Sterilization Technician

Winona Health Services
Operating Room
Sterilization Technician
0.9 FTE, 72 Hours Per Pay Period
Hours are primarily 7am-3pm with late stay requirements
Weekend and Holiday rotation

The Sterilization Technician is responsible for the cleaning, decontamination, inspection, preparation, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, tracking, distribution, and overall processing of supplies, instruments and equipment used in the operating rooms and departments throughout Winona Health (WH). The Sterilization Technician works independently with little supervision. Operates all equipment used to clean, decontaminate/disinfect and/or sterilize items brought to the Sterile Processing Area for processing. Reports malfunctioning equipment immediately to maintain a safe environment and effective workflow.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Maintains adequate sterile supplies within the surgery departments and other areas within WH. Rotates stock for use before expiration and removes any outdated stock. Repackages outdated supplies per manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Decontaminates, disinfects, inspects, prepares, assembles, packages, sterilizes, and stores instruments and rays according to national standards. Supports other areas within Winona Health with sterilization services. Supports external agencies with sterilization services as contracted.
3. Tracks and records data from equipment (cycle parameters, etc), biologic indicators, count sheets, cleaning, maintenance and graphs as determined through the manufacturer’s instructions, national standards, and WH policy/procedure.
4. Assists staff with transport of patients as requested, being constantly vigilant to the safety needs of patients and takes necessary precautions as warranted.
5. Performs daily cleaning tasks throughout the sterilization department and the operating room as requested.
6. Maintains an organized, orderly, and clean work area.
7. Serves as a resource to customers on all Central Processing functions.
8. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Essential Skills and Experience:

1. High school/GED/equivalent.
2. Graduate of a Sterilization (or Central Supply/Service)
   Technician Program. Sterilization Technician Certification (IAHCSMM or equivalent).
3. Demonstrates proper operation and controls of all the equipment used for sterilization and/or
   cleaning of surgical equipment/ instruments.
4. Demonstrates understanding of national standards/procedures (AAMI, IAHCSMM, ORN).
5. Basic computer skills.

Nonessential Skills and Experience:

1. Certified Nursing Assistant. Graduate of a Nursing Assistant Program is desirable

Age Specific Competencies:

Infant (birth to 1 year);#Child (2-12);#Adolescent (13-17);#Adult (18-65);#Geriatric (65 and
over)

Physical Demands:

Medium Work

Work Environment:

This is a fast paced clinical environment with multitasking, prioritizing and frequent interruptions. Continuous interpersonal communication is required with staff.

Required Work Schedule:

Day shift Monday-Friday plus a weekend and holiday rotation. Hours may vary depending on the staffing needs of the department. Employee must be willing to work assigned hours, reduced time and overtime as needed.

Summary of Benefits at Winona Health: 

At Winona Health, we are dedicated to offering a comprehensive and affordable benefits package for our employees and their families. While benefits may vary based on employment classification and job status, the following key benefits are available: 

Health Insurance: Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as mental health support and wellness incentives. 
Income Protection: Short- and long-term disability, plus additional benefits like accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal assistance, and identity protection plans. 
Retirement Planning: Access to a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contributions once eligibility requirements are met. 
Work/Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, paid time off, and earned sick time to support personal well-being. 
Education & Development: Paid training, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and sponsored seminars to foster both personal and professional growth. 
Employee Discounts: Special offers with local businesses, including the YMCA and cell phone providers. 

For more details or specific information, visit our website or contact Human Resources.

Internal Applicant Policy:

It is the policy of Winona Health to work with employees in an equitable fashion regarding promotions, transfers, and position reclassifications.
 
Any employee wishing to apply for another available position at Winona Health must submit an application for consideration through the internal application portal. Employees requesting to change positions should have successfully completed at least six (6) months in their current position. Employees currently in the formal disciplinary process may be required to meet with the Director of Human Resources to determine eligibility to request transfer. The employee’s past performance, experience, training and qualifications will be considered in transfer/hiring decisions. Consideration for transfer or promotion is not a guarantee of transfer or promotion. Employees may be given a chance to interview for a position when they meet the minimum position qualifications.

Disclaimer:

Winona Health is an equal opportunity employer. Winona Health does not refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate against a person with respect to tenure, compensation, terms, upgrading, conditions, facilities, or privileges of employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local discrimination commission, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination under applicable local, state, or federal law. Winona Health does not tolerate retaliation against any employee, patient/resident, physician, or other individuals pursuing concerns regarding Civil Rights issues. Winona Health adheres to ALL pertinent governmental policies and legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, as amended, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.