Central Sterile Processing Associate

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

About The Position

The Central Sterile Processing Associate is trained to perform the duties needed to decontaminate, clean, inspect, assemble, package, sterilize, store, distribute, and document reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment according to established procedures. Applicants are placed in appropriate job titles based on their experience and education. Eligible candidates may receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000, based on years of experience. The role supports quality improvement, patient safety, clear documentation and communication, teamwork, professional development, and cost-conscious work practices. Associates follow department policies for decontamination, sterile processing, infection control, and safety, and maintain and troubleshoot processing equipment. Certification requirements vary by facility and employee status. Certification is required at Pennsylvania and New York facilities, with new employees at those facilities given 18 months from hire to obtain it; Maryland facilities are excluded. Certain employees active in a Central Sterile position on or before December 27, 2020, are grandfathered regarding certification unless they move into a position requiring certification. Continuing education requirements apply to certified staff and grandfathered technicians as specified in the posting.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; no experience is required under this pathway.
Alternatively, currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technician or Sterile Processing program is preferred.
Alternatively, one year of experience within UPMC is listed as a pathway.
Must be able to stand for all shift hours and lift, push, and pull up to 35 pounds.
Certification is required for Pennsylvania and New York facilities; new employees at those facilities have 18 months from date of hire to obtain it. Maryland facilities are excluded.
Acceptable certification: Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution certification or Certified Registered Central Service Technician certification through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.
Employees active in a Central Sterile position at a healthcare facility on or before December 27, 2020, are grandfathered regarding certification unless they move into a position requiring certification.
Grandfathered technicians without certification must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually to remain qualified as a Central Sterile Technician.
Certified staff must complete 10–12 hours of continuing education to maintain certification, as determined by the certifying body. Staff pending certification within 18 months of hire are not required to complete continuing education until certified.
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

Currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technician or Sterile Processing program.
One year of experience within UPMC.

Responsibilities

Follow department policies and procedures concerning decontamination, sterile processing, infection control, and safety.
Clean and decontaminate reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies manually and mechanically.
Prepare and assemble surgical trays and equipment according to established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing.
Monitor, read, document, and interpret sterilizer parameters to ensure proper function.
Maintain working knowledge of and troubleshoot decontamination and sterilization equipment.
Assess supplies needed for standard surgical procedures and set up case carts.
Maintain inventory and collect, disassemble, inspect, clean, disinfect, and reassemble instrument trays and patient-care equipment.
Document work comprehensively and communicate appropriately with other caregivers using effective interpersonal skills.
Apply performance-improvement tools and techniques, incorporate research and best practices into daily work, and share learning and improvements with other units or across the system.
Use critical thinking in analyzing clinical, social, safety, psychological, and spiritual issues, and support patient safety, quality, and patient satisfaction.
Build productive working relationships, mentor and educate colleagues, share expertise, and support teamwork and positive communication.
Demonstrate accountability for professional development, time management, safe work hours, and setting priorities; participate in change initiatives and recommend improvements to clinical care and the workplace.
Use time, motion, and materials economically to support cost containment.