Sterile Processing Aide

Cape Cod Healthcare•Hyannis, MA

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Aide decontaminates, prepares, sterilizes, stores, and distributes instruments, clinical equipment, and surgical supplies. The role includes selecting and applying appropriate decontamination and sterilization methods, inspecting instruments for cleanliness and functionality, assembling instrumentation with count sheets, and documenting and verifying sterilization loads and biological tests. The aide operates equipment used in sterile processing, supports inventory control, responds to customer supply needs, and serves as a resource on sterile processing functions. The position also involves keeping the work area orderly, tracking training and education with management, helping precept newer employees at specified grades, and providing service excellence to patients, families, visitors, volunteers, and coworkers. The aide is expected to work independently without direct supervision and demonstrate the ability to stand on call.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
High school education or GED.
Basic computer skills.
Good interpersonal skills, including concise communication by phone, intercom, and in person.
Successful completion of a Medical Terminology course or successful passage of the CCH Medical Terminology challenge exam.
Meet at least one of the following: successful completion of a high-school-level-or-higher Anatomy & Physiology course; successful passage of the CCH Anatomy Exam; SPD Technician Certification; or three years of recent SPD experience within the past five years.
Take the SPD Technician Certification exam within 12 months of hire.
Successfully pass the SPD Technician Certification exam within 18 months of hire and maintain certification.

Responsibilities

Identify and use appropriate methods and solutions to decontaminate instruments and clinical equipment.
Sort, disassemble, decontaminate, rinse, and disinfect instruments and clinical equipment.
Adhere to proper personal protective equipment attire.
Use count sheets to assemble instrumentation correctly.
Protect, wrap or containerize, or peel-package and label instruments.
Inspect instrumentation for cleanliness and functionality.
Handle and store sterile supplies, equipment, and instruments properly.
Access doctor preference cards.
Retrieve, disburse, and track medical and surgical supplies and equipment for customers in a quality and timely manner.
Select appropriate sterilization methods and follow correct sterilization practices.
Document and verify sterilization loads and biological tests to determine sterilization efficiency.
Operate and understand sterile processing equipment, including steam, ETO, Sterrad and Steris I sterilizers, cart washers, washer/disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, heat sealers, and testing devices.
Participate in ordering, receiving, stocking, and monitoring surgical supply usage.
Communicate supply issues to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
Serve as a resource to customers on sterile processing functions.
Track training progress, staff meetings, and in-service education in conjunction with management.
Perform Sterile Processing Aide duties independently and proficiently without direct supervision.
Demonstrate the ability to stand on call.
Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
Help precept new employees in Grades 10, 11a, and 12a.
Provide service excellence to patients, family members, visitors, volunteers, and coworkers.
Perform other work-related duties as requested or assigned.