Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Full Job Description

This is a full performance level Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing), in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS), under Nursing Services.

The purpose of this position is to provide wards, clinics, operating room and other hospital facilities (Dental and CBOCs) with properly reprocessed Reusable Medical Devices (RMD).

The position specializes in but is not limited to decontamination, packaging,, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and distribution of RMD to SPS customers.

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.

Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or Education: One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in healthcare related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable..

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

For the GS-06 Grade (Full Performance), you must meet the following requirements: One year of experience equivalent to the newt lower grade level (GS-05) which includes, but not limited to: Removing soil, blood, tissue fragments.

body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, and scrubbing.

Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room.

Prepares, loads, and operates sterilizers such as steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and a high level disinfecting scope re-processor; prepares operating room case carts daily using surgery schedule.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.

Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.

Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

Preferred Experience: This is the full performance level for the occupation.

Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well.

Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions.

Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, ETO, and high level disinfecting scope re-processors.

Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Major Duties:

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Completes set up of decontamination equipment readiness, verification of chemicals needed, any required quality assurance testing (to include validation of cart wash, ultrasonic washers, washer disinfectors, RO Critical Water), and changing of water in sinks and ultrasonic washers.

Collects, receives, sorts, disassembles, and inspects all items for damage.

Decontaminates RMD using the prescribed chemicals, equipment and techniques to successfully render items safe for further processing (all manual and mechanical cleaning).

Removes all gross contaminants by appropriate methods following Area 2 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and High Risk Protocols (HRPs).

Completely and accurately reassembles equipment and updates the ITS CensiTrac location records, and prioritizes work load according to end user and department needs.

Performs quality assurance as required by manufacturer IFUs, Area 2 SOP, and department policy (to include leak test and residual soil testing of flexible scopes).

Completes all required documentation in the ITS CensiTrac, to include equipment and RO Critical Water quality assurance testing, area cleaning, endoscope reprocessing, probe reprocessing via TROPHON, and location tracking.

Completes daily cleaning of area. Completes all standard work as assigned. Demonstrates a knowledge of RMD including identification, general use, and specific characteristics.

Completes set up assembly area, necessary supplies, containment system(s), and sealant and quality assurance equipment (i.e. insulation tester and Borescope). Completes daily cleaning of area.

Completes all required documentation in the ITS CensiTrac, to include area cleaning, location tracking, and assembly count sheet completion. Completes all standard work as assigned.

Completes set up of high level disinfection areas, equipment readiness, verification of chemicals needed, any required quality assurance testing (to include endoscope Channel Checks, Revital-Ox MEC, and TROPHON discs).

Demonstrates a knowledge of RMD including identification, general use, and specific characteristics.

Completes set up of Area 4 Sterilization, equipment readiness, verification of disposables needed, any required quality assurance testing (to include validation of sterilization equipment i.e.

Bowie Dick and Biological). Able to operate all equipment used in Area 5 Storage and Area 6 Distribution to include computer, scanner, printer, scale to weigh instruments, and temperature gun.

Employee utilizes all VA computer programs and systems as required to comply with all local, VISN, regional and national policies and procedures in carrying out SPS duties and responsibilities.

Performs other duties assigned. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Required to work Days and Evenings Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Functional Statement #: 13641A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.