Certified Sterile Processing Technician - Anderson Hospital

Mercy Health • Cincinnati, OH

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Sterile Processing Technician works under general supervision to inspect, clean, assemble, test, and process patient care equipment, supplies, and instruments in accordance with established policies, manufacturer instructions for use, and applicable sterility standards. The technician performs duties that may vary by assigned area and follows standards and guidance from AAMI, The Joint Commission, the CDC, and state practice requirements.

The role supports sterile processing quality and infection control through equipment decontamination, instrument preparation and sterilization, inventory management, documentation, and safe handling and transport of biological hazards. The technician also supports staff and student orientation, ongoing personnel development, and continuing education and competency verification. On-call availability is required as scheduled, within the department's specified response timeframes.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through HSPA or certification through CBSPD.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently and under pressure.
• Knowledge of anatomy, infection control, and AAMI recommendations.
• Ability to anticipate needs, communicate across levels, use computer systems, think critically, and work with urgency.
• Possess surgical conscience, professionalism, self-direction, teamwork, and the ability to take direction.
• Knowledge of sterile processing workflow.
• Availability for scheduled on-call coverage.

Nice To Haves

• Recent experience in a surgical setting.
• EPIC training.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, including manual cleaning and processing of surgical instruments and patient care equipment according to manufacturer instructions for use.
• Select and use appropriate detergents and chemical disinfectants to remove blood, bone, and other body tissues from contaminated surgical equipment; follow standard precautions.
• Inventory, stock, and deliver supplies, carts, and equipment throughout the facility according to guidelines; order, restock, label, rotate stock, inspect for expired items, and maintain inventory levels.
• Perform and document sterile processing quality control using information systems for instrument tracking, surgery schedules, surgeon preference cards, supply ordering, and management.
• Operate sterilizers and use appropriate sterilization techniques to produce sterile packages, following aseptic assembly protocols; monitor quality using chemical and biological indicators and integrators.
• Document activities and report variances that could affect sterile products, patient care, or safety.
• Identify and resolve infection control issues involving transport of biological hazardous materials, using universal precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment and identifying sterile products correctly.
• Operate and test washers and/or disinfectors, steam and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizers, and other facility-specific equipment and instruments.
• Identify instruments by surgical specialty and perform functionality testing, assembly, and disassembly according to manufacturer instructions for use.
• Participate in ongoing education and competency verification.
• Assist with orientation of new staff and students as assigned.
• Participate in the continuing development of personnel in the Operating Room.
• Be available for scheduled on-call coverage within the department's required timeframes.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and a 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

What This Job Offers

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