Central Sterile Processing Tech - Patient Services Central Sterile - Full-time - Day

Capital Health (US)•Hopewell, NJ

12d•$23 - $30

About The Position

The Central Sterile Processing Tech decontaminates, assembles, and sterilizes surgical instrumentation and equipment using appropriate infection-control techniques and following manufacturer recommendations and applicable AAMI, AORN, and Joint Commission standards. The role prepares instruments and equipment for sterilization, selects appropriate sterilization methods and parameters, uses a computerized tray-tracking system, assembles surgical case carts, and manages instrument inventory to support timely distribution to the operating room. The technician maintains a clean and safe work environment, precepts new employees, and serves as a resource person. The position is full-time on the day shift, with 36 scheduled weekly hours and an eight-hour usual workday. It requires a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of related experience, and CRCST certification or certification through a national sterile processing program recognized by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The stated pay range is $23.09–$30.01; actual compensation may vary based on factors including experience, education, credentials, location, and other considerations. The work includes operating and safely maintaining washers, sterilizers, sonics, and other department equipment; testing sterilizers and documenting results; inspecting and assembling instruments; wrapping, labeling, and sterilizing items; assembling case carts; maintaining work areas and inventory; and processing and tracking loaner instruments. The technician communicates instrument status, reports equipment malfunctions and supply needs, initiates repairs as needed, and helps train and mentor new employees. The position does not formally supervise employees. The work environment includes exposure risks such as bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, airborne communicable disease, extreme temperatures, uneven surfaces or elevations, extreme noise, and dust or particulate matter. Physical demands include frequent walking; occasional sitting, climbing, carrying, pushing or pulling, twisting, bending, reaching, squatting/kneeling/crawling, fine motor activity, and keyboard use; and continuous standing and speaking or hearing. Lifting up to 30 pounds is required from floor to waist and at waist level or above. Sensory requirements include accurate near and far vision, color discrimination, minimal depth perception, and minimal hearing.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of related experience.
CRCST certification or certification through a national sterile processing program recognized by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
Ability to follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission, and department standards and procedures.
Ability to safely operate and follow instructions for washers, sterilizers, sonics, Sterrad, Steris, and flash sterilizers.
Ability to perform sterilizer tests and accurately document results.
Ability to use a computerized tray-tracking system.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds from floor to waist and at waist level or above.
Sensory abilities including accurate near and far vision, color discrimination, minimal depth perception, and minimal hearing.

Responsibilities

Prepare instruments for decontamination by sorting them and selecting the correct process to maintain integrity and prevent damage.
Expose instrument surfaces to the decontamination process by flushing and opening lumens, disassembling and opening items, and loading mechanical washers properly.
Follow manufacturer recommendations and use appropriate personal protective equipment during decontamination.
Operate washers, sterilizers, sonics, and other department equipment safely; use cleaning agents and chemicals safely and follow equipment instructions.
Perform biological and diagnostic tests on sterilizers, document results accurately and promptly, notify the supervisor of malfunctions, and initiate repairs as needed.
Triage instruments and equipment to meet customer needs and communicate their status effectively.
Inspect instruments for bioburden and proper working condition before assembling sets; initiate repairs and perform required maintenance.
Assemble instrument sets using count sheets, replace missing instruments, identify missing items, and promptly notify the supervisor about critical items.
Wrap, pack, label, and sterilize items according to department procedures, selecting appropriate methods, parameters, indicators, and integrators; load sterilizer carts, record items, and sign completed work.
Assemble case carts according to PPF, check off items, note missing items, arrange items appropriately, attach the PPF, and ensure carts are clean and in good condition.
Clean, maintain, and sign off assigned areas according to schedule; rotate supplies and trays, verify sterile packaging integrity, monitor expiration dates, remove expired items, and clean and stock the workstation at shift end.
Monitor, replenish, and rotate surgical instruments and supplies; maintain appropriate inventory levels and notify the supervisor when supplies are low.
Maintain current specialty instrument lists, evaluate instrument and replacement-stock levels, and communicate ordering needs to the supervisor.
Process and track loaner instruments, obtain them as needed, follow loaner guidelines, and communicate their status to appropriate parties.
Instruct and assist new employees, mentor them in departmental practices and procedures, and serve as a resource to others.