Sterile Processing Technician

Under the supervision of the Sterile Processing Supervisor and Director of Surgical Services, is responsible for disassembly, decontamination, sterilization, and assembly of surgical equipment.

Clinical Competency:

Receives, disassembles, and decontaminates instruments and equipment used in surgery and patient care area per manufacturer requirement

Chooses appropriate method of decontamination, prepares equipment, instruments, and supplies for sterilization according to manufacturer requirement

Assembles instrument sets per printed set lists

Wrap, label and place chemical indicators

Continuously assess the integrity of sterile packaging

Collaborate with surgical services leadership to ensure proper sets available for all scheduled surgical procedures

Operates decontamination equipment adhering to strict quality control standards and manufacturers requirements

Performs, interprets and documents biological indicator results on all loads. Notifies supervisor when indicators are out of range

Utilizes appropriate recording charts for all sterilization cycles

Solutions are mixed, labeled, monitored and exchanged according to manufacturer requirements

Performs preventive maintenance on hospital-wide patient care equipment according to manufacturer's instructions

Promptly notifies appropriate personnel for repair or replacement

Distributes equipment, instruments, and supplies processed by Central Sterile, following identified schedule

Cross trains to other duties as needed to promote flexibility, sustainability and teamwork within the Critical Access Hospital setting

Professionalism:

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; and/or participating in professional societies

Demonstrates the accountability as a health care professional by recognizing each practitioner is individually responsible for his/her actions

Quality:

Adheres to Sterile Processing professional guidelines. Follows instructions for use for equipment and instruments (IFU's)

Adheres to Infection Prevention standards, consistent in hand hygiene best practices. Holds team members to IP and hand hygiene standards

Actively participates in departmental continuous survey readiness activities, departmental collateral duties, quality reviews and performance improvement projects

Patient Advocacy:

Protects the patient's rights, dignity, and privacy

Resolves patient problems and needs by utilizing multidisciplinary team strategies

Take proactive steps to recognize and report suspected abuse/neglect including child, elder, sexual abuse, spousal abuse, and reports to supervisor and/or appropriate authorities

Organizational Expectations:

Attendance: Attendance is an essential job function; employee comes to work daily, on time, and completes scheduled shift

HIPAA: facilitates to maintain patient confidentiality

Internal communication: contributes to positive team performance and a culture of service excellence through effective communication, active listening, and respect

Interpersonal relationships: maintains appropriate interpersonal relationships with staff, patients, and visitors at all times. Works as a team member with other departments.

Safety: Practices workplace safety daily

Employee Engagement:

Actively participates in all hospital Service Excellence initiatives and trainings

Attends and participates in a minimum of 50% department staff meetings and signs off on review of 100% department staff meeting minutes

Completes all required annual education on or before the due date

Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the primary functions of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation, to safely perform the essential functions of the job.

Minimal physical effort required with occasional light lifting to a maximum of 25 pounds; stooping; and pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers

Ability to effectively manage considerable mental stress

Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word

Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and convey information in a clear, concise and accurate manner

Familiarity with computer and other business machines

Qualifications:

Experience: Effectively organize work and set priorities; Positive attitude; Applicable knowledge Job

License and Certification:

If experienced, certification will be expected within one year of hire.

Certification by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD or International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) or similar accredited agency, within 18 months of hire if no experience.

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Required