What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sterile Processing Technician (Wed-Sun 11:00pm-7:30am) position at Parkland Health?
Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.
Primary Purpose
Monitors equipment and supply levels within assigned area to ensure that clean, sterile, and packages of supplies and equipment are readily available to the departments that the function supports.
Education
Primary Purpose
Monitors equipment and supply levels within assigned area to ensure that clean, sterile, and packages of supplies and equipment are readily available to the departments that the function supports.
Education
- High school graduate or GED required.
- Experience in a hospital environment preferred.
- Must be able to read written directions and to write legibly.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors and hospital staff.
- Must be able to lift, carry and push heavy objects.
- Must have ability to learn basic PC skills as needed to complete daily tasks.
- Must have knowledge of principles and policies concerning sterilization techniques and practices.
- Must be able to operate all sterilization equipment and to recognize equipment malfunction.
- Must be able to demonstrate basic record keeping and inventory control skills.
- Maintains inventory par levels in assigned areas through acquisition of cataloged stocked supplies and informs superiors of needed non-stock and special order supplies.
- Prepares needed case carts according to pull sheets and specialty carts according to inventory sheets and reports all discrepancies.
- Decontaminates all used instruments and equipment according to departmental policy and the manufactures recommendations while adhering to OSHA guidelines for employee safety.
- Maintains competencies on equipment in the area and validates and documents all equipment functions properly.
- Assembles instrument sets according to the count sheets and departmental guidelines while ensuring cleanliness, functionality and proper set up for sterilization.
- Ensures equipment requiring validation testing is completed.
- Prepares instruments for sterilization by utilizing proper packaging and wrapping techniques or following the manufactures guidelines for rigid containers.
- Collects, reads and documents autoclave indicator and biological results to ensure functionality of all sterilization equipment.
- Sterilizes instruments and equipment according to the manufactures recommendations while adhering to departmental standards for loading, validating and documenting each item processed.
- Maintains competencies on all equipment and processes in the area.
- Properly handles transports and stores sterile instruments and equipment according to departmental guidelines.
- Identifies ways to improve the work processes of the Sterile Processing area, and to improve customer satisfaction/internal contacts. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the department goals and the mission of Parkland.
- Maintains a positive working relationship with patients and other hospital personnel to ensure that the needs of the perspective groups are met.
- Takes responsibility for own professional growth and development by attending seminars and workshops (both in-house and off campus), and remains current on industry changes, validating this knowledge as appropriate into job responsibilities.
- Trains new employees as required.
- Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Sterile Processing area. Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
- Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
- Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.
