Sterile Processing Technician @ NORWALK SURGERY CENTER

POSITION OBJECTIVE:  Responsible for decontamination, correct assembly and sterile processing of all instrumentation used in the operating and GI Procedure rooms.  Must have a working knowledge of regulatory standards for universal precautions, sterilization methodologies and regulatory standards for biological monitoring. Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of the SurgeryCenter. Participates in various quality activities as appropriate and as directed by the Charge Nurse O.R., Director of Nursing, Medical Director and/or the Quality Committee(s).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Effectively organizes time, equipment, supplies, and personnel.
• Uses equipment effectively by anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate care.
• Confirms that proper techniques and procedures are used according to accepted Standards of Practice and organizational policies and procedures.
• Assists with the ordering, receiving, and storage of supplies.
• Maintains order and cleanliness of the intra-operative area.

• Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Reviews surgery schedule on an ongoing basis to determine priority of surgical instrumentation needed.
• Inspects, tests, assembles, packages and labels OR surgical instruments in preparation of sterilization to ensure that instruments are ready and available when needed.
• Interprets OR surgery schedule and selects appropriate case cart set up lists
• Assembles OR case carts if applicable.
• Prepares and uses solutions per manufactures instructions used in the decontamination of OR instrumentation and equipment.
• Follows OR written policies and procedures in decontamination of OR instrumentation and equipment.
• Operates mechanical ultrasonic cleaner and washer decontaminator.
• Sterilizes instruments by operating corresponding equipment for various types of sterilization techniques that involves steam and/or chemical products
• Performs biological monitoring as appropriate; incubates, reads and records results accurately.
• Serves as a resource to surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures in the surgical suites regarding instrumentation typically on a stat basis.
• Maintains OR Sterile Stores and specialty service inventory.
• Prepares and delivers written inventories and requested supplies to the OR
• Decontaminates instrumentation and equipment in the Operating Room following written policies and procedures.
• Inspects, tests, assembles, packages, and labels OR surgical instrumentation in preparation of sterilizing.
• Adheres to written policies of the Surgery Center.
• Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate corrective and/or preventive measures.
• Supports Surgery Center environment by acknowledging the presence and dignity of all with whom one communicates.
• Participates in and supports Quality Improvement Program.
• Participates in task forces and committees as assigned.
• Demonstrates willingness to learn and accept changes.
• Performs duties and tasks specific to the work area assigned.
• Seeks educational opportunities to increase clinical competence and enhance personal growth.
• Responsible for completing mandatory classes relative to job responsibilities at the Surgery Center.
• Participates in the orientation of new employees.
• Responsible for other functions as assigned by the Director of Nursing and/or the Administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Required:

• High School graduate or equivalent
• BCLS certification within 6 months of hire date
• Graduate of accredited Central Service Program or Surgical Tech program within past three years

Experience:

• One year assembly and sterilization of hospital OR surgical instrumentation experience and/or Gastroenterology Scope Processing experience (within past three years required)