SHSMD Career Center

Provides decontamination, preparation, and sterilization of reusable medical equipment in addition to distribution support for the medical center. The term "reusable medical equipment" (RMD) as used here refers to reusable items for patient care including instrumentation (scissors, forceps, retractors, etc.), surgical trays, endoscopes and various items that could be processed or assembled through the Preparation and Decontamination areas of the Sterile Processing Service. BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) Experience and/or Education. (1) Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or (2) Education. 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification. None. 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). Physical Requirements. This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation) and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The Lead MST 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 and equipment handling. 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. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. 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. English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Grade Determinations.GS-07 (Advanced Level) (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-6 level which includes: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Detailed knowledge of complex surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings. 2. Ability to assemble specialty operating room and clinic instrument sets. 3. In-depth knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in order to convey information and thoughts to others. References: VA Handbook 5005/76 Part II Appendix G47 ["The Advanced MST assembles highly complex instrument sets including, but not limited to: open heart, major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, craniotomy and complex endoscopic instrumentation. Processes all complex endoscopic instrumentation to include those medical devices used in the gastroenterology laboratory, bronchoscopy laboratory, urology and operating room.- Uses expertise and technical competence to decontaminate, prepare, and sterilize or high level disinfect highly complex surgical equipment including, but not limited to major orthopedic total joint, cardiovascular, neurologic, Da Vinci robotic systems, and complex endoscopic instrumentation. - Troubleshoots all reprocessing equipment using manufacturers guidance to resolve equipment malfunction. If unable to resolve will initiate service call through Biomedical department or the manufacturer of the equipment.- Assists Department leadership in process improvement to include Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and accompanying Competencies. - Assists Trainer in training/mentoring lower level MST's to increase their abilities and competency levels.- Will aid in decontaminating, preparing, sterilizing and delivering lessor complicated instrumentation whenever the need arises or directed by Departmental Leadership. - Will be proficient in the use of the Censi-Trac system, keeping up to date records within the system, to include setlists, biological, sterilization, and workflow records. Work Schedule: Overnight Shifts, 10:00pm-0630am, weekends rotated approximately every 8 weeks. Functional Statement #: 000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized References: Please provide \"References\" with application. At a minimum two current or former supervisors or from individuals who were in a position of a professional nature. Indicated if the Hiring Manager may contact."]

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