Medical Supply Technician (MST) (Sterile Processing Services) completing reprocessing of critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and quality assurance tasks for Sterile Processing Services (SPS) under Nursing Service. Responsible for accurately completing work performed in all work areas of the department, including but not limited to, decontamination, sterilization and case cart preparation (instrumentation), clinical areas throughout the facility and outlying clinics.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Accurately completes all department required documentation to include, but not limited to, documentation of biological indicator results, signatures where applicable, time and temperature, load control sticker with correct sterilizer number, cycle and date of reprocessing. Completes sterilization and high-level disinfecting of Reusable Medical Equipment by following manufacturer instructions, VHA directives, AAMI/ANSI ST 79, IAHCSMM and facility standard operating procedures. Maintains annual competency requirements associated with more than 100 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for SPS. Competencies, depending on the instrument/equipment, may have greater than 30 steps that must be successfully completed and accurately applied each time that item is reprocessed. Demonstrates a working knowledge of the use of biological indicator controls and testing, as well as the principles and methods of sterilization/high-level disinfecting and packaging. Responsible for identifying, assembling and packaging instruments and sets in preparation for sterilization and/or high-level disinfection. Demonstrates a professional and courteous attitude while in contact with internal (coworkers, clinic, CBOC and OR personnel) and external customers (visitors, vendors and others). Demonstrates appropriate telephone courtesy by identifying self when answering calls and responds to callers in a polite and courteous manner. If unable to satisfy the caller's need, takes a message, including the caller's name and telephone number. Incumbent will ensure the message is communicated with the intended recipient as soon as possible. Ensures instruments gathered during scheduled pick-up and delivery, are accounted for, minimizing the need to purchase replacement instruments due to loss or damage to instruments while in SPS's possession. Completes all sterilization/high-level disinfection documentation correctly. This includes and is not limited to: biological indicator (BI) lot numbers and results (control and test), DART (dynamic air removal test) and leak test results, minimum effective concentration levels for high-level disinfection chemicals, incubator temperature readings, All sterilization and high-level disinfecting documents must be completed as indicated on the forms/cards, as applicable. Performs second (quality assurance) checks on instrument sets/case carts for assembly accuracy and completion. Ensures rigid sterilization instrument containers have the correct internal and external chemical indicators and count sheets. Ensures wrapped instruments have the correct internal chemical indicators; count sheets (as appropriate); external chemical indicator tape; no excessive gapping and load control stickers. Incumbent uses correct chemical indicator and peel package per sterilization type. Applies tip/instrument protectors as needed. After sterilization, incumbent applies load control stickers to all items processed in that load using the correct sterilizer number, load number and reprocessing date. Ensures instruments are reprocessed and available for customers to avoid delays in patient care. Sorts instruments within sets by size, type and quantity per count sheet. Uses stringer for instruments requiring it. Uses the appropriate wrapper for items within sets requiring it, such as knife handles and forceps, if applicable. Completes all manual cleaning and decontamination of instruments and equipment per manufacturer instructions. Uses reference materials, such as manufacturer instructions and SOPs, as needed. Correctly operates decontamination and high-level disinfection equipment per manufacturer instructions and SOPs. Checks package integrity of instruments/sets ensuring there is no evidence of compromise packaging, such as staining (from moisture), holes, locks that did not deploy (on containers), or any other issues that render instruments compromised. Sends instruments/equipment observed with compromised packaging back to decontamination for reprocessing. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8hour shifts between 5:30am-8:00pm Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 502-00084-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. English Language Proficiency Requirement - Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j. Experience and/or Education: Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR 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; OR an equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification: No Requirement Grade Determinations: GS-06: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level). Preferred Experience: Previous sterile instrumentation experience References: VA Handbook 5005/83, Part II, Appendix G47 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15 - 44 pounds), moderate carrying (15 - 44 pounds), straight pulling (6 hours), pulling hand over hand (6 hours), pushing (6 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (8 hours), standing (8 hours), kneeling (1 - 4 hours), repeated bending (8 hours), both legs required, operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4, 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction, both eyes required, depth perception, heavy pulling (intermittent), ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted).

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 Alexandria VA Medical Center 2495 Shreveport Highway Pineville, LA 71360 US
• Name: Teri Bankhead
• Phone: 2057719942
• Email: [email protected]