Medical Device Reprocessing Technician 2

Position Overview

• Reprocesses more complex specialized surgical instruments in preparation for sterilization including: disassembling, manual washing, ultrasonic washing, quality assurance checks such as functionality and cleanliness, and reassembly of complex equipment such as the computerized stereotactic neurological instruments.
• Reassembles the more complex surgical sets with the various instrumentation (e.g. spinal instrumentation). The more complex instrumentation often has specialized handling instructions and often the cost of the equipment prohibits having more than one in the facility.
• Maintains an awareness of the subtle complexities of the instruments from all of the specialties.
• Reads and interprets the slate in order to anticipate surgical requirements for surgical cases on current and future shifts.
• Utilizes a generated pick list to complete instrumentation and consumables required for Case cart.
• Maintains an understanding of the dynamics of sterilization and an ability to operate any sterilization system in use within the department including preparing the device for a particular sterilization technique, operating the sterilizer, and processing monitoring readings, error codes and quality assurance for load releases.
• Maintains an understanding of and adheres to Quality Assurance Policies and Procedures.
• Handles and transports sterile supplies.
• Applies inverting rotation and sterility maintenance principles.
• Interacts in person and/or on the telephone with operating room personnel to ensure supply issues are met.
• Transports soiled surgical instruments and equipment, while ensuring infection control principles are followed.
• Critical problem-solving and decision-making is required including:  prioritization of which instrument to process to meet surgical requirement; customer service complaints; dialoging with surgical staff regarding missing instruments; and determining that equipment is functional prior to preparing for sterilization.
• Acts as a liaison with nursing staff when preparing for emergency trauma cases.

Experience

• Previous Medical Device Reprocessing Technician I experience required.
• Previous case cart picking preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Complete Grade 12 education, Manitoba standards, required.
• Successful completion of a recognized Sterile Processing Technician program required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Preference will be given to those applicants competent in an Indigenous language and/or knowledge in Indigenous customs, traditions and values.
• Must understand and apply safety principles to self, staff and patients, and demonstrate good customer service.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Must have a good knowledge of surgical instrumentation, consumable supplies and sterilization techniques.
• Must be fluent in written and verbal English, and possess good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be versatile and rotate through and assist with all the assignments.
• Must be capable of working under pressure and performing a wide range of duties that may require independent action.
• Must be able to apply knowledge through experience to organize duties systematically.
• Must be cooperative, alert, accept directions, and be able to function as a team member.

Physical Requirements

• Work involves frequent exposure to infectious body and blood borne organisms when working with soiled equipment and toxic effects when working with ETO sterilizers and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) products.
• Position involves meticulous attention to detail with regards to technical and mechanical ability.
• Must maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
• Pushing and pulling sterilizer carts and supply carts as required.
• Bending and stooping.
• Loading and unloading of carts.
• Lifting and positioning of articles in excess of 30 pounds (i.e. OR instrument pans, etc.).
• Repetitive hand arm and shoulder motions and long periods of standing.
• Potential for burns from working with steam sterilizers and hot carts.