Position Summary:
The primary purpose of the position is to be a Medical Supply Technician (MST) (Sterile Processing) for the Sterile Processing Service at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System located in Seattle, WA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attend training on either one, or all, the procedures associated with the set-up, use, reprocessing and maintenance of new equipment prior to its initial use that leads to his/her initial competency and, validation of that competency on a recurring basis. Removes items from washers and pass-through and determines type of tray or set to assemble based on recognition of key items and the operating room or clinic schedules.
- Determines proper methods and processes to follow per SOP’s and Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use to decontaminate instruments and equipment. When required, properly disassembles Surgical Instruments avoiding damage or unnecessary wear. Uses seasoned judgment to ensure minimum potential for damage to equipment.
- Assists with inventory of supplies needed for our production as well as our end users. Performs other related duties as assigned. Oversees the work of lower-grade employees.
- Assembles sets and trays by selecting appropriate tray, lining it with a towel, and arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner.
- Decontaminates all reusable supplies and equipment in a manner rendering all decontaminated items safe for handling.
- Examines items to ensure that gross contamination has been removed; if items remain contaminated they are sent back to decontamination for complete reprocessing.
- Aerates gas-sterilized items for correct period and completes proper documentation.
- Removes gross contamination by soaking in appropriate Detergent Solutions, washing with a detergent blood solvent, scrubbing with a brush, rinsing in tap and then distilled water or washing in an ultrasonic unit and/or washer-sterilizer.
- Sterilizes items referencing SOP’s, Special Parameters list and or STERIS V-Pro/ETO authorized list to determine that correct parameters (e.g. time, temperature, and pressure) were obtained.
- Have responsibility involved with one, or all, the following functions pertaining to Re-Usable Medical Equipment (RME) cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use. Medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be re-used for multiple patients that are accompanied by reprocessing instructions provided by the manufacturer is considered RME. The result of these duties and responsibilities are to ensure the best possible product is delivered, the right item, at the right time, in the right condition, ready for use.
- Rotates stock in accordance with the FIFO (First in, First out) system.
- Distributes items according to established requirements, special requests or as requisitioned. Fills requests for items based on daily schedules of needs or on individual requisitions. Consults with the Operating Room staff and our clinic customers on items in short supply or out of stock, recommending possible substitutions.
Required Education & Experience:
- Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
- Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
- Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
- Education: One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position;
- Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
- Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
- Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
- Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
- Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting;
- Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
- Experience: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work;
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.