Shift Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Department of Veterans Affairs•Hampton, VA

36d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD) at the Hampton VA Medical Center. Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays for use in the medical center. Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes. Prepares operating room case carts. Medical Support Technicians (MSTs) receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision Responsible for sterile preparation which is accomplished through inspection, assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets, and packs for use throughout the facility. Assemblies range from simple sets of four or five instruments to very complex sets of up to ninety instruments. Assembles delicate micro-surgical sets such as micro-surgical ear set. ENT plastic set for procedures requiring plastic surgery, micro-surgical eye instruments, and other surgical specialties. Assembles and selects the correct sterilizing method for a variety of costly and delicate equipment. Tests instruments for functionality and assembles instruments in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Selects appropriate methods for sterilizing, balancing time constraints with possible detrimental effects of quicker methods. Arranges instruments in the tray in the correct manner. Strives for a compact, logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the required sterilizing medium. Places devices in the tray, selects correct wrapping and labels appropriately. Independently prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary to be used in the wards, clinic areas, dental clinic and surgery. Updates trays and count sheets as needed. Considers surgery schedules and Clinic schedules along with considering time factors for processing order to determine how many items to stock based on the turnaround time for processing, preparation and frequency of use. Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and ensure that they are held for the required time post sterilization per regulations. Responsible for the quarantine of implantable devices for 48 hours or upon signature for early release by the Chief of Staff, not less than 4 hours after cooling phase of sterilization. In an emergent situation, proper written authorization is required for implant release. Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used soiled supplies, instruments, or equipment. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and use of ultrasonic equipment. Decontamination processing requires the knowledge to determine what specific means are utilized to accomplish cleaning, disinfecting, or pre-sterilization of complex diagnostic equipment where the internal parts may become contaminated, and requires skill, careful positioning of parts and the complete elimination of particles. Testing the operation of the equipment and obtaining any needed repair requires knowledge of equipment functions. Uses approved/recommended germicidal detergent to clean items that cannot be submerged. Assumes leadership responsibilities to perform peer training as well as provide user training and instruction pertaining to correct operating and preventative maintenance procedures of medical equipment. Identifies trends, recommends solutions, and implements quality improvement initiatives and program related activities related to program effectiveness. Regularly tests operations and cleaning of equipment for effectiveness of sterilization. The incumbent monitors performance of sterilizers for quality control by conducting bacteriological tests. Conducts daily biological monitoring on numerous different sterilizers throughout SPS. Updates the documentation tracking system with results of biological tests. Conforms to and ensures that all safety and infection control rules, regulations and requirements in the decontamination and preparation areas are followed by all personnel working in, or entering, the work area. Utilize knowledge and experience to react to requests for emergent and/or urgent RMD supply needs ensuring positive outcomes. Utilize knowledge of equipment, its use, and specific procedures to respond to inquiries about the equipment and potential equipment substitutions. Utilize computers to perform record keeping, tracking operations. Processes emergent requests, prepares tray lists, and updates files as required. Conducts inventory of all sterilized trays checking package integrity and expiration dates. Transports RMD within facility and outside facility at community based VA locations using approved SOPs and follows state and national regulations while driving a motor vehicle. Performs other related duties as needed

Responsibilities

Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical devices (RMD)
Completes segments of work pertaining to the assembly of basic sets and trays
Operates equipment involved in sterilization processes
Prepares operating room case carts
Responsible for sterile preparation which is accomplished through inspection, assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets, and packs
Assembles delicate micro-surgical sets
Assembles and selects the correct sterilizing method for a variety of costly and delicate equipment
Tests instruments for functionality and assembles instruments in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines
Selects appropriate methods for sterilizing, balancing time constraints with possible detrimental effects of quicker methods
Arranges instruments in the tray in the correct manner
Places devices in the tray, selects correct wrapping and labels appropriately
Independently prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary to be used in the wards, clinic areas, dental clinic and surgery
Updates trays and count sheets as needed
Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations
Responsible for the quarantine of implantable devices for 48 hours or upon signature for early release by the Chief of Staff, not less than 4 hours after cooling phase of sterilization
Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used soiled supplies, instruments, or equipment
Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and use of ultrasonic equipment
Uses approved/recommended germicidal detergent to clean items that cannot be submerged
Assumes leadership responsibilities to perform peer training as well as provide user training and instruction pertaining to correct operating and preventative maintenance procedures of medical equipment
Identifies trends, recommends solutions, and implements quality improvement initiatives and program related activities related to program effectiveness
Regularly tests operations and cleaning of equipment for effectiveness of sterilization
Monitors performance of sterilizers for quality control by conducting bacteriological tests
Conducts daily biological monitoring on numerous different sterilizers throughout SPS
Updates the documentation tracking system with results of biological tests
Conforms to and ensures that all safety and infection control rules, regulations and requirements in the decontamination and preparation areas are followed by all personnel working in, or entering, the work area
Utilize knowledge and experience to react to requests for emergent and/or urgent RMD supply needs ensuring positive outcomes
Utilize knowledge of equipment, its use, and specific procedures to respond to inquiries about the equipment and potential equipment substitutions
Utilize computers to perform record keeping, tracking operations
Processes emergent requests, prepares tray lists, and updates files as required
Conducts inventory of all sterilized trays checking package integrity and expiration dates
Transports RMD within facility and outside facility at community based VA locations using approved SOPs and follows state and national regulations while driving a motor vehicle
Performs other related duties as needed