What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sterile Proc Technician position at Northern Light Health?
Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital
Department : Operating Room
Work Type : Full Time
Hours Per Week: 40
Work Schedule : 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Summary :
Assists in maintaining a safe environment for patients during their peri-operative experience. Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures regarding sterile processing and high-level disinfection (HDL) including endoscopy. This includes but not limited to instrument decontamination, packaging, and sterilization procedures; the ability to identify, by name and surgical specialty, a large variety of surgical instruments; ability to prioritize workload; ability to deal positive with all customers, often times in highly stressful situations; ability to work independently as well as in a team setting. Retrieves contaminated supplies, arranges instrumentation, equipment, and supplies in an orderly fashion that allows for their access and availability during the surgical procedure. Delivers supplies and maintains inventory. Recognizes professional responsibility for maintaining instrumentation, equipment and supplies for the operating rooms, endoscopy and all other departments served by the sterile processing department. Understand that failure to do so can compromise care as well as patient, staff and physician satisfaction, as well as department efficiency and fiscal responsibility to Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital.
Responsibilities :
- Receives, cleans, and decontaminates soiled instruments using detergents, disinfecting solutions in conjunction with washer sterilizers/disinfectors and flash sterilizers, as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure proper decontamination and avoid damage to the equipment.
- Disassembles sorts and inspects instruments as necessary. Is in charge of procuring replacement instrumentation.
- Utilizes proper decontamination personal protective equipment and techniques. Inspects and tests surgical instruments for proper function and promptly reports malfunctioning equipment and removes from service with appropriate tag.
- Assembles surgical instrument sets, items and trays following procedures for completeness, correct arrangement and proper sterilization.
- Follows appropriate procedure for obtaining and returning/cleaning or disposing of equipment and supplies.
- Follows appropriate procedures for mechanical, chemical and biological monitoring, and maintains records and or graphs for sterilization and decontamination.
- Participate in unit specific and Hospital wide performance initiates.
- Ensures that supplies and equipment are stored in an organized and efficient manner. Delivers items to other departments. Responds quickly to the unanticipated needs of the OR and other departments served.
- Ensures that daily cleaning requirements and other tasks are completed in a safe and timely manner. Maintains cleanliness of sterilizers, washer sterilizers, and storage spaces according to policy. Ensures that supplies and equipment are stored in an organized and efficient manner.
- Functions in endoscopy: decontamination of scopes and assisting the surgeon in role of scrub (E2).
- Other Duties as Assigned
Other Information :
- Certification preferred. If not certified, must be willing to obtain certification from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) or an equivalent association within 3 years of hire.
- Manual dexterity is needed to disassemble and reassemble surgical equipment. Visual acuity and the ability to read English necessary to follow written directions and procedures. Visual acuity and color vision necessary to identify instruments that are color coded and interpret chemical sterilization indicators.
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Competencies and Skills
- 1 years of relative work experience required.*Preferred but will provide on the job training.
- Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
- Basic Life Support
- Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
- Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
- Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
- Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
- Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
- Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
- Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
- Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
- Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.
- Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .
- Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.
Education
- Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)
Required Experience
- 1 year/years of Relevant Work Experience
Working Conditions
- Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
- Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
- Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
- Potential exposure to noxious odors.
- Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
- Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
- Extend body and limbs to reach items.
- Prolonged periods of standing.
- Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds.