Sterile Processing Technician I

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Boston, MA

About The Position

Responsible for the proper decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments, and for operating processing equipment. The technician must be proficient in instrument decontamination and assembly and understand available sterilization methods and which are appropriate for the devices being processed. In addition to Sterile Technician I duties, this position works in a specialty area and/or performs advanced or additional responsibilities. The role includes using department tracking systems throughout processing, preparing and sterilizing instrument sets according to manufacturer instructions and standards, conducting daily sterilizer tests, monitoring sterilizer loads, and documenting pertinent load information. The position requires adherence to assigned work schedules and attention to detail. Potential environmental exposures include chemicals, steam, dust, fumes, and blood or other bodily fluids. Required protective equipment includes gowns, gloves, eyewear, and a mask. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires all staff to be vaccinated against influenza as a condition of employment. The listed base hourly pay range is $26.00–$38.63. Actual compensation may depend on factors such as seniority, education, training, relevant experience, certifications, work location, and job responsibilities; additional pay may apply for shift differentials, call, premiums, or overtime.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
0–1 years of work experience required.
Proficiency in instrument decontamination and assembly.
Knowledge of available sterilization methods and how to select an appropriate method for devices being processed.
Ability to follow directions, adhere to an assigned work schedule, multitask, maintain consistent workflow, and pay attention to detail.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities, including frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, and handling instruments; typical pushing or pulling weight is 41–60 lbs, with a maximum over 100 lbs.
Ability to lift and carry 31–40 lbs.
Ability to perform essential visual, hearing, and communication functions described in the posting.
Wear required safety equipment: gowns, gloves, eyewear, and mask.
Influenza vaccination is required as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate surgical instruments according to manufacturer instructions or the direction of a supervisor or manager, operating decontamination equipment.
Inspect instruments after decontamination to ensure they are clean, intact, functional, and accounted for.
Assemble trays using count sheets to ensure accuracy, sterility, and accessibility for end users.
Use the department tracking system for all processing functions.
Package or containerize instrument sets according to manufacturer guidelines and standards.
Load sterilizer carts and containers to prevent packaged items from being punctured or compromised and in accordance with recommendations.
Run daily tests on all sterilizers.
Operate sterilizers according to manufacturer instructions and ensure biological monitoring for every load.
Document load contents and pertinent information, interface loads with the tracking system, confirm correct cycle parameters, and monitor sterilizers through the tracking system.
Unload sterilizers without compromising items and store them in the correct locations according to the tracking system.