Sterile Processing Technician

Overview
Position Summary

As a healthcare technology management (HTM) professional, the Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) works as a team member and is responsible for providing support to the total Surgery Center to ensure effective patient care and achievement of desire outcomes. The SPT collects, cleans, decontaminates, disinfects, and/or sterilizes surgical instruments, trays and packs, reusable medical devices and patient care equipment according to established standards and procedures to ensure sterile and functioning supply of materials and equipment. The Sterile Processing Technician understands microbiology and infection control standards.

Position Responsibilities

• Knowledge of reusable surgical instrumentation, micro surgical instrumentation, and power equipment

• Knowledge and operation of sterile processing equipment (washers, steam, gas, ultrasonic, and chemical sterilizers)

• Controls of all parts of the sterilization process including decontamination, prepping, packing, sterilization, and sterile storage

• Provides integrity and sterility of products and services for ASC patients

• Works in conjunction with OR staff and vendors to provide timely sterile products

• Documents and maintains accurate sterilization records

• Identifies instruments for all specialties and assures proper function. Follows protocol for repair or replacement of instruments that are not functioning properly

• Performs simple maintenance on equipment (i.e. clean filters and drains)

• Prepares trays for designated areas according to policies and procedures

• Documents and maintains inventory of supplies and materials

• Monitors daily surgery schedules in order to identify and prioritize general, specific, and potential needs for all cases

• Maintains a clean and safe environment by adhering to Standard Precautions and Infection Control practices. Staff will don proper Personnel Protective equipment (PPE}, follows protocols for decontamination process referencing Instructions for Use (IFU) supplied by the manufacturers

• Adheres to safety standards and precautions as outlined by national, state, facility, and professional regulations

Other Responsibilities

• Utilizes correct body-mechanics and equipment in moving and transporting of instruments and equipment in order to prevent injury to personnel

• Demonstrates knowledge of operation and maintenance of equipment and sets located in the operating room

• Assumes responsibility for learning new equipment and procedures and maintaining skills

• Completes required orientation as directed by facility

• Follows facility, OSHA, AORN, and AAMI safety rules and procedures

• Upholds HIPAA regulations

• Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities

• Punctual and dependent for assigned and confirmed shifts

• Attends regular staff meetings and in-services

• All other tasks/responsibilities assigned by Director of Nursing (DON)

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

• Current Health care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Requires current national certification as an SPD Technician, Certified Registered Central Service Technician or Surgical Instrument Processor, and relevant experience with sterilizing instruments which qualifies the candidate for the national certification exam or certified registration

• Minimum of one (1) year OR experience required

• Possess mechanical aptitude with the ability to break down moving parts, clean, lubricate and reassemble, problem solve incomplete trays and missing instrumentation and have effective organizational, communication and human relation skills

• Possess aptitude for maintaining pace of facility case flow

• Must be able to read, speak, and write English fluently

Essential Competencies and Performance Expectations

The required behaviors associated with the following competencies are outlined in the Competency Assessment form.

Standard I Standard II Standard Ill Standard IV

Demonstrates competence related to the application of the Surgery Center's core values. Practices all facets of health & safety.

Practices human resource responsibility.

Demonstrates competence in performance of duties and responsibilities related to tasks, skills and procedures rendered to the clients served.

Value-Based Behaviors

• Respect and Kindness: Polite, upbeat, and seek to understand

• Collaborative: Fully engaged team player

• Excellence: Do your best work and pursue positive solutions

• Honesty and Integrity: Straight forward, open to feedback, and do the right thing

• Caring and Compassionate: Always look from the patient perspective

Working Conditions

Sterile Processing Technicians spend a considerable amount of time walking, bending, stretching, and standing, so they must follow proper body mechanics to guard against injury. Sterile Processing Technicians may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and biological agents to include, but not limited to: body fluids and wastes such as urine, blood, sputum, etc. The use of disinfecting and sterilizing agents may cause damage to skin and respiratory system.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift twenty-five (25) pounds. Moving, lifting, or transferring of instruments and equipment may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds

• Ability to stand for extended periods

• Fine motor skills

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or fell; and reach forward with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Auditory abilities required by this job include ability to discern sounds made by various types of machinery or equipment which would indicate dangerous or improper operation. Must be able to read, speak, and write English fluently.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Surgery

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• Phoenix, AZ 85022 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Phoenix, AZ 85022: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $24