Service technician

Job Summary

The Central Service Technician performs a wide array of duties to provide sterile instrumentation and trays to the Department of Surgery and other Hospital departments.

The Technician works under the direction of the Senior Technician for Central Services or Operating Room Management.

Essential Job Functions

• Decontaminates and inspects surgical instruments
• Wears Protective Attire (PPE)- Standard Precautions
• Transports Equipment and Supplies as needed between departments
• Maintains equipment as per manufactures instructions ( eq. Checks detergent level per shift)
• Visually inspects instruments and trays to determine if pre-soaking is indicated
• Uses tongs or forceps to remove instruments from basins
• Inserts proper sized brush to clean channels of cannulated instrumentation
• Chooses proper decontamination equipment per manufactures or OneSouce Documents instructions
• Arranges instruments, trays, and basins to facilitate proper cleaning
• Selects proper cycle per manufactures or OneSouce Documents instructions
• Cleans and decontaminates reusable patient equipment
• Cleans all surfaces with approved solution
• Inspects electrical cords for fraying or other safety hazards
• Ensures component parts are returned with equipment
• Removes any damaged equipment requiring safety checks for use
• Reassembles equipment and places in proper storage area
• Assembles instrument trays
• Visually examines instruments for remaining debris
• Visually examines instruments for functionality
• Arranges instruments to allow sterilant penetration
• Ensures instrument tray in complete
• Order instruments as needed
• Tape instruments
• Wraps instrument tray or places instruments in proper sterilization container
• Uses proper size and type of sterilization wrap
• Inserts chemical indicator / integrator in tray
• Performs proper wrapping and taping technique
• Records pertinent information on autoclavable tape / form
• Places paper filter properly in sterilization container
• Affixes load sticker to wrapped tray or container
• Prepares all rerun instruments for day
• Operates sterilizers per department procedure
• Loads sterilizer rack in manner to allow sterilant penetration and moisture removal
• Records load contents on sterilizer card / form
• Places biological indicator in required sterilizer loads
• Selects proper cycle per manufactures or OneSouce Documents instructions
• Examines sterilizer printout to ensure mechanical parameters of sterilization are met
• Signs full name to sterilizer printout
• Allows adequate time for proper cooling of sterilizer contents prior to removal from chamber
• Unloads sterilizer contents and places in proper storage area
• Performs biological monitoring and recordkeeping of sterilization cycles (steam, eto, sterrad)
• Interprets and logs biological results in a timely manner
• If applicable, records information on Implantable Load Form and returns form to Department of Surgery
• Organizes all paperwork daily for end of month or other regulatory reporting
• Manually cleans case carts after use
• Places cart on hydraulic lift (where applicable by location)
• Cleans interior and exterior sections of cart with approved solution
• Transports clean carts and instruments as needed between departments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialty Functions

• Maintains re-usable linen inventory in departments.
• Assures adequate stock is maintained
• Places increase / decrease orders to linen room staff.
• Puts line away
• Stocks warmer
• Conducts soiled pick-up rounds throughout the hospital as appropriate.
• Retrieves soiled / used equipment and instruments per established schedule Minimum 3 times daily
• Conducts Steris System IE biological testing for SPD on a daily basis
• Tests unit in SPD
• Prepares loan / consign instruments.
• Receives / documents items.
• Inspects / decontaminated instruments.
• Assembles appropriate instrumentation.
• Sterilizes / delivers to OR for use.
• Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R.
• Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized.
• Retrieves soiled carts / instruments following the procedures from both the OR and Labor and Delivery
• Uses proper etiquette when answering phones
• Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts as set forth in policy
• Cases
• Pick cases including add ons
• Fill all needs on carts
• Organize case supplies and equipment for use by the OR Circulator and Technician
• Scopes
• Reprocess and store all assigned scopes as per manufactures instructions
• These will include but may not be limited to gastroscopes, colonoscopies, bronchoscopes & other flexible or ridge scopes used within the Hospital.
• Transportation
• Transport patients
• Obtain blood as needed
• Transportation of needed items across the hospital
• These will include but may not be limited to specimens to main lab, frozen section lab, radiology, medications from pharmacy or other case sensitive items as needed.
• Follow chain of care for communication of issues

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or next level of higher education.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and / or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1)- three (3) years of Central Service experience.
• CRCST and / or a Surgical Technician background.

License, Certification & Clearances

• As of September 1, 2017, any new or transferred employee must currently hold or obtain within 18 months of employment one of the following certifications : Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or International Association for HealthCare Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM).
• Act 81 Compliance.
• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements.

Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP / EEO

Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class.

Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Not met

N / A

Explanatory Statement

House Bill 81 of 2019 The Central Service Technician and Surgical Technologist Regulation Act

Enacted 10 / 29 / 2020 Effective 12 / 29 / 2020 (See attached HB for definitions for Central service technician

and Surgical technologist)

Section 301 : Certification

Central Service Technician (CST) hired after 12 / 29 / 2020 must :

Pass a nationally accredited central service exam for CST AND maintain one of the following :

Certified registered central service technician credential

Certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential

Exemption : Law does not apply to an individual who has been employed or otherwise contracted for services as a central service technician by a health care facility on or before December 29, 2020.

Exemption Requirement : the facility shall maintain documentation of the CST’s date of employment or the contract period when the central service technician provided services to the facility to verify that the CST meets the exemption requirements.

Section 302 : Employment and continuing education

a) New employees - CST has 18 months from date of hire to pass a nationally accredited central service exam for CST and obtain one of the two credentials noted above.

b) Continuing education - Annually complete 10 hours of continuing education. (NOTE : The continuing education required under this subsection shall be in areas related to the functions of a central service technician.)

c) Facility responsibility - Facility must maintain documentation the CST meets the certification requirements

Section 501 :

Surgical Technologist (ST) must meet at least one of the following : -

Successful completion of a Surgical Technologist program sponsored by an entity holding nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and hold and maintains a ST certification from an accredited certification program. 501(1)(i) *

• Successful completion of appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force.
• Provides evidence of an ST certification from an accredited certification program.
• Was employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before December 29, 2020.
• Was employed to practice surgical technology as the individual's primary function in another health care facility at any time during the two years immediately preceding December 29, 2020.

Section 502 : Continuing education :

a) An ST employed or contracted with the facility and not certified under section 501(1)(i) or has let the individual's certification lapse shall :

1) with the continuing education requirements specified by the credentialing organization as necessary to keep the certification current and (2) provide proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements to the facility.

b) Additional Requirement - An ST employed or contracted with the facility and not certified under section 501(1)(i) or has let the individual's certification lapse shall :

1) complete 30 hours of relevant continuing education every two years in order to remain eligible to practice surgical technology;

and (2) be responsible for proving, to the satisfaction of the health care facility, that the individual complies with this subsection.

c) Verification A facility that employs or contracts with an ST shall verify the ST meets the continuing education requirements.

Section 503. Exception. A facility may employ or contract an ST who does not meet the requirements of section 501 to practice surgical technology if :

1) after a diligent and thorough effort has been made, the facility is unable to employ or contract with a sufficient number of qualified STs who meet the requirements of section 501;

and (2) the health care facility makes a written record of its efforts under (1) and retains the record at the facility.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic : goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and / or transfer device is required.

Essential Absolute Necessity.

Marginal Minimal Necessity.

Constantly 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps / shift.

Frequently 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps / shift.

Occasionally 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps / shift.

Rarely Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps / shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

Extreme Cold

Heights

Confined Spaces

Extreme Noise(>

85dB)

Mechanical Hazards

Use of Vibrating Tools

Operates Vehicle (company)

Operates Heavy Equipment

Use of Lifting / Transfer Devices

Rotates All Shifts

8 Hours Shifts

10-12 Hours Shifts

On-Call

Overtime( 8 / hrs / shift; 40 / hrs / wk)

Travel Between Sites

Direct Patient Care

Respirator Protective Equipment

Eye Protection

Head Protection (hard hat)

Hearing Protection

Hand Protection

Feet, Toe Protection

Body Protection

Latex Exposure

Solvent Exposure

Paint (direct use) Exposure

Dust (sanding) Exposure

Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

Blood / Body Fluid Exposure

Chemicals (direct use) Exposure

Mist Exposure

Wax Stripper (direct use)

Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Laser Exposure

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and / or transfer device is required.

Essential Absolute Necessity.

Marginal Minimal Necessity.

Constantly 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps / shift.

Frequently 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps / shift.

Occasionally 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps / shift.

Rarely Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps / shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Bending (Stooping)

Sitting

Walking

Climbing Stairs

Climbing Ladders

Standing

Kneeling

Squatting (Crouching)

Twisting / Turning

Keyboard / Computer Operation

Gross Grasp

Fine Finger Manipulation

Hand / Arm Coordination

Pushing / Pulling(lbs. of force)

Carry

Transfer / Push / Pull Patients

Seeing Near w / Acuity

Feeling (Sensation)

Color Vision

Hearing Clearly

Pulling / Pushing Objects Overhead

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

Reaching Forward

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and / or transfer device is required.

Last updated : 2024-11-22