A-Team Solutions LLC is seeking certified sterile processing technicians for full time positions for the VA hospital in Bronx, NY. The initial contract period is for 6 months to start with the option to extend.

The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the contractor as required, on call 7 days per week, 24 hours per day. Sterile Processing Technicians will be scheduled to work 8-hour shifts for up to 40 hours Monday through Friday each week, or on weekends as needed.

Contract technicians will be scheduled to work on an as needed basis. The VAMC may call up to four (4) technicians per day. The shift that will be scheduled to work is based on the needs of the department.

Shifts are 7a-3:30p and 3p-11:30p

Duties and Responsibilities:

a. Operate all decontamination equipment in special area receiving "soiled" and contaminated material. Identify, decontaminate, and systematically segregate reusable items for preparation, reprocessing and redistribution. Identify and receive contaminated surgical instruments, trays, endoscopes, powered drills and saws, from all areas in the medical center while prioritizing among instruments required for surgical procedures in the OR.

b. Select proper methods, based on manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU), for cleaning and disinfecting all RMEs. These include using a variety of brushes, applicators, pipe cleaners, cavitation in an ultrasonic washer, scrubbing in a detergent solution, and/or processing in a washer-disinfector, scope washer, or other such decontaminating unit.

c. Disassemble and inspect items for damage or missing components and ensure removal of bioburden for cleanliness; operate equipment and instruments to ensure proper functioning prior to sterilization or redistribution.

d. For flexible endoscopes, perform leak tests; initiate cleaning according to manufacturer's instructions.

e. Responsible for the inspection, disassembly, cleaning, and routine maintenance of sophisticated surgical devices such as bronchoscopes, sigmoidoscopes, cystoscopes, laparoscopic cameras, drills, saws, reamers and a wide variety of lumen devices.

f. Is aware of and adheres to the IAHCSMM and ANSI/AAMI ST79 standards, AORN standards, Infection Control and CDC guidelines. Follows the VHA Directive 1116 once SPS VANYHHS education training completed. Must be aware of proper work, air and people flow.

g. Personnel engaged in the collection or removal of soiled/contaminated supplies and equipment, as well as those individuals working in the decontamination area will wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is defined as, head/hair covers, face shields, face masks, impervious gown, long cuffed rubber/vinyl gloves and impervious shoe covers.

h. Read, understand and follow all manufacturers' instructions on cleaning RME.

i. Use department Hight Risk Protocols (HRPs) or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manufacturer's guidelines.

j. Read and understand Material Safety Data Sheets.

k. Perform and document quality assurance checks.

Preparation and Assembly Area:

a. Receive from decontamination area all RME requiring assembly into packs, instrument sets, and a wide variety of other components for surgery and other treatment areas. The contract employee assembles instruments, complex instrument sets, and other surgical items and trays and arranges them in the correct manner to ensure appropriate sterilization. Assembles complex instrument sets containing as many as two hundred varied instruments which must be inspected for damage such as pitting, rust, cracks, bends, sharpness, proper locking ability, jaw alignment, residual blood and tissue, etc.

b. Has the ability to process even the most complicated procedural sets containing unusual and minutely varied instrumentation such as the Vascular tray, Casper, Orthopedic Specialty, Cataract, Lap Cholecystectomy and other such sets containing very specific and complex instrumentation.

c. Aware of aseptic technique and proper wrapping methods to allow the user to open the product in an aseptic manner. Produces a compact, logically arranged package which is within the proper weight limits appropriate for assured sterilization. Inspects and selects the appropriate wrapping materials and sterilization packaging. Uses external and internal chemical indicators, labels all packages correctly with a felt tip marker, initials all products as is required by VHA Directive 1116.

d. Inspect instruments for proper functioning, scissors for sharpness, box locks for tightness, towel clamps and hemostats for proper functioning jaws, rough edges on ring handles, jaws, ratchets, and shanks (burrs or nicks). Inspect for cleanliness and corrosion. After appropriate investigation, notifies supervisor of missing or damaged instruments.

e. Must wear appropriate PPE, e.g., scrubs, bouffant cap and warm-up jacket, at all times. Washes hands frequently and enforces proper work, people, and airflow.

f. Properly and safely load, operate and troubleshoot a variety of sterilizers including but not limited to: steam, hydrogen peroxide plasma (VPro, STERRAD) and ethylene oxide (EtO). Additionally, perform all quality assurance testing and documentation required for each sterilizer.

