Sterile Processing Technician

SUMMARY:

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the proper care and handling of all general and specialty instruments including the cleaning, sterilization, decontamination, instrument identification, assembly, packaging and distribution of surgical instrumentation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Decontaminate, sterilize, assemble, and package all instruments following established protocols.
• Prepare order requests as necessary for replacement parts for instruments.
• Operate sterilization equipment properly and efficiently.
• Maintain appropriate logs and records relating to the sterilization process, including Sterilizer Load Records and Biological Monitoring Records.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment by adhering to Standard Precautions and Infection Control practices.
• Follow protocols for decontamination process referencing Instructions for Use (IFU) supplied by the manufacturers.
• Identify instruments for all specialties and assure proper function.
• Follow protocol for repair or replacement of instruments that are not functioning properly.
• Utilize equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and hospital policy.
• Determine how to best accomplish functions within established procedures.
• Confer with leader on any unusual situations.
• Ability to meet physical demands and perform the essential job functions within the work environment, including travel requirements identified in this job description.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare or similar field preferred
• Certified Registered Sterile Processing Technician required
• 1-2 years of experience in hospital Central Sterile Processing department preferred

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Strong attention to detail and fine motor skills

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Strong attention to detail and fine motor skills

• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to break down moving parts, clean, lubricate and reassemble
• Knowledge of current regulations and requirements (AAMI, AORN, JCAHO, etc.)
• Understanding of automated instrument tracking systems
• Willing to ask questions and seek help as necessary
• Outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills
• Able to read and comprehend written and oral instructions
• Verbal communication skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time and be able to move about inside the facility to access equipment, machinery, documentation, etc.
  • Employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and arms to finger, handle, feel, or carry; reach with hands and arms.
  • Operate a computer as well as the ability to operate, set up, adjust, and test with sanitization equipment.
  • Constantly communicate and exchange information with team members and effectively communicate correct information to customers and vendors.
  • Read/comprehend, write, communicate orally, reasoning and analytical abilities and mental flexibility
  • Climb steps or ladders, bend, squat, kneel, crouch, and reach above shoulder level to access equipment.
  • Regularly lift or move objects up to 30 lbs. Occasionally lift or move up to 50 lbs.  Regularly push/pull case carts weighing up to 450 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus to inspect and clean surgical instruments.
  • Hearing ability to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking level with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and make discriminations in sound. 

• Work Environment:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is working in a typical medical equipment facility environment.
  • Exposure to hazardous materials, extreme heat, and proximity to moving mechanical parts.
  • Requires wearing common protective and safety equipment.
  • Position may involve extended/flexible work hours
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This employee will also be pulling and pushing case carts that are of great weight.  400 plus pounds.