Sterile Processing Tech I, UofL Hospital, 7a-5p

UofL Health•Louisville, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of Sterile Processing is to assist in direct patient care by ensuring the OR staff has correct, fully functional, sterile instrumentation delivered in a timely manner consistent with the highest standards of customer service. Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Techs are asked to perform the four basic departmental functions (decontamination, prep and pack, sterilization, and dispatch) with efficiency, expertise, and accuracy. The SPD Tech will display resourcefulness, determination, courtesy, and professionalism while adhering to the standards and procedures associated with the preparation, sterilization, storage, and delivery of surgical instrumentation per Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Associates of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), and CDC guidelines.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED/ equivalent (required)
Nationally recognized certification for Sterile Processing required within 12 months of hire date (required)
Effectively communicates with co-workers and all other hospital personnel
Able to decontaminate all reusable instruments, sets, and utensils according to acceptable sterile processing standards
Knowledgeable regarding biological monitoring
Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect regardless of their status or position
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, gathering relevant data while attending to essential details; checks work for accuracy and quality.
Must be able to problem-solve
Must have strong relationship building skills and the ability to make and use connections throughout UofL Health to complete projects and maintain strong partnerships with other departments
Must have strong initiative and be able to gather and analyze information skillfully and be able to brainstorm alternative resources and directions
Must be able to break down complex tasks into manageable parts in a systematic, detailed way and considers input from several sources
Must have great flexibility and the ability to continually look for ways to make appropriate adjustments and changes
Ability to use instrument washer/decontaminator; Sonic washer; Cart washer; Steam sterilizer, Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer
Adequate conversational English is required to ensure the individual be able to take direction from management, understand how to complete job tasks, communicate adequately with patients and co-workers as necessary, understand and follow safety guidelines, and organizational policies
Able to write routine reports and correspondence; able to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
Must have ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Must have the ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deliver successful results
Ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities; determines course of action; develops appropriate solutions
Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office programs
Able to use instrument management system and One Source
Must have the capacity to learn other relevant systems and databases, as needed

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of previous experience in a healthcare setting in a clinical capacity (preferred)
Previous experience in sterile processing (strongly preferred)

Responsibilities

Answers telephone promptly and assist caller with obtaining items needed
Assembles supplies and places into case carts for scheduled and non-scheduled procedures
Makes rounds throughout the hospital to deliver sterile and non-sterile instrumentation, supplies and equipment, and to pick-up contaminated or credit instrumentation, supplies and equipment
Delivers scheduled case carts to the Surgery Department
Inventories and delivers back-up case carts to the Surgery Department and required areas
Maintains responsibility for returned instrumentation and supplies (if applicable) that is unused, and the integrity of packaging has not been compromised
Performs cleaning and decontamination duties, working quickly and safely and thoroughly addresses all instrumentation taking into account any unique cleaning demands
Inspects, assembles, and packages all decontaminated reusable instruments and sets ensuring for cleanliness and functionality of all instrumentation
Operates all processing equipment used within the department
Performs sterilization and all associated monitoring activities
Observes all safety and security procedures; Reports potential unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly
Assists in keeping the department organized, neat, clean, and fully stocked while providing quality customer service to all customers, including co-workers
Performs duties in a safe manner, to prevent injury to self, patients, visitors or other hospital personnel
Contributes to maintaining supplies and sterile items for use throughout the hospital; keeps department clean, neat, and well organized
Prioritizes work and focuses on consistent throughput
Performs dispatch duties
Contributes to all official departmental business in a professional manner
Displays behavior that is consistent with a thorough understanding of the SPD Mission, Vision, and Values
Maintains compliance with all company policies, procedures and standards of conduct
Complies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times
Performs other duties as assigned
Demonstrates a commitment to service, organization values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all times
Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times
Adheres to organizational and department specific safety standards and guidelines
Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members
Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff and the broader health care community