Certified Sterile Processing Tech - SPD Tech - Full Time - 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Northeast Georgia Health System • Gainesville, GA

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About The Position

The Certified Sterile Processing Technician works under the direct supervision of the SPD Manager or SPD Shift Lead Tech and cooperates with members of the Surgical and Sterile Processing Team. The technician demonstrates professionalism and ethical standards, completes assigned tasks using appropriate resources and references, and applies knowledge of sterilization processes while working independently in a changing technical environment. Duties include decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and dispatch of sterile instruments and equipment. The technician participates in unit quality control activities, understands how the role relates to patient care, and helps maintain a safe environment for team members and patients. The position may be filled by a certified or uncertified Sterile Processing Technician, subject to the listed minimum qualifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• National certification in Sterile Processing, with responsibility for maintaining 12 continuing education points per year for continued Core Course completion status or certification, or Surgical Technologist Certification.
• Precise hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Knowledge of instruments and their assembly, including laparoscopy instruments.
• Knowledge of priority instruments and equipment and how to process them accordingly.
• Knowledge of proper inspection of filters and seals and placement of containers.
• Understanding of sterilization principles and the ability to demonstrate correct procedures for loading and operating sterilizers to ensure product sterility.

Nice To Haves

• Six months of experience in Sterile Processing.
• Other healthcare experience is desired.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate supplies and equipment in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Inspect and clean washer drains, follow proper washer-loading techniques, remove blood and bone from needles and instruments, and assemble instruments before washing.
• Process hand-washed items and use a Sonic Irrigator to flush laparoscopic instrument lumens.
• Transport trash and dirty linen and restock the decontamination area.
• Inspect instruments for proper working order and accurately assemble instruments, trays, and sets.
• Replace plates, screws, and implants, and note items that need to be reordered.
• Tape and label packages with item identification, initials, and date; place appropriate chemical indicator strips; and follow proper wrapping procedures.
• Dry containers before placing sets inside, match containers with the correct labels, and fold and wrap linen into packs for various departments.
• Assist with starting autoclaves and Sterrad equipment as time permits; place Bowie-Dick test packs and biological test packs in sterilizers.
• Review and complete control log sheets and load cards, including all sterilization load-sheet information for each load type.
• Follow guidelines for cooling items in and out of the sterilizer; place wrapped items and containers in the correct bins and locations.
• Keep autoclaves running on schedule, check and record biological indicators, and use proper technique when handling indicators and incubators.
• Sign out equipment from the equipment room and complete surgery requisitions.
• Participate in unit quality-control activities and help maintain a safe environment for patients and team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED