Senior Central Services Technician

Independence Health System Careers•Greensburg, PA

About The Position

The Senior Central Service Technician performs all duties to include providing sterile instrumentation and trays to the Department of Surgery and other hospital departments. The position will work under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager to assist with the coordination and implementation of surgical instrument processing and work flow. The position will also work with the medical and nursing staff to assure the operating room has the necessary instrumentation so that the surgical cases operate efficiently and on time. Acts as the liaison when the manager/supervisor’s is not available to make the appropriate decisions for the good of the department. Shift: 6am-2:30 pm

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
One (1) to Three (3) years’ experience in Surgical/or Central Service.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Must currently hold one of the following certifications: Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or International Association for HealthCare Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM).
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
Act 81 Compliance

Nice To Haves

Expert knowledge in sterile processing, surgical instruments and sterile technique.
Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST) through the International Association for Healthcare Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM) or Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Responsibilities

Decontaminates and inspects surgical instruments.
Wears Protective Attire (PPE) - Standard Precautions
Checks detergent level per shift
Visually inspects instruments and trays to determine if pre-soaking is indicated
Uses tongs or forceps to remove instruments from basins
Inserts proper sized brush to clean channels of cannulated instrumentation
Chooses proper decontamination equipment (i.e. washer decontaminator)
Arranges instruments trays, and basins to facilitate proper cleaning
Selects proper cycle
Cleans and decontaminates reusable patient equipment
Cleans all surfaces with approved equipment
Inspects electrical cords for graying or other safety hazards
Ensures component parts are returned with equipment
Removes any damaged equipment or equipment requiring safety checks from use
Reassembles equipment and places in proper storage area
Assembles instrument trays
Visually examines instruments for remaining debris
Visually examines instruments for functionality
Arranges instruments to allow sterilant penetration
Ensures instrument tray is complete
Wraps instrument tray or places instruments in proper sterilization container
Uses proper size and type of sterilization wrap
Inserts chemical indicator/integrator in tray
Performs proper wrapping and taping technique
Records pertinent information on autoclavable tape/form
Places paper filter properly in sterilization container
Affixes load sticker to wrapped tray or container
Operates sterilizers per department procedure
Loads sterilizer rack in manner to allow sterilant penetration and moisture removal
Records load contents on sterilizer card/form
Places biological indicator in required sterilizer loads
Selects proper cycle
Examines sterilizer printout to ensure mechanical parameters of sterilization are met
Signs full name to sterilizer printout
Allows adequate time for proper cooling of sterilizer contents prior to removal from chamber
Unloads sterilizer contents and places in proper storage area
Performs biological monitoring and recordkeeping of sterilization cycles (steam, eto, sterrad)
Interprets and logs biological results in a timely manner
If applicable, records information on Implantable Load Form and returns form to Department of Surgery
Maintains Inventory Control (linen, supplies)
Assures adequate stock is maintained
Places increase/decrease orders to linen room staff
Stocks re-usable linen in appropriate location
Places orders for stock and non-stock supplies
Retrieves soiled/used equipment and instruments per established schedule (minimum 3 times daily)
Conducts Steris System I E diagnostic test daily as appropriate.
Tests unit in SPD
Completes and maintains record
Prepares loan/consign instruments
Receives/documents items
Inspects/decontaminated instruments
Assembles appropriate instrumentation
Sterilizes/delivers to OR for use
Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R.
Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized
Retrieves soiled carts/instruments following the procedures from the OR
Uses proper etiquette when answering phones
Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts on weekends
Assist Manager/supervisor with staff development.
Assist in coordinating the functions of the Continuous Improvement Board.
Assuring orientation and competency files are complete and organized.
Educating staff on any new instrumentation or procedures.
Maintains a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care.
Communicates pertinent information for interdisciplinary patient care conferences, shift reports.
Reports changes in the OR schedule, including the need to reassess the needs of the physicians & the OR staff, confers with the OR CNC when there is a need to alert the physician.
Participates in the unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer services.
Assists in data collection process as requested.
Recommends modifications for performance improvement.
Assist Manager with daily functions of the department.
Review daily sterilization and biological logs for accuracy.
Assign a staff member to be responsible for coordinating instrumentation for surgical cases daily.
Assist in coordinating the staffing schedule including communication and posting of schedule.
Work side by side with the Manager/supervisor of Central Service on developing policies and procedures.
Assist manager/supervisor with related human resource functions as needed.
Assist manager/supervisor by providing input on staff performance for periodic performance reviews.
Be a liaison for the department in the manager’s/supervisor’s absence.
Demonstrates leadership abilities by utilizing the concepts inherent to the practice of credo standards.
Demonstrates an ability to solve problems independently and seeks assistance form immediate supervisor when appropriate.
Maintains accountability for actions taken.
Effectively functions as a resource person.
Acts as a patient advocate.
Performs effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students.
Assists in the department's compliance with State, JCAHO, OSHA and other regulatory agencies.
Participates in preparation for continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys/
Adheres to the infection control process, including universal precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
Conducts Steris System I E diagnostic test daily as appropriate.
Tests unit in SPD
Completes and maintains records
Prepares loan/consign instruments.
Receives/documents items.
Inspects/decontaminated instruments.
Assembles appropriate instrumentation.
Sterilizes/delivers to OR for use.
Assumes staffing responsibility (add or reduce according to OR schedule)
Create staff time schedules where applicable
Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R.
Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized
Retrieves soiled carts/instruments following the procedures from the OR
Uses proper etiquette when answering phones
Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts on weekends
Other duties as assigned.