Sterile Processing Tech I

SEH Saint Elizabeth Medical Center•Edgewood, KY

About The Position

This position ensures that surgical and procedural supplies, instruments, and equipment are inventoried, decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, and distributed in a quality and timely manner, in compliance with patient safety and infection control standards. The role also requires treating patients, families, visitors, and coworkers with respect, dignity, kindness, and empathy, regardless of cultural background. Responsibilities span decontamination, instrument preparation, sterilization and high-level disinfection, inventory control and distribution, customer service, quality assurance, and financial accountability. The technician cleans and processes instruments and equipment using appropriate methods, prepares and inspects trays and packages, operates sterilization equipment, documents procedures, responds to customer requests, and supports a clean and orderly work area.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED.
Computer entry skills.

Responsibilities

Collect soiled case carts, break down instruments and equipment, and ensure carts are clean, disinfected, and functioning for the next case.
Sort, disassemble, decontaminate, rinse, and disinfect instruments and clinical equipment using appropriate methods, solutions, and manufacturer-designated cleaning equipment.
Handle instruments carefully to clean and disinfect them without damage.
Operate and troubleshoot instrument washers, case cart washers, ultrasonic washers, and the aqua box system.
Identify instruments and trays, including their uses and proper assembly; identify gastroscopes and pulmonary scopes in Endoscopy.
Use specialty video or scanning systems to check laparoscopic lenses, cords, and insulation for damage.
Follow tray lists, use One Source and tray controller systems, and inspect instruments for cleanliness and function before packaging.
Prepare instruments in container systems, wrapped packages, or peel packages, and include monitoring devices appropriate to the sterilization method.
Select appropriate sterilization methods and operate steam, Pre-Vac, ethylene oxide, Steris, and Sterrad sterilizers safely and effectively.
Monitor processing quality using chemical and biological indicators, channel checks, Bowie-Dick tests, and physical and mechanical methods; recognize and resolve issues affecting sterilization or high-level disinfection.
Maintain required documentation for sterilization and high-level disinfection procedures.
Use Epic OpTime to access physician procedure and preference lists and set up cases.
Know the location of departmental instrumentation and supplies; respond professionally and efficiently to urgent requests.
Communicate supply issues to the manager and distribute and track delivered supplies and equipment.
Assist with the sterilization quality assurance program and maintain documentation for biological and chemical controls, testing, and sterilization logs.
Provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and healthcare team members.
Participate in performance improvement activities as directed and assist in training new employees.
Maintain a clean and orderly work area and recognize the effect of sterile processing duties on patient outcomes.
Use equipment and supplies cost-effectively and help maintain instrumentation and supply inventory within operating and capital budget expenses.