Program Summary
The TCF Program/Supply Processing and Distribution (SPD) internship provides two years of specialized training to obtain and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to assume the duties of SPD Supervisors or Chiefs of SPD. SPD interns are trained for challenging positions by applying knowledge obtained from formal education programs, training classes and/or training materials, and on-the-job training to meet the need for SPD leadership positions at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical facilities.
Training Objectives
The objectives of the program are to train qualified applicants for SPD leadership positions in the VHA to meet the need for quality SPD services for veteran patients and staff. Objectives are attained by providing:
- Training sites and preceptors for SPD interns
- Educational opportunities to obtain specific knowledge and skills pertaining to the technical principles, standards, and practices of an SPD department
- Educational opportunities to obtain specific knowledge and skills pertaining to the management principles, standards, and practices of an SPD leader
- On-the-job training to obtain and develop technical and managerial knowledge and skills
Training Specifics
Through an environment that is conducive to learning, SPD interns will:
- Develop knowledge of the VHA's Mission, Vision, and Goals
- Gain the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an SPD Supervisor or SPD Chief
- Complete Level One SPD Training
- Attend SPD Cluster Training
- Obtain SPD Certification
- Attend an SPD Professional Organization's Annual Conference
- Participate in an SPD facility site visit with staff from the national program office
- Attend other training programs conducted by the national program office (e.g., SPD Seminars and New SPD Chiefs and Supervisors Training)
- Participate in on-the-job training to include extensive rotations in the following areas within SPD: decontamination, preparation, distribution, and the Office of the Chief
- Develop budget management skills
- Develop personnel management skills
- Develop quality management skills
- Develop patient safety skills
- Develop infection control skills
- Develop staff education skills
- Rotate through each of the services that SPD has significant interaction with, including the operating room, Nursing Service, Engineering Service (e.g., BioMed), Inventory Management, the Warehouse, and Infection Control
- Attend, on a regular basis, facility and network level committee meetings, including Commodity Standards Committee, Infection Control Committee, CPR Committee, Quality Management Committee, and Patient Safety Committee.
- Serve as an Acting SPD Supervisor and/or Acting Chief of SPD
Qualifications:
The ability and willingness to relocate is a requirement for selection as a TCF Program intern. If relocation is necessary for permanent placement, VA pays for moving expenses. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
