Sterile Processing Tech, Tuomey, PRN

Prisma Health•Sumter, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Tech performs duties in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection, focusing on cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment for patient care. This involves disassembling complex instruments, sorting and inspecting them for damage, and reporting necessary repairs. The role requires selecting appropriate decontamination modes, assembling and packaging instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items. The technician must determine and follow the correct sterilization or disinfection methods and adhere to strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps.

Requirements

Completion of job-related coursework: Surgical Tech, Sterile Processing Tech, or Dental Assistant training program.
No experience required (or High School diploma or equivalent and 6 months experience in a hospital or clinical setting in lieu of education).
Applicants without sterile processing certification are required to obtain CRCST certification via HSPA within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam. Eligibility is defined by HSPA as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting.

Nice To Haves

Certification as either: CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) from HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association); OR CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician) from CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution) preferred

Responsibilities

Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control.
Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable.
Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets.
Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly.
Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets and reports any unresolved issues.
Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators.
Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate.
Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized.
Documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems.
Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing.
Record results and maintains required records.
Initiates recalls as required.
Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures.
Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature.
Reports equipment requiring repair as needed.
Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice.
Models Prisma Health behavior expectations.
Assists with coaching, mentoring and training coworkers as assigned.
Trains and assists with integration of new team members.
Shares knowledge, ideas and expertise to support the team and the department.
Performs other duties as assigned.