The El Paso VA Healthcare System is an outpatient facility serving medical, surgical, and psychiatric clinics, in addition to community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC). Home-Based Primary Care is provided in the Veteran's home, and telehealth options are used throughout the system. Substantial portions of the catchment area are rural.

Duties

The Chief, Sterile Processing Services (C-SPS) is knowledgeable of the overall organizational goals, mission, and priorities and is the subject matter expert regarding all matters SPS. The incumbent has knowledge regarding conducting and reporting quality improvement measures, including a sound knowledge of Joint Commission (JC) accreditation standards, Office of Inspector General (OIG), National Program Office of Sterile Processing (NPOSP) standards, and other internal/external regulatory agencies. C-SPS is responsible and accountable for all SPS operations to include but not limited to productivity, equipment purchased, standardized of operations, budget, funding sources, and strategic planning. The C-SPS provides leadership in SPS and improves efficiency and satisfaction in the delivery of services through optimal use of available resources and technology. The C-SPS is integral to meeting identified strategic objectives for the EPVAHCS in achieving a safe and efficient model for Sterile Instrument Processing and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). The incumbent has authority and responsibility for the development, coordination, and management of SPS, including design, implementation, expansion, upgrades, technical attributes, and training congruent with comprehensive measurable outcomes. The C-SPS works closely with other disciplines, Service Chiefs, and Managers across the organization to incorporate and update regulatory guidelines and requirements into present systems, protocols, and procedures. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for timely and effective communications up and down the chain of command. The incumbent possesses excellent computer and interpersonal skills, assures operations are managed in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. Applies creative organizational change and outcome utilization strategies to strengthen and grow staff competencies. The C-SPS is accountable for ensuring appropriate staffing levels, timely performance evaluations, and the submission of local, VISN, and national reports expeditiously. The incumbent directs practice according to established policies, standards of care, and standards of practice, and is responsible to ensure practice and operations are compliant with all applicable local, VISN, or National Standards, policies, statutes and regulations (e.g. VHA Directives/Handbook, The Joint Commission (JC), ANSI, AAMI, OIG, ANA). The C-SPS plays a key role in the ongoing systematic evaluation and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of services relative to Veteran care outcomes (e.g. Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL)). 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: 7:00 am to 3:45 pm, Monday thru Friday 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

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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: Experience in sterile processing and/or operating room/Reusable Medical Equipment management VA supervisory experience. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with employees, customers, vendors and other members of the interdisciplinary team Experience/knowledgeable in VA NPOSP standards, VHA DIRECTIVE 1116(2), PG-18-12 Design Guide 285: Sterile Processing Service, ANSI/AAMI ST90. Lean/Six Sigma white belt training at a minimum Demonstrated ability to use computer systems in support of reports and analysis to assure quality Demonstrated skills in decision-making, sound clinical judgment and critical thinking abilities 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 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. 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. 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. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. 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 and shifting priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the appropriate State agency and accredited by either: a) The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); or b) The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or 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:

1. ACEN - http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
2. CCNE - https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE-Accreditation/CCNE-Accredited-Programs
3. U.S. Department of Education - 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.

Note: If your school was accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the ACEN or CCNE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Note: Failure to submit supporting documentation may disqualify you for further consideration on this announcement.

Contacts

• Address El Paso VA Clinic 5001 North Piedras Street El Paso, TX 79930 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]