The MST (Advanced) is assigned to collect and transport Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) from more than 30 locations throughout the facility. Following Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU's), these items are sorted, cleaned, decontaminated or disinfected in the Decontamination section of SPS. Items requiring additional processing, packaging and sterilization are sent to the Preparation and Packaging section of SPS where they are inspected for cleanliness, functionality, and quantity.

Duties

MST (Advanced) decontaminates all reusable supplies and equipment in a manner rendering all decontaminated items safe for handling. MST (Advanced) 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. In the performance of the duties the MST (Advanced) will have responsibility involved with one, or all, the following functions pertaining to Re-Usable Medical Devices (RMD) cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use. Medical equipment or devices designed by the manufacturer to be re-used for multiple patients that are accompanied by reprocessing instructions provided by the manufacturer is considered RMD. 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. The MST (Advanced) will 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. MST (Advanced) examines items to ensure that gross contamination has been removed; if items remain contaminated, they are sent back to Decontamination for complete reprocessing. MST (Advanced) assembles sets and trays by selecting appropriate tray, lining it with a lint free cloth/towel, and arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner. MST (Advanced) strives for a logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the sterilizing medium and ease of use by end user. Visually examines items for damage, deterioration, or imperfections such as rust, pitting, and cracks. MST (Advanced) operates medical equipment to determine whether it operates correctly after re assembly. Sends malfunctioning or damaged equipment to repair or salvage unit. MST (Advanced) examines all types of reusable supplies and equipment. Selects correct wrapping for the tray, and wraps and labels tray. MST (Advanced) monitors operation of sterilizer with prescribed tests. Determines appropriate method of sterilization and attaches chemical indicator tape to package. MST (Advanced) 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. MST (Advanced) aerates gas-sterilized items for correct period and completes proper documentation. MST (Advanced) 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. MST (Advanced) rotates stock in accordance with the FIFO (First in, First out) system. MST (Advanced) 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. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM (7:00 AM- 3:30 PM) Compressed/Flexible:Yes 4X10's Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: CREDITABLE EXPERIENCE: 1. Knowledge of Current MST Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with MST responsibilities. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as an MST. 2. Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MST experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the MST (Advanced) at least 25% of the time. 3. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as an MST is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, an MST employed 20 hours a week, or on a ½ time basis would receive 1 full-time workweek for 2 weeks of service. EXPERIENCE: One year experience to the next lower grade level; or EDUCATION: Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or Bachelor's degree. DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below: 1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. 2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility. 3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. 4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. 5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. 6. Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating room and clinic settings. 7. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. 8. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 9. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to convey information and thoughts to others. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G47, Paragraph 2 Physical Requirements: This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, HLD, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty and poorly lighted. The employee is subject to the possibility of falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries from material handling equipment. The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items and or hot solutions. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of sterilizing equipment.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Fort Harrison VA Medical Center 3687 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison, MT 59636 US
• Name: Rodney Riggleman
• Phone: (210) 980-9493
• Email: [email protected]