Sterile Processing Associate: 40hrs/week Evenings
About The Position
Albany Med is currently seeking a Sterile Processing Associate to join our team. The Sterile Processing Technician is assigned duties performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the surgery center, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all phases of the process. This role involves receiving, sorting, disassembling, and processing contaminated instruments and equipment, removing soil and bodily fluids through various cleaning methods. The technician will assemble instrument sets, document missing items, and ensure correct labeling. Sterilization of instruments, equipment, linen, and supplies using autoclaves and aerators, as well as reprocessing via high-level disinfection, is a key responsibility. Accurate documentation of all processing activities in the Instrument Tracking System is required. The role also includes observing and interpreting biological, mechanical, and chemical monitors, recording results, and initiating recalls as needed. Issuing items to customers and departments and reporting unfamiliar items or equipment requiring repair are also part of the duties. The associate is expected to be self-directed and intervene with corrections to variances in processing practices.
Requirements
- Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician from either CBSPD or HSPA
- Applicants without Sterile Processing (CRCST) are required to obtain CRCST certification via HSPA within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam.
- Eligibility is defined by HSPA as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting.
- Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties.
- Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose.
- Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.
Responsibilities
- Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control.
- Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable.
- Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets.
- Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly.
- Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets and reports any unresolved issues.
- Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators.
- Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate.
- Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized.
- Properly documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (TDOC, SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.
- Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing.
- Record results and maintains required records.
- Initiates recalls as required.
- Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures.
- Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature.
- Reports equipment requiring repair as needed.
- Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
