Advance Your Nursing Career: SPS Nurse Educator at the San Francisco VA
Are you a passionate Registered Nurse looking to transition your clinical expertise into a leadership and educational role? The San Francisco VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Nurse Educator. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of nursing practice and ensure the highest standards of safety for our nation’s Veterans. By blending clinical skill with advanced educational strategies, you will play a vital role in our healthcare mission.
Job Responsibilities
As an SPS Nurse Educator, you are more than just an instructor. You are a mentor, a consultant, and a clinical leader. Your core responsibilities include:
- Educational Programming: Design and implement evidence-based training for nursing staff.
- Competency Assessment: Validate clinical skills and identify learning gaps through data-driven analysis.
- Mentorship: Serve as a coach for new hires, students, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Regulatory Oversight: Ensure the facility meets Joint Commission and VA accreditation standards.
- Emergency Readiness: Oversee BLS certification and facilitate mock codes and disaster drills.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Must hold an active, unrestricted RN license from any U.S. state or territory.
- Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program.
- Must demonstrate basic proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass pre-employment physical and drug testing requirements.
Salary and Grade Overview
The VA offers a highly competitive salary structure based on your nursing credentials and professional experience.
| Grade/Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Grade 1, Levels 1-3 | $153,887 - $204,663 |
| Grade 2 | $176,969 - $228,000 |
| Grade 3 | $194,665 - $228,000 |
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust "Total Rewards" package, including:
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401k-style savings plan.
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of vacation, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
- Insurance: Extensive choice of health, dental, and life insurance plans.
- Career Growth: Unmatched opportunities for professional development and advancement within the federal system.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the VA-provided Clinical Resume document.
- Be Detailed: Describe your experience using the five nursing dimensions: Practice, Veteran-Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice.
- Double-Check Requirements: Ensure all licenses and transcripts are clearly legible and attached to your application package.
This role is a rewarding opportunity to impact nursing excellence at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. If you are ready to lead, mentor, and innovate, we encourage you to apply before the August 6, 2026, deadline.
Why This Sterile Processing Service (Sps) Nurse Educator Job Matters
Transform the future of sterile processing while advancing your career as a Nurse Educator for the Department of Veterans Affairs in beautiful San Francisco.
Sterile Processing Service (Sps) Nurse Educator Job Overview
The San Francisco VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Nurse Educator. This pivotal role focuses on enhancing clinical competency, professional development, and evidence-based practice. As an expert mentor and consultant, you will bridge the gap between clinical operations and educational standards to ensure our Veterans receive world-class, safe care. Join a mission-driven organization where your expertise in nursing education directly impacts patient outcomes and organizational excellence.
Requirements for Sterile Processing Service (Sps) Nurse Educator
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply per VA policy).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any U.S. state, territory, or DC.
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and background investigation.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Commitment to the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Sterile Processing Service (Sps) Nurse Educator
- Two years of recent nursing experience.
- Prior professional teaching or clinical instruction experience.
- Direct experience in Operating Room or related sterile processing environments.
- Master’s Degree in Nursing Education (or willingness to enroll in an MSN program).
- Strong communication and leadership skills with experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with regular pay increases.
- ✓Federal Pension Plan and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Professional development opportunities and career advancement.
💡 How to Apply Sterile Processing Service (Sps) Nurse Educator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Sterile Processing Service (Sps) Nurse Educator Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume, nursing license, and academic transcripts.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of August 6, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Describe your experience in detail based on the five dimensions of nursing practice.
- Don't leave gaps: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your clinical and teaching background.
- Submit early: Don't wait until the final hours to account for potential technical glitches.
- Check for completeness: Ensure all required documents, including licenses and transcripts, are attached.
- Use the template: Always use the specific Clinical Resume template linked in the job posting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an onsite position at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.
What is the salary range for this role?
The salary ranges from $153,887 to $228,000 annually, determined by the grade, level, and individual qualifications of the selected candidate.
Do I need a Master's degree to apply?
While a Master's degree is preferred, the base requirements vary by grade level, starting from an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing for Nurse I, Level I.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.*
Do I need experience in Sterile Processing?
*A: While Operating Room or SPS experience is strongly preferred, the role focuses heavily on clinical education, so strong instructional skills are paramount.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to excellence, innovation, and whole-health care. Working within VISN 21, you will be part of a vast, dynamic network that spans California, Nevada, Hawaii, and beyond, supporting a mission that honors the sacrifices of those who served.