Sterile Processing Tech - FT/Evenings

Trinity Health•Livonia, MI

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Instrument Technician provides care to patients undergoing procedural intervention in compliance with policies and procedures of Surgical Services, AORN, JCAHO, OSHA, and AAMI standards. The sterile instrument technician must have a working knowledge of decontamination, instrumentation, sterilization, and the building of case carts. The Technician is also responsible for the processing of any sterilized product across the hospital. The sterile instrument technician provides technical assistance with all procedures throughout various departments of the hospital under the supervision of the Sterile Processing staff leader. Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, faith-based health care systems in the nation. Together, we’re 121,000 colleagues and nearly 36,500 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 27 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, our system includes 101 hospitals, 126 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 136 urgent care locations, and many other health and well-being services. Based in Livonia, Michigan, in fiscal year 2023, we invested $1.5 billion in our communities through charity care and other community benefit programs. Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent
Must be able to comprehend written and verbal instructions
Should have basic working knowledge of computers
Should have the ability to operate computerized equipment
Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician required within two years of employment
Must be familiar with the location of various departments and general regulations of the hospital
Must have knowledge of surgical instrumentation
Must have good understanding of basic asepsis and sterile equipment and supplies
Must have knowledge of sterilization and decontamination procedures
Must have a working knowledge of SPD equipment and supplies
Must have knowledge of case carts
Patient Care knowledge
SPD Equipment knowledge
Computer knowledge necessary to effectively utilize hospital systems

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician preferred
2 years previous Central Processing or Operating Room experience preferred

Responsibilities

Receives soiled case carts and soiled instruments into the decontamination area
Scans all instruments into the instrument tracking system
Prioritizes instruments needed for turnaround (i.e., instruments on the needs list)
Hand-wash and pre-soak instrumentation in enzymatic solution
Has working knowledge of ultrasonic and automated washer functionalities
Selects rack and cycle for type of instruments to be cleaned
Wash case carts in cart-washer
Changes solutions for instrument and cart washer when indicated
Refills solution containers daily, ensuring proper solutions are used
Acts as a liaison between OR suites and SPD to communicate the changes and needs for subsequent cases
Performs daily tests and biologicals on sterilizer and Steris and maintains records of flash sterilization
Transports sterile items to the OR suites
Checks case carts for needed items
Returns unused items to sterile processing
Maintains effective communication with OR, Management, Physicians, peers and interdisciplinary team to provide the appropriate instrumentation to start and maintain the surgery
Assists in proper technique in handling instruments
Check and update needs list regularly
Assembles instruments in order of importance: Instruments and sets on needs list, One of a kind instruments and sets, All other instruments and sets
Inspects all instruments for damage after decontamination
Determine repair procedure when needed; place in appropriate “on-site” container, communicate and identify what repair is needed
Check case carts for accuracy before being sent to the core
Replaces damaged instruments
Wrap instruments/sets in appropriate wrapper/container
Has working knowledge of all sterilization techniques in SPD and OR
Is able to trouble shoot sterilization problems within SPD and OR
Initiates daily sterilization routine: Check and remove debris from drain baskets, Inspect sterilizer door gaskets for cracks/damage, Check steam pressure, Perform Bowie Dick air leak test and record results, Prepare the biological indicator test packs, Initiate routine biological monitoring, Record results of previous biological monitoring, Report problems to Coordinator/Coordinator Assistant/Charge Tech, Initiate recall procedure if necessary
Prepare label gun with correct date and identification number
Stamp each item to be sterilized with the load number
Load items into Impress System
Arrange items on the loading cart for proper penetration of steam and elimination of liquid
Initiate and monitor sterilization cycle
Check sterilization cycle record tape at the completion of the cycle and initial tape
Remove load from sterilizer and place load away from vents for cooling
Transfer sterilized items to “Home Location” using the Impress system
Place the sterilized items onto the appropriate shelf location
Demonstrates a working knowledge of EPIC as it relates to pulling pick lists and schedule
Is able to assemble case trays for every service and procedure performed within St. Mary Mercy Hospital
Maintains accurate preference cards-adjustments are to be made the same day as change is made
Builds case carts accurately and indicates missing items on the pick sheet
Prepares case carts by Physician/Surgeon preference card
Prepares needs list for sterile instruments and supplies for the next days cases
Replaces emergency carts ASAP
Distributes crash carts when distribution services are closed
Decontaminate PLUMs, PCA and epidural pumps
Decontaminate all specialty carts including crash carts for all units and services of the hospital
Demonstrate a positive, friendly, respectful demeanor to everyone who comes in contact with the Sterile Processing Department