Sterile Processing Tech

Children's National Hospital

23d • $23 - $46 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for inspecting, preparing, receiving, and issuing sterile processing equipment and supplies to the Operating Room and inpatient units. These technical tasks support the clinical operations of the Operating Room. The role helps provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for surgical patients through the quality of processed equipment and supplies.

The Sterile Processing Tech receives, washes, inspects, prepares, sterilizes, stores, and issues instruments, trays, and other equipment in accordance with policies, procedures, count sheets, and manufacturer protocols. The position also maintains sterilization surveillance and records, supports surgical case preparation, communicates with Operating Room staff, and promotes safety for patients, families, visitors, and coworkers. The schedule is 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with occasional weekends.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Six months to one year of related experience.
• Experience in a healthcare-related field.
• Certification as a Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST).
• Moderate computer ability.
• Communication skills, including written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique.
• Basic calculation skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Human relations and interpersonal skills.
• Good telephone etiquette.
• Ability to maintain a friendly and polite attitude toward families and staff.
• Ability to support patients, families, and staff and report concerns about preoperative care to appropriate personnel.

Nice To Haves

• Sterile processing experience.

Responsibilities

• Support patients, families, and staff; report concerns about preoperative care to appropriate personnel.
• Direct questions regarding preoperative case preparation to the Clinical Manager of SPD.
• Provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for surgical patients through the quality of processed equipment and supplies.
• Assemble paperwork needed for patients.
• Receive, wash, inspect, prepare, and issue instruments, trays, and other equipment according to policies and procedures.
• Inspect and prepare surgical items for sterilization.
• Stamp, date, store, and rotate items; issue sterile and nonsterile items; and inspect for outdated items.
• Maintain daily productivity levels.
• Communicate with Operating Room staff about the needs and activities of the inner and outer core, supplies, case carts, instruments, linens, and waste.
• Apply principles of sterile technique and demonstrate a surgical conscience.
• Select and prepare supplies and instruments for sterilization and use the appropriate sterilizer.
• Apply correct disinfection techniques and follow manufacturer protocols.
• Load and operate washers, dryers, ultrasonic cleaners, sterilizers, and cart wash machines.
• Build instrument sets according to count sheets and established policies and procedures.
• Anticipate emergency or unusual circumstances involving equipment needs and supply availability, and anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
• Organize preparations for surgical cases.
• Maintain sterilization surveillance and daily records and indicators, follow recall procedures, and implement procedures that ensure adherence to sterilization requirements.
• Speak up about unsafe behavior or performance; validate and verify information used for decisions or documentation; and stop to resolve uncertainty.
• Communicate accurately, clearly, and promptly, verbally and in writing.
• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors, and coworkers, and use Stop, Think, Act, and Review to self-check behavior and performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• 401(k) plan.
• Healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Tuition assistance.
• Fitness resources.
• Employee assistance.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED