Sterile Processing Tech, FT Nights

Prisma Health•Greenville, SC

About The Position

Performs duties in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection to clean and sterilize instruments and equipment used in patient care. Disassembles complex instruments, supplies, and equipment; sorts and inspects them for damage; and reports needed repairs. Selects appropriate decontamination methods, assembles and packages instrument trays and specialty items, and chooses and follows the appropriate sterilization or disinfection process. Maintains required documentation for tray management, test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps. The role processes contaminated instruments and equipment according to Infection Control procedures, assembles instrument sets using Instrument Count Sheets, documents missing items, and addresses or reports unresolved set issues. It operates sterilization and disinfection equipment, monitors and records processing results, initiates recalls when required, and issues processed items to customers and departments. The position also reports unfamiliar items and equipment needing repair, corrects processing variances, and may coach, mentor, and train coworkers and new team members.

Requirements

Completion of job-related coursework in a Surgical Tech, Sterile Processing Tech, or Dental Assistant training program.
No experience required.
In lieu of the education requirement only, a high school diploma or equivalent and six months of experience in a hospital or clinical setting will be accepted.
Certification as either a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) from HSPA or a Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician (CSPDT) from CBSPD.
Applicants without sterile processing certification must obtain CRCST certification through HSPA within one year of meeting eligibility requirements to sit for the exam; HSPA eligibility is defined as 10 weeks (400 hours) of experience in a sterile processing hospital setting.

Nice To Haves

CRCST certification from HSPA or CSPDT certification from CBSPD is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive, sort, disassemble, and process contaminated instruments and equipment according to Infection Control procedures.
Remove soil, blood, tissue fragments, and body fluids using appropriate manual or mechanical cleaning methods, including ultrasonic methods when applicable.
Assemble instrument sets according to prescribed procedures and Instrument Count Sheets; document missing items, label sets correctly, and address or report unresolved issues.
Sterilize instruments, equipment, linen, and supplies using autoclaves and aerators, and reprocess equipment using high-level disinfection when appropriate.
Load and operate processing machinery according to prescribed procedures and set controls to the correct specifications.
Document decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization activities in the Instrument Tracking System (SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.
Observe and interpret biological, mechanical, and chemical monitors; record results and maintain required records.
Initiate recalls as required and issue items to customers and departments according to established procedures.
Report unfamiliar items and equipment requiring repair, and intervene to correct processing practice variances.
Model Prisma Health behavior expectations and assist with coaching, mentoring, and training coworkers and new team members as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.