Certified Sterile Processing Technician (Per Diem)

Kent Hospital•Warwick, RI

About The Position

The Certified Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, inspecting, processing, assembling, distributing, storing, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment for the Sterile Processing area and hospital. The role requires knowledge of instruments and equipment and interaction with surgeons, nurses, and the Operating Room team to ensure appropriate products are available for surgery. The technician operates sterilizers, washer/decontaminators, and endoscope reprocessing equipment; performs high-level disinfection; conducts equipment and sterilizer tests; and maintains accurate records. The role also includes preparing instrument trays and supplies for scheduled and add-on surgical cases, maintaining sterile supplies and carts throughout the hospital, troubleshooting equipment, and supporting process improvement initiatives. The technician follows applicable regulations and infection-control procedures, including Universal Precautions, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

HSPA CRCST (Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician) certification required.
High school degree or equivalent required.
Skills and abilities in inventory management, analytical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal communication, written and verbal communication, team leadership and participation, and managing multiple projects.
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Six months of Surgical Services experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate, clean, inspect, process, and assemble surgical instruments for the Operating Room, Sterile Processing area, and durable patient care equipment.
Operate pre-vacuum and gravity steam sterilizers, washer/decontaminators, and automatic endoscope reprocessors, and perform high-level disinfection.
Test sterilizers and maintain accurate records.
Disinfect video scopes and auxiliary equipment using manual techniques and automated systems; visually inspect and operationally test scopes and applicable equipment.
Follow instrument cleaning protocols and use cleaning agents and detergents appropriately.
Inspect instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and wear before assembly.
Assemble instrument trays and equipment according to assembly count sheets, and wrap or pouch items using appropriate techniques.
Perform machine-specific challenge tests using internal, external, and biological tests; read and interpret sterilizer parameters.
Review the daily Operating Room schedule to determine which surgical cases need to be picked and their priority.
Coordinate with Supply Chain to organize supplies for surgical cases and identify add-on surgeries requiring supplies.
Comply with federal and state regulations and follow AAMI, OSHA, and infection-control policies and procedures.
Perform minor equipment troubleshooting and determine when professional service technicians are needed.
Maintain and distribute sterile supplies, crash carts, pediatric crash carts, intubation trays, and other items needed throughout the hospital.
Practice Universal Precautions.
Participate in and lead process improvement initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required and provide additional support as needed.