Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Department of Veterans Affairs • Tucson, AZ

47d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Southern Arizona Healthcare Network is recruiting for a Medical Supply Technician assigned to Sterile Processing service (SPS). The major duties and responsibilities of Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) includes but are not limited to: Complete Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Level 1 training within 90 days of hire. Participate in continuing education (i.e., computer based training and in-service education sessions) to maintain SPS Level 1 certification. Maintain knowledge of the department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for the cleaning, decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, sterilization, and storage of the RME appropriate to this position. Maintain competency in all reprocessing activities. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area, and may receive noncritical equipment as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers/disinfectors, 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, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment. Reusable Medical Equipment: Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) is any medical equipment designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients. All personnel who are involved in the reprocessing of RME are responsible for knowing what reusable instruments, equipment, medical devices or supplies are used (inventory) in their clinical area. All personnel who are involved with the use of RME must be familiar with which items are reprocessed locally (on unit) and/or which items are sent to Sterile Processing for reprocessing and/or sterilization. If items are transported for reprocessing, personnel must be aware of the individual decontamination steps that must be taken prior to transport of item and the appropriate method of transport. All personnel who are involved in reprocessing of RME are responsible for following the local Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) drafted in accordance with the manufacturer's written recommendations. Sterile Processing and Infection Control should be consulted when clarification of written instructions is needed. No one should be reprocessing any reusable medical equipment based upon vendor's verbal instructions alone; this is not an adequate practice. All personnel that are in any way involved in the reprocessing of RME must have documented training in the setup, reprocessing and maintenance of specific equipment. Validation of competency will be done according to national policy guidelines. All personnel that have the responsibility of reprocessing reusable medical equipment can suspend the reuse of any RME if they suspect that the device was not properly cleaned, disinfected or sterilized according to the SOP and manufacturer's guidelines. Single-use (disposable) medical devices will not be reused or re-sterilized. All personnel must have an understanding of the importance of RME and the significant impact on our Veteran population through the risk of infectious disease.

Responsibilities

• Complete Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
• Participate in continuing education (i.e., computer based training and in-service education sessions) to maintain SPS Level 1 certification.
• Maintain knowledge of the department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for the cleaning, decontamination, preparation, high-level disinfection, sterilization, and storage of the RME appropriate to this position.
• Maintain competency in all reprocessing activities.
• Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination area, and may receive noncritical equipment as well.
• Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers/disinfectors, 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, and high-level disinfecting scope reprocessors.
• Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees