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

Capital Health•Hopewell, NJ

10d

About The Position

The Central Sterile Processing Tech decontaminates, assembles, and sterilizes surgical instrumentation and equipment using proper infection-control techniques and following manufacturer recommendations and applicable AAMI, AORN, and Joint Commission standards. The role prepares instruments and equipment for sterilization, uses a computerized tray-tracking system, selects appropriate sterilization methods and parameters, assembles surgical case carts, and helps ensure instruments are available to the operating room in a timely manner. The position also maintains a clean and safe work environment, manages instrument inventory, and precepts new employees while serving as a resource to staff. This is a full-time, day-shift position with 36 scheduled weekly hours and an eight-hour usual workday. It reports within Patient Services Central Sterile and does not formally supervise employees. The listed pay range is $23.09–$30.01; actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, education, credentials, location, and other considerations. The role involves frequent walking; occasional sitting, climbing, carrying, pushing or pulling, twisting, bending, reaching, squatting or kneeling, fine motor activity, and keyboard use; and continuous standing and talking or hearing. Lifting requirements are up to 30 pounds from floor to waist and from waist level and above. Potential occupational exposures include bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, airborne communicable disease, extreme temperatures, uneven surfaces or elevations, extreme noise, and dust or particulate matter. Capital Health offers eligible employees medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; retirement savings and investment plans; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; short- and long-term disability benefits; an employee assistance program; commuter transit and parking benefits; voluntary legal, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity theft, and pet insurance; and paid time off.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
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.

Responsibilities

Prepare instruments for decontamination by sorting them and selecting processes that maintain instrument integrity and prevent damage.
Prepare instruments for decontamination by flushing and opening lumens, disassembling and opening items, and loading mechanical washers appropriately.
Follow manufacturer recommendations and wear appropriate personal protective equipment while performing decontamination.
Operate washers, sterilizers, sonic cleaners, and other department equipment safely and according to instructions.
Use cleaning agents and chemicals safely.
Perform biological and diagnostic tests on sterilizers, document results accurately and promptly, and notify the supervisor of malfunctions and needed repairs.
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 as needed.
Assemble sets according to count sheets, replace or identify missing instruments, and promptly notify the supervisor about critical missing items.
Wrap, pack, and label items according to department policies and procedures.
Select appropriate sterilization methods and parameters and use the appropriate indicators and integrators.
Load sterilizer carts correctly, record items on logs, label items, and sign off on completed work.
Assemble case carts according to PPF, check off items, note missing items, place items appropriately, attach PPF, and ensure carts are clean and in good condition.
Maintain, clean, and sign off on assigned areas according to schedule; clean and stock the workstation at the end of the shift.
Rotate supplies and trays so older items are used first, verify sterile packaging integrity, monitor expiration dates, and remove expired items.
Monitor, prepare, replenish, and rotate inventory of surgical instruments and supplies; notify the supervisor when supplies are low or need replacement.
Maintain specialty instrument lists, evaluate instrument and replacement-stock levels, and communicate ordering needs to the supervisor.
Process and track loaner instrumentation, follow loaner guidelines, and communicate its status to relevant parties.
Instruct and assist new employees in departmental practices and procedures and serve as a mentor and resource to staff.