Lead Sterile Processing Technician

Hillsboro Medical Center • Hillsboro, OR

2d • $27 - $38

About The Position

The Lead Sterile Processing Technician works independently under the supervision of the Sterile Processing Manager and performs all duties of a Sterile Processing Technician. The role assists the Surgical Instrument Resource Coordinator with projects involving the SPM tracking system, including new trays, updates, and reports. The technician coordinates the department priority list, vendor trays, staff competencies, and department training, and directs department operations when the Sterile Processing Manager is absent.

The position processes, tracks, and maintains surgical instruments and sterile supplies; operates and maintains processing equipment; prepares case carts and instrument trays; and coordinates instrument and supply availability with surgical needs. It also supports staff through supervision, feedback, coaching, and training, and contributes to performance appraisals, meetings, and continuing education.

Requirements

• Two years of hospital Sterile Processing experience.
• Sterile processing technician certification from either CRCST or CBSPD.
• Leadership skills, reliability, dependability, communication skills, and the ability to teach and mentor.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in stressful situations.
• Demonstrated safe and accurate use of equipment and machinery.
• Ability to communicate respectfully with coworkers with differing backgrounds and perspectives while accomplishing tasks.
• Follow the organizational code of conduct and applicable policies and procedures.
• Use appropriate problem-solving methods to address conflict.
• Maintain a customer service focus when communicating in stressful situations.
• Experience with steam autoclaves and hydrogen peroxide gas.
• Knowledge of the function, care, and handling of instruments.
• Effective communication skills; ability to speak, write, and understand English.
• Ability to function effectively as part of a team and follow and give directions accurately and completely.
• Ability to coach coworkers and employees as needed.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Excellent customer service and effective leadership skills.
• Use proper cleaners and disinfectants according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Follow current manufacturer guidelines for sterilizing and maintaining sterile supplies and instruments.
• Act as a resource for other staff in the department.

Nice To Haves

• High school graduation or completion of a GED.
• Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Use the SPM system to track and record surgical instrumentation and sterilization processes.
• Maintain records of equipment function.
• Operate equipment such as cart washers, ultrasonic equipment, sterilizers, computers, and telephones; troubleshoot routine problems and perform routine maintenance.
• Perform all Sterile Processing assignments independently.
• Maintain the department’s inventory of sterile supplies and equipment.
• Restock code carts according to par levels and the current supply list, and document restocking on the code cart log.
• Provide complete case carts to Surgical Services.
• Monitor the working order of surgical instruments and arrange repairs when needed.
• Secure the department and turn off equipment before closing each day.
• Conduct rounds on designated nursing units to gather equipment for reprocessing.
• Follow current manufacturer guidelines for sterilizing and maintaining sterile supplies and instruments.
• Provide Surgery Services and the Birth Center with clean, complete, sterile instrument sets for cases.
• Prepare complete sterile and non-sterile trays for nursing and other patient care departments.
• Prioritize and coordinate instrument and supply availability according to surgery requirements.
• Coordinate the department priority list, receipt of vendor trays, staff competencies, and department training.
• Assist the Surgical Instrument Resource Coordinator with SPM tracking system projects, including new trays, updates, and reports.
• Direct department operations in the Sterile Processing Manager’s absence.
• Assist with staff supervision and provide timely, effective feedback in the department manager’s absence.
• Participate in the 90-day and annual performance appraisal process in coordination with the department manager.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Participate in continuing education programs to maintain and improve individual and team skills.
• Maintain fiscal responsibility in areas under the technician’s control, including incremental overtime and supply waste.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed