SLH Sterile Processing Tech Certified

Alameda Health System•San Leandro, CA

About The Position

The SLH Sterile Processing Tech Certified coordinates the cleaning, decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and dispensing of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies needed for daily surgical procedures in surgery and related departments. The role collaborates extensively with department leadership and operates with a high degree of self-direction. Related duties may also be assigned. The position uses and documents sterilizing equipment and testing, prepares and handles sterile items using proper aseptic techniques, and maintains the quality of sterile items. It retrieves and processes patient-care equipment, monitors repair and replacement needs, organizes and stores supplies, and helps ensure the Central Sterile team meets Surgery Department requests. The role also supports staff learning, maintains required records, follows hospital policies and regulatory requirements, protects patient confidentiality, and reports occurrences promptly.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of experience with instrumentation.
Certified Central Sterile Processing Technician certification.

Responsibilities

Operate sterilizing equipment, including required documentation and testing; clean, assemble, and sterilize instruments and related items.
Assemble dressings and treatment trays; prepare instruments and supplies according to designated lists; wrap, label, and seal items and identify missing items on the outside of wraps.
Use proper aseptic techniques and maintain the quality of sterile items.
Evaluate tray assembly and processing through periodic tray audits and collaborate with essential personnel to ensure instruments and supplies are properly sterilized, in acceptable working condition, and appropriately stored.
Retrieve equipment from nursing floors; decontaminate, disinfect, and prepare patient-care equipment for turnaround and reuse.
Monitor or initiate repairs and replacement orders for essential instrumentation and accessories.
Store prepared articles and supplies in designated areas, rotate stock, check expiration dates, and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Assist leaders with department-space storage and allocation to support access and operational efficiency.
Attend in-service presentations and complete mandatory education, including infection control, patient safety, quality improvement, MSDS, and OSHA standards.
Coach and work with department members to develop skills and knowledge and improve service quality and productivity.
Maintain knowledge of hospital policies and procedures, protect patient confidentiality, and attend and participate in departmental meetings.
Respond promptly and accurately to Surgery Department requests, prioritizing needs to ensure instruments, equipment, and supplies are available.
Maintain collaborative relationships with leaders, co-workers, and other departments to support service flow and continuity.
Monitor surgery schedules, identify general, specific, and potential case needs, and vary the schedule to meet departmental needs.
Advise nursing staff about the availability of medical supplies and equipment relevant to patients’ age-specific needs.
Follow occurrence-reporting guidelines, report medical errors or unanticipated patient-care outcomes resulting in harm, maintain records required by regulatory agencies, and report occurrences immediately to supervisors.