TECHNICIAN - CENTRAL SUPPLY

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Central Sterile Processing (CSP) Technician/Central Service Aide/Scope Technician is directly responsible to the Director of Surgical Services for processing and delivering patient care equipment and supplies to patient care areas as well as the disassembling, cleaning, assembling, sterilizing and storing of instrumentation, trays, equipment and supplies according to prescribed procedures and aseptic technique.  The Central Sterile Processing Technician/Aide is also responsible for operation and testing of operation of sterilizers.

JOB DUTIES:

1. Decontaminates, processes and sterilizes instruments, flexible scopes, equipment, utensils, linen and supplies using various types of ultrasonic, washing and sterilization devices such as using the Inspektor borescope on all lumens and laparoscopic insulation tester on all laparoscopic instruments with insulated sheaths. Performs protein testing on flexible scopes.
2. Loads ultrasonic, washer and sterilization devices in the prescribed manner and set controls to specified time and temperature according to material and requirements of items being sterilized.
3. Completes required documentation records prior to sterilization; reads and initials in appropriate areas to verify appropriate washer or sterilization cycle and completes required records for HFAP or other regulatory agency.
4. Assembles all instrument procedure trays, packs and kits according to the prescribed manner using content lists and policies as a guide.
5. Wraps, packages, and handles all sterilized equipment.
6. Marks items with identifying data and distributes or stores in designated area.
7. Notifies Surgical Services Business Coordinator when unable to replace parts or with equipment deficiencies in the work area.
8. Inspects instruments for proper functioning and completeness reporting any malfunctioning or loss to the Surgical Services Business Coordinator.
9. Demonstrates knowledge and clinical awareness of steam, Cidex OPA, and Sterrad sterilization processes.
10. Ensures proper functioning and cleanliness of all sterilization and decontamination devices as well as instrument washers and ultrasonic machines.
11. Performs biological testing and monitoring on all sterilizers and completes appropriate documentation.
12. Disassembles and cleans equipment such as suction machines, IV/PCA pumps, portable commodes, heating/cooling pumps, SCD and K-pad units, walkers, etc. using approved disinfectants, detergents, soaps and cleaners. Reassembles equipment after cleaning and operate to test for proper functioning, when appropriate; replaces lost or damaged parts such as tubes, containers and connectors from stock on hand; completes required documentation and charges and transfer inoperable equipment to the appropriate holding area for repair.
13. Receives requests for equipment and supplies; assigns priority to emergency requests and issues required supplies and equipment based on knowledge of procedure intended; assembles and wraps material, instruments and supplies according to established aseptic technique.
14. Decontaminates and restocks supply carts in preparation for reissue.
15. Complete supply charges and ensure appropriate documentation.
16. Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and organized condition, consistent with required standards for handling sterilized and clean materials and to maintain a safe work environment.
17. Demonstrates complete knowledge of Infection Prevention and universal precautions, actively supports and promotes strict adherence to policies as outlined in the department manuals.
18. Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of event related procedure as well as requirements for storage and rotation of equipment, instruments and supplies.
19. Assists with monitoring, maintaining and ordering of established stock inventory within the department.
20. Assist in orientation of new colleagues and/or students as requested.
21. Complies with required dress code.
22. Attends departmental meetings and in-service education.
23. Performs cleaning of supply carts and cupboards, utilizing established schedule.
24. Performs other related duties as required.
25. Responsible for checking emails and online learning assignments (Relias) on a regular basis.
26. Other duties as assigned by Coordinator or Director within legal limits.

HEALTH CARING STANDARDS / VALUES:

1.           Greet customers, visitors, and Colleagues immediately with a smile, warm greeting, and introduction, calling them by name if possible.

2.           Exceed the expected and anticipate the unexpected by asking, “Is there anything else I or a fellow Colleague can do for you?”

3.           Always provide a comforting, timely, caring departure or discharge, and always say thanks for allowing us to serve.

4.           Integrity, openness and fairness in all you do

5.           Teamwork

6.           Individual creativity and Innovation

7.           Pride in Department

8.           Compassion and caring

9.           Maintain department and hospital standards and policies

AGE APPROPRIATE CARE:

Colleague has been instructed in providing customer service and on interacting with age groups as related to the department’s general client population: including use of appropriate interventions, communication and skills to match the age and/or abilities of the patient/family.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT USED:

Equipment and supplies used include but are not limited to all types of sterilizers, washer decontaminators, sonic washer, instrument insulation testing device, biological incubators, labelers, carts, medical and surgical instruments, linens and packaging supplies. Reference materials include the departmental policies and procedure manual, the Hospital policies and procedures, manufacture’s manuals, instrument inventory lists and work guides.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

        Central Service Aide (Has not yet achieved Central Service Certification):

• Graduate of High School or equivalent.
• One year of experience in health care facility preferred.
• Must be able to read, write legibly and understand instructions and names of technical instruments and supplies.
• Must receive certification within 24 months of hire.

       Central Sterile Processing Technician (Has achieved Central Service Certification-must maintain  

       current certification throughout tenure in CSP Department):

• Graduate of High School or equivalent.

• One year of experience in health care facility preferred.
• Must be able to read, write legibly and understand instructions and names of technical instruments and supplies.
• Prior Central Sterile Processing work experience preferred.
• Must have thorough knowledge of aseptic technique and procedures, sterilization techniques and procedures, Infection Prevention and workflow principles and requirements, equipment and supply processing; demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment to provide necessary supplies and equipment for patient care.

Central Sterile Processing Scope Technician (Has achieved Central Service Certification-must

maintain current certification throughout tenure in CSP Department):

• Graduate of High School or equivalent.

• One year of experience in health care facility preferred.
• Must achieve scope technician certification within 1 years from CSP certification achievement. .
  • CFER-Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor Certification (CBSPD) or
  • CER-Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Certification (IAHCSMM).
• Must be able to read, write legibly and understand instructions and names of technical instruments and supplies.
• Prior Central Sterile Processing work experience preferred.
• Must have thorough knowledge of aseptic technique and procedures, sterilization techniques and procedures, Infection Prevention and workflow principles and requirements, equipment and supply processing; demonstrates and exercises responsible judgment to provide necessary supplies and equipment for patient care.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Must be able to adapt to flexible work schedules, frequent interruptions and be on-call as required.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Must be able to work cohesively with fellow CSP Colleagues and demonstrate teamwork qualities at all times.
• Must be able to consistently complete job duties efficiently.
• Must be computer literate to complete task(s) as required. Such as Hospital Support Software, Halogen (performance appraisal system) Relias (education system), ability to retrieve emails, complete online enrollment for health insurance/benefits and any other programs as assigned.

PHYSICIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have finger dexterity, good eye-hand coordination.
• Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, reach and bend throughout the 7.5 hr. workday.

Must be able to lift over 50 lbs., intermittently, unassisted.

• Must be able to push carts to and from CSP to hospitals nursing units and departments.
• Must have appropriate speaking or hearing ability.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• May be exposed to communicable disease and potentially dangerous fumes and injury from sharp instruments.
• Must follow standard precautions and wear protective attire where applicable per polices.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Director of Surgical Services

This description is intended to describe the essential job duties and the essential requirements for the performance of this job.