CS Technician I

Mercy Cedar Rapids•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

This position supports Mercy’s patient-centered care philosophy by providing exceptional, quality services. Central Sterile supports areas across the organization whose schedules are based on emergent needs; although rare, work outside the regular schedule may be required. The CS Technician I ensures reusable medical devices throughout the organization are tracked, decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized or high-level disinfected, stored, and distributed in a quality and timely manner. The role involves decontaminating and preparing instruments, selecting and documenting appropriate sterilization processes, safely transporting and storing supplies and devices, operating and maintaining department equipment, and managing inventory. The technician also maintains an orderly work area, completes housekeeping duties, supports training and new hires, and follows Mercy safety guidelines. The position is scheduled for 36 hours per week on an evening/night shift. Physical demands are classified as medium, requiring exertion of 20–50 pounds occasionally and/or 10–15 pounds frequently. A current valid driver’s license, valid auto insurance, and personal transportation are required.

Requirements

Must read, write, speak, and comprehend English fluently.
Able to perform simple math.
Able to work with frequent interruptions and handle multiple tasks.
Basic computer knowledge.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and give and receive constructive feedback.
Good verbal and written communication skills, including concise communication by phone, intercom, and in person.
Self-motivated and able to work independently with little or no supervision while maintaining integrity.
Able to learn concepts and apply them to work.
Current valid driver’s license, valid auto insurance, and own transportation required.
Medium physical demand: exert 20–50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10–15 pounds frequently.

Nice To Haves

Six months of sterilization experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent strongly preferred.
Completion of the provisional Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician (CRCST) Exam or a sterilization course preferred.

Responsibilities

Sort, disassemble, decontaminate, rinse, and disinfect instruments and reusable medical devices using appropriate methods and solutions.
Operate and troubleshoot department equipment and report equipment requiring repair.
Handle garbage, linen, and biohazardous materials appropriately and maintain safety standards.
Use count sheets to assemble, protect, wrap, containerize, or package and label instruments.
Inspect instruments for cleanliness and functionality, ensuring proper assembly, lubrication, inspection points, substitutions, and counts.
Ensure appropriate instruments are included in sets and review Instructions for Use as needed.
Select appropriate sterilization methods and parameters and follow sterilization principles and device instructions.
Use the Instructions for Use database and instrument tracking system to ensure devices are properly sterilized.
Document and verify sterilization loads and biological tests to determine the efficacy of sterilization or disinfection processes.
Handle and store sterile supplies, equipment, and instruments properly.
Follow standards for transporting contaminated and processed reusable medical devices and track devices to customers in a timely manner.
Understand, use, maintain, and operate department equipment and testing devices.
Order, receive, stock, rotate, deliver, and monitor supplies and instrument usage in the tracking system.
Communicate supply issues to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
Maintain a clean, orderly work area and complete assigned housekeeping duties.
Track progress and compliance with training, staff meetings, and in-service education.
Help answer questions and assist new hires and CS Aides as needed.
Follow Mercy safety guidelines, carry out job-specific safety duties, and promptly report unsafe conditions, situations, incidents, and injuries.
Perform other related job duties as required.