Sterile Processing Tech I - Galveston

UTMB Health•Galveston, TX

About The Position

Under general supervision, prepares, assembles, maintains, and transports surgical trays, instruments, and equipment according to established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing. The role covers instrument decontamination and assembly, sterilization, and preparation and distribution of surgical case carts and supplies. The technician also sanitizes the workstation at the end of each shift, uses the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system according to department protocol, communicates with customers and colleagues, and troubleshoots instrument or equipment issues. Actual salary is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Six months of related experience is preferred.
Ability to follow established procedures, policies, tray listings, and department protocols.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to use appropriate protective attire when working in the decontamination area.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate surgical instruments and other medical equipment while maintaining a continuous flow through the process.
Record biological testing, immediate-use sterilization load results, and other sterilizer data daily.
Use appropriate cleaning detergents and agents according to their directions and material safety data sheets; request manufacturer guidelines for decontaminating loaner instruments.
Follow industry and hospital standards for transporting contaminated instruments and equipment, and wear appropriate protective attire in the decontamination area.
Inspect instruments for cleanliness, function, and breakage before assembly.
Assemble surgical trays and equipment according to established tray listings, and wrap or pouch items according to their size and type.
Interact with customers to ensure prompt delivery of needed equipment.
Maintain accurate instrument counts for surgical sets and inform the supervisor of discrepancies.
Communicate instrument-preparation issues to the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager.
Sterilize instruments and surgical trays according to prescribed policies and procedures.
Challenge the sterilization process using internal, external, and biological monitoring systems; monitor, read, document, and interpret sterilizer parameters to ensure proper function and patient safety.
Pick surgical case carts according to Surgeon Preference Cards or procedural pick lists or requisitions.
Assemble and distribute case carts according to department policy, including emergency case carts for emergent procedures.
Distribute sterile and non-sterile supplies upon request or case cart requisition, and order and put away supplies and linens upon request.
Sanitize the workstation at the end of each shift.
Use the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system according to department protocol.
Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with customers, peers, and visitors.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues associated with instruments or equipment.
Adhere to internal controls and reporting structure.