Sterile Processing Specialist

Baptist Health Care•Pensacola, FL

16h

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Specialist teaches and precepts Sterile Processing Technicians and surgical technician students in reprocessing surgical instruments throughout the department. The role ensures sterilizer units are operating properly before daily use, verifies and documents beginning-of-day biological and chemical test results in the instrument tracking system, and inspects equipment for signs of malfunction, reporting issues to the manager and/or Biomedical Engineering (Biomed). The Specialist processes or oversees contaminated instruments and supplies returned to the Sterile Processing Department (SPD). The position also performs high-level disinfection and other department duties, including checking sterilization and expiration dates, maintaining adequate inventory, testing equipment effectiveness, documenting sterilizer indicators, preparing and distributing surgical case carts, storing equipment and supplies, and cleaning work areas. The Specialist maintains assigned areas and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition; maintains count sheets and item inventory in the tracking system; inspects case carts, instruments, and supplies; and retrieves needed items from SPD for delivery to the Operating Room. The role may require remaining on campus immediately before, during, and after severe weather or disasters.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two years of sterile processing experience.
BLS for Healthcare Providers certification from the American Heart Association upon hire.
Knowledge of surgical procedures, instruments, equipment, supply management, and equipment decontamination, with demonstrated competency.
Ability to read and understand English.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow-through.

Nice To Haves

CRCST or CSPDT certification from HSPA or CBSP is preferred upon hire.

Responsibilities

Train and precept Sterile Processing Technicians and surgical technician students in instrument reprocessing, and retrain technicians as needed.
Perform the responsibilities and duties required by the Sterile Processing Department's scope of service.
Perform high-level disinfection and related duties, including examining sterilization and expiration dates, reporting inoperable equipment, and visually inspecting inventory to maintain adequate stock and supply levels.
Test sterilizer effectiveness by assembling and placing culture spore tests according to procedure; monitor, interpret, and document physical, chemical, and biological indicator results for sterilizers.
Follow safety procedures and manufacturers’ instructions when handling cleaning solutions, supplies, and equipment, and operate department equipment safely according to its instructions for use.
Prepare and distribute surgical case carts according to physician preference lists and the anticipated needs of the perioperative team.
Store new and reprocessed equipment and supplies; maintain count sheets and item inventory in the instrument tracking system; and inspect case carts, instruments, and supplies.
Maintain assigned work areas and equipment in a clean, organized condition; clean shelves and work areas and mop liquid spills as necessary.
Acquire needed items from the Sterile Processing Department and deliver them to the Operating Room.
Maintain current knowledge, certification, and licensure, and pursue professional growth and development.
Direct other licensed and non-licensed personnel in providing patient care as assigned.
Assist with other duties as assigned to support department and organizational operations.
Remain on campus immediately before, during, and after severe weather and/or disasters when required.