solutions" (Benner). The Associate Chief Nurse of Sterile Processing provides executive leadership and direct supervision to staff at VAAAHS. The primary setting for this position is in all clinical areas of the VAAAHS where reprocessing of critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) occurs. The Associate Chief Nurse of Sterile Processing collaborates with internal and external stakeholders who utilize SPS services. The Associate Chief Nurse of Sterile Processing, is designated as the primary point of contact to coordinate with all service lines from which patient care medical/surgical supply inventory, instruments, and equipment are received, processed, packaged, stored, and distributed. The Associate Chief Nurse of Sterile Processing is responsible for the planning, direction and management of all SPS programs for the VAAAHS. The duties of this position are highly specialized and require an in-depth knowledge of overall SPS. S/he is required to have an in-depth knowledge of SPS management requirements. Much of the work required is time sensitive and complex in nature having a direct and immediate impact on healthcare delivery. Responsibilities include management of two distinct separated units of Decontamination and Sterile Supply Processing: Decontamination -this unit is solely responsible for the collection and receipt of all used soiled supplies, instruments, or equipment. The knowledge to determine specific methods for cleaning, disinfecting or pre-sterilizing complex diagnostic equipment and medical apparatus is critical. Sterile Preparation - this unit is responsible for assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets and packs for use through the Hospital to include the Operating Room and clinical procedural areas. Incumbent provides direct and indirect supervision to employees performing a variety of duties supporting the SPS program for the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Those responsibilities include but are not limited to development/review of performance standards, writing position descriptions, proficiencies, evaluating work performance, hears/resolves complaints, effects minor disciplinary measures/reprimands, warning, etc., approves leave, identifies developmental and training needs of employees, ensures continuing education requirements are met where required to maintain certification; also performs first and/or second level interviews for positions within the section, recommends appointments, promotions, awards and/or reassignments. Assesses, plans, and evaluates the processes and daily operations for SPS and patient care programs where critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment is used and reprocessed. This position provides oversight and is responsible for areas outside of the SPS proper that utilizes semi-critical RME to ensure that those areas comply with guidelines/regulations for quality patient care. Education and competency evaluation of staff in areas that perform pretreatment of RME is under the purview of the Associate Chief Nurse of Sterile Processing. Ensures that standards and practices meet VHA and accreditation requirements. Manages personnel as a first or second-line supervisor within SPS and has primary responsibility for RME processes throughout VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. 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: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday- Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 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 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). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (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. 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. Preferred Experience: VHA Sterile Processing Services (SPS) certification Sterile Processing Service Management Experience Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: Nurse IV - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 4-5 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or related field and appropriate basic or advanced certification desired, and approximately 3-4 years of nursing practice/experience. Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required. Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing. 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. In the performance of duties, the incumbent may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Brian Oliver
• Phone: 734-934-0217
• Email: [email protected]