Instrument Sterilization Technician or Medical Assistant

Healthpartners • Anoka, MN

307d

About The Position

RIVERWAY CLINIC JOB DESCRIPTION: JOB TITLE: Instrument Sterilization Technician DEPARTMENT: Gastroenterology REPORTS TO: Specialty Nursing Supervisor DIRECTION OF OTHERS: None GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Service excellence is to be centered on patient care and patient relationships and is the responsibility of all employees. Partnership is the norm and all employees will be held accountable to work as effective team members with both internal and external partners. Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Department Manager, SPD Supervisor/Coordinator and the lead technician, will be responsible for the proper handling, cleaning, disinfecting, assembly, sterilization, and handling of instrumentation and patient-related equipment to render items safe for handling and use; to monitor, stock and fill supplies; to assist with maintenance of the department; to support the operating suites in provision of patient care; and to perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Formal education in sterilization OR at least 6 months experience in sterile processing/surgical instrumentation OR completed a Medical Assistant program.
• Successful completion of sterilization, decontamination, and instrumentation competencies within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to maintain records, write reports and respond to correspondence.
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to work quickly under pressure.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish safe working conditions.
• Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Knows and observes all safety precautions consistent with sterilization modalities.
• Loads, unloads and safely operates all sterilizers according to policies and procedures.
• Completes all monitoring paperwork, sterilization records and records for instrument sets within required timeline.
• Maintains sterility of equipment and supplies; observe chemical indicators to determine if products have been contaminated.
• Transports, handles and stores sterile instruments and supplies per appropriate standards.
• Functional capabilities to process, incubate, and interpret biological testing with subsequent action according to biological results.
• Detailed, functional knowledge and application of sterilization parameters for steam, hydrogen peroxide, and ethylene oxide sterilization with interpretation and analysis.
• Treats all instruments and equipment in the decontamination areas appropriately.
• Follows policy and procedure appropriately when handling or cleaning instruments and equipment.
• Organizes and sorts instrument sets and equipment for proper cleaning, decontamination and ensures the appropriate method of cleaning is being used.
• Inspects and reassembles clean instrumentation and equipment according to standard operating procedures.
• Sorts instruments according to type.
• Assembles instrument sets according to appropriate recipe.
• Maintains open and honest communication with supervisor, leads, nursing and providers.
• Participates in all mandatory staff meetings, in-services, education and/or competency training requirements for the department and organization.

Benefits

• Exposure to blood, body fluids, sharp items, chemicals and detergents routinely during job performance with application of PPE.
• May be subject to fluctuating temperatures.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: High school or GED