Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Department of Veterans Affairs•Saint Cloud, MN

52d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) in the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Section. Performs a wide area of duties, including various cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution processes associated with medical, surgical, and Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) throughout all services at the facility. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Responsibilities

Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area.
Disassembles the RMD and determines the correct cleaning method.
Adheres to quality control procedures throughout the decontamination and sterile preparation/processing areas.
Reprocesses and inventories medical devices used throughout the facility.
Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used, soiled reusable critical and semi-critical RMD, utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection control procedures to prevent cross-contamination of other equipment and personnel during the collection and transport of the soiled RMD.
Responsible for the proper disassembly of technical medical instrumentation and equipment, where internal parts may become contaminated, which requires dexterity, skill, careful positioning of parts, and the elimination of any bioburden.
Responsible for thorough inspection of instrumentation for cleanliness, damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting and cracks that could affect the quality of patient care.
Responsible for the systematic manual and automated cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of instrumentation and equipment according to strict Manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFU).
Responsible for ensuring that quality assurance testing of the effectiveness of the equipment operation is completed and documented to include bioburden testing, minimum effective concentration (MEC) testing, cavitation effectiveness testing, and washer/disinfector effectiveness testing.
Prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary for use in various areas of the medical center.
Responsible for determining proper instrument selection, instrument function/operation, need for instrument protection, and arrangement of items to ensure effective penetration of the sterilant.