STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN FT [0311]

Sterile Processing Technician

A-Team Solutions is seeking two (2) Sterile Processing Technicians for contract positions at the VA hospital in Pittsburgh. Coverage Evening Shift; M-F, with rotating weekends and holidays. The position will begin upon credentialing. No overtime or on-call is required.

This is a full performance level MST position. Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in decontamination area and may receive noncritical equipment in the decontamination area as well. Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents as determined by manufacturers instructions; Inspects, prepares, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, and high-level disinfecting re-processors; may prepare operating room case carts daily utilizing surgery schedule. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing and scrubbing. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization, assembles basic sets and trays used throughout the medical center including those used in the operating room. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME). 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. May be required to prepare operating room case carts. Performs and documents daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment. MSTs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and SPS management.

Requirements/Duties:

o Responsible for decontamination, preparation, equipment storage, and issue of instrument trays, equipment and supplies used by all service lines within the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

o Disassembles, separates and inspects all instrument and equipment for damage. He/she removes all contaminants (i.e. blood, tissue, tape, fluids, etc.) by soaking, rinsing, wiping, scrubbing and flushing manually or using a variety of decontamination equipment (i.e. ultrasonic washer, washer/decontaminator and cart washer).

o Inspects and assembles surgical and specialty treatment trays along with sets used on the Med-Surg units, GU Clinic, ICU units, ENT Clinic, Podiatry, X-Ray, Dental, etc.

o Arranges the instruments in the trays to protect the delicate and sharp tips, assures that the instruments are unclamped and places instruments in the tray according to likeness as noted on reference cards and count sheets.

o Make daily trips to the Operating Room suite and must be knowledgeable of dress codes, traffic control, and aseptic techniques performed in this restricted area.

o Facilitate the daily progress of the Operating Room schedule by delivering hands-on service to a specific Operating Room if needed and directed by the Operating Room personnel.

o Clean, examine, select and otherwise prepare and sterilize Operating Room and specialty clinic supplies along with instrumentation. This includes, but is not limited to, total joint instrumentation, micro-surgical trays, cataract sets, robotics, laparoscopic, transplant and dental trays. This expertise covers all necessary equipment and instrumentation to service twelve surgical specialties and the additional department needs at VAPHS.

The Contractor shall be able to perform fully within a competent Certified Central Sterile Processing Technician's scope of practice. To also include, safe handling, storage and distribution of clean/sterile, equipment and instrumentation.

Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of event related packaging in regard to sterility.

Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.

Knowledge of surgical instrumentation used in operating rooms and clinical settings.

Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.

Knowledge of sterility principles in regard to instrumentation.

Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

Must have Sterile Tech certification through IAHCSMM or CBSPD

Must have BLS through the AHA

Must have instruction from a formal Sterile Processing course with a minimum of 1 year experience, preferred 2 years' experience.

Must be able to function in the following areas independently or with little supervision: a. Decontamination b. Prep and Assembly c. Sterilization d. Preferred, knowledgeable in High Level disinfecting (HLD) of endoscopy.

A-Team Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.