Sterile Processing Tech Specialist

UHS•Lakewood Ranch, FL

31d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Specialist performs all duties of a Sterile Processing Technician while serving as an advanced subject matter expert for instrument reprocessing, sterilization monitoring, quality assurance, training, and workflow coordination. This position ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant processing of surgical instruments, trays, medical devices, and supplies in accordance with AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission, CDC, manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), and hospital policies. The Specialist assists with onboarding, competency validation, inventory management, and troubleshooting sterilization and instrument-related issues to support high-quality patient care throughout the hospital and surgical services departments. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED equivalent required
Minimum 3 years of sterile processing experience in an acute care hospital
Experience with steam sterilization, low-temperature sterilization systems, and instrument tracking systems required
Current CRCST certification required

Nice To Haves

BLS preferred
CIS or CER certification preferred

Responsibilities

Prepares operating rooms for surgical procedures by ensuring required equipment, instruments, supplies, and specialty items are available and ready for use.
Maintains a sterile environment throughout surgical procedures by applying aseptic technique, establishing and preserving the sterile field, and addressing breaks in sterility when identified.
Assists the surgical team during procedures by anticipating surgeon needs, handling instruments and supplies, providing exposure of the operative site, and supporting tissue management and wound closure.
Performs and documents sponge, needle, and instrument counts in accordance with established policies and initiates corrective action for count discrepancies.
Safely prepares, labels, handles, and transfers medications and solutions on the sterile field according to physician orders and hospital protocols.
Assists with patient safety measures including patient identification, surgical site verification, positioning, specimen handling, participation in time-outs, and adherence to infection prevention standards.
Operates and maintains surgical equipment, sterilization systems, electrosurgical devices, and specialty instruments in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and facility policies.
Supports efficient surgical department operations through case preparation, inventory management, supply ordering, preference card updates, equipment coordination, and turnover activities.