Sterile Processing Technician

Overview

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Sterile Processing Department (SPD), the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for ensuring that all instruments and equipment are properly decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, distributed, and tracked in a quality/timely manner throughout the institute. Under direct/indirect supervision, follows approved infection control, quality assurance and departmental policies and procedures to perform a variety of duties related to the care and reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and accessories. This position is also responsible for product ordering, receipt, storage, and delivery of linens throughout the Institute as required.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Performs clinic rounds to collect used/contaminated instruments and equipment for decontamination and processing.
• Operates decontamination equipment according to established policies and procedures and manufacturer guidelines. Decontaminates and cleans instruments and equipment adhering to hospital policies for universal precautions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of high-level disinfection of various equipment (maintains daily log, testing efficacy of disinfecting solution with each cycle, performs biological tests, test strips quality control checks, and completes log, as per department policies and procedures).
• Inspects instruments and equipment to ensure proper functioning and notifies supervisor of unserviceable items.
• Assembles and wraps trays for sterilization following established procedures for completeness, labeling, and documentation.
• Utilizes instrument tracking system to document each step in the packaging and sterilization process. Enters computerized data on a keyboard or touchscreen to properly assemble and label procedure kits.
• Uses computer keyboard or touchscreen to print out accurate labels for procedure kits; places labels or other printed-out notices on kits using approved department procedures.
• Loads and operates sterilizers according to established policies and procedures, documents the contents and processing information according to departmental policy. Consistent log-in/log-out of systems, including but not limited to Sterile Processing Microsystems (SPM). Utilizes automated instrument tracking system as necessary.
• Performs monitoring of all sterilization processes that affect the achievement of sterility to include mechanical, chemical, and biological as well as procedures for lot control and traceability according to Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standards.
• Performs assigned cleaning duties as scheduled to ensure a clean and orderly environment.
• Maintains supply levels of sterile stock utilized in the sterile storage/emergency cart assembly area.
• Assists supervisor in controlling the inventory, reordering supplies, and checking expiration dates.
• Assists with instrumentation inventory management (repairs, replacements, and back up instrumentation).
• Delivers linens to assigned storage locations as required.
• Performs lab coat fittings and submits lab coat orders to uniform supplier as required.
• Provides department operational support between campuses (Chestnut Hill or Longwood) as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of Sterile Processing experienced required.
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification through Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD) required.
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) certification through HSPA or Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) certification through CBSPD preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Good verbal and written communication skills (in English) being concise by phone and in person.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and the ability to receive and give back constructive feedback.
• Organizational and numerical ability to receive, count and store materials.
• Ability to operate a personal computer to access and input information.
• Ability to operate automatic washers and sterilization equipment according to the original equipment manufacturers.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEOC Poster