Sterile Processing Tech (FT)

JOB SUMMARY

 The position is responsible for cleaning, packaging, sterilizing and stores the supplies, instruments and equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred Certified  Sterile Processing Technician
• Must be certified within 6 months of hire with CRCST.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards and may encounter radiation hazards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Communication:

•  Builds collaborative relationships with staff, peers, and physicians.
• Communicates with clarity, integrity, and purpose.
• Works effectively as part of the team.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops.
• Interacts with and contributes to the development of peers by sharing skills, Acknowledge, experience, respect, and encouraging the contributions of others.

Safety:

• Identifies and reports hazards promptly to appropriate authority and follows up.
• Takes responsibility to correct minor hazards promptly and efficiently.
• Follows all safety precautions, including universal precautions, asepsis and infection control procedures and completes educational requirement as required.
• Reports workplace injuries promptly and follows guidelines provided by the treating physician and/or Employee Health.
• Reports “Near Misses” or accidents promptly.
• Follows all regulatory agency guidelines such as DNV and Texas Department of Health.

Mission, Vision, and Standards:

• Be accountable and responsible for my actions.
• Maintain a positive attitude and conduct myself in a way that best represents HPH Communicate clearly and courteously.
• Be customer focused and provide service with a smile
• Be engaged in my role by taking ownership in the hospital’s success.
• Take pride in my appearance, our hospital, and its property.
•  Follow Surgical attire policy.
• Protect the confidential information of our patients and my coworkers.
• Promote safe and secure environment in which to work and to heal.
• Commit to providing the highest level of service and care for our patients.
• Works to ensure on time starts are met, by having instruments ready for case prior to case starts.

Skills:

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Completes work assignments within an acceptable time frame.
• Uses time and resources to the best possible advantage for successful completion of job responsibilities.
• Strictly adheres to hospital policies regarding hand hygiene, universal precautions, and personal protective equipment.
• Understands the protocol for responding to emergency situations and the importance of remaining calm in this situation.
• Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team to facilitate the department’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Coordinates with OR change nurse in transport of instruments clean and dirty.
• Adheres to the sterilization process policies and procedures.
• Cleans each item according to manufacturers’ instruction.
• Inspects instruments under magnifying glass for damage and defects; lubricates items as required.
• Determines that each item is in good working condition.
• Does not reprocess any single use items.
• Sorts and arranges items into proper trays according to established policy and procedure.
• Wraps trays and individual items according to established policy and manufactures recommendations.
• Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date.
• Correctly operates sterilizers, ultrasonic washer and other equipment for processing items.
• Positions items correctly in sterilizer and selects proper cycle; seeks assistance when needed.
• Checks indicators for proper functioning.
• Performs required biological monitoring tests on all sterilizers according to established policy and procedures.
• Maintains availability of supplies for continuity or recording throughout sterilization process.
• Cleans sterilizers according to established polices and manufactures recommendation.
• Maintains inventory levels and accurate records.
• Performs inspections of sterile items in the facility.
• Checks for outdated items and package integrity of wrapped sterilized items; replaces items as necessary.
• Places items in correct location.
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies for the sterile processing area.
• Maintains and updates the instrument tray inventory list.