High Level Disinfection Area (HLD):

a. Wear proper protective apparel and equipment at all times.

b. Properly transport all items for HLD process before and after processing.

c. Inspect items for HLD process, and process following all Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFUs)for reprocessing.

d. Perform all functions of the HLD process including documentation and quality assurance procedures.

e. Properly and safely load and operate the automated endoscope reprocessors and other HLD equipment (e.g., TD 100, Trophon) as needed.

4. Sterilization:

a. Efficiently schedule operation of sterilizers to permit cooling or aeration of sterilized items prior to use by clinics or the operating room. Select the correct sterilizing method (steam, ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide) according to the materials being processed. Prepare test packs and run biological indicators in accordance with the VHA Directive 1116 and manufacturer's instruction for use.

b. Label all sterilized items with the sterilization date, machine number and load number. Inspect chemical indicators on each package for a positive indication of exposure to the sterilant. Inspect all products for package integrity and residual moisture.

c. Review and sign all sterilizer print-out to verify the proper sterilization time, temperature, pressure, humidity and sterilant exposure. Record all items sterilized; maintains records, for three years, on all sterilizer loads; maintains additional records on all implants sterilized. Quarantine all implants for three (3) hours before release in accordance with the VHA Directive 1116. Store RME without compromising the sterility of the package.

d. Assemble and load clinic and operating room supplies on shelves or carts according to schedules. Fill special emergency requests for sterile RME. Monitor performance of sterilizers and aerators with prescribed tests. Notify supervisor of sterilizer malfunctions and low sterilant supplies.

e. Record biological spore results, and, in the event of a positive culture, initiate the recall of RME while also notifying the appropriate individuals in the medical center according to policy.

Case Cart Area:

a. Follow facility protocol on OR case cart process and sterile storage area regulations.

b. Responsible for setting up OR Case Carts with instruments/trays required for surgical cases scheduled in the Operating Room on a daily basis in accordance with the OR Schedule and Procedure List

c. Maintain appropriate sets in sterile/clean area.

d. Rotate stock as needed.

Equipment:

a. Use, clean, and maintain a wide variety of equipment. Clean loading carts, delivery carts, specialty carts, work areas, storage shelves, using chemical solutions and detergents, according to written procedure, or as needed, to prevent cross-contamination.

b. Receive periodic training in such areas as the use and functioning of medical supplies, instruments, and equipment. Train in new and improved sterilization practices and developments in the microbiology, bacteriology and therapeutic practices as they affect the sterile supply operation.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, FSA

Requirements:

* Contractor Personnel shall have a minimum of three (3) years recent Sterile Processing technician experience

* Possess a high school education or equivalency and have three (3) years of experience demonstrating the ability to perform sterile processing techniques and services in an acute care facility with general surgery, orthopedic, cardio-thoracic, vascular, neuro/spine, eye, ENT, laparoscopic and robotic surgical services, as well as services using flexible endoscopes.

* Contractor Personnel shall possess a valid IAHCSMM certification or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Level II certification - Veterans Affairs Certification, preferred.

* Contractor Personnel shall have knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques, including characteristics of various types of detergents, cleaning techniques, sterilizing mediums; and tests to determine effectiveness of sterilization.

* Contractor Personnel shall have knowledge of the use, operation, maintenance, assembly, and disassembly of complex surgical instruments, and reusable medical equipment and the specific cleaning, sterilizing and storage requirements of each in order to ensure RME is sterilized and stored according to manufacturer's specifications.

* Contractor Personnel shall have the ability to interpret written material, technical material, regulations, instructions and reports.

* Contractor Personnel shall have the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

* Must have BLS certification through American Heart Association.

Must be authorized to work in U.S.

For more information about the position, please contact Juliette Valladares at 312-800-3104 or jvalladares@a-teamsolutions.com

For more information about A-Team Solutions LLC, visit .

A-Team Solutions LLC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.