Sterile Processing Technician I

American Addiction Centers • West Allis, WI

1d • $21 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician I is responsible for the decontamination of instruments and equipment, the assembly, packaging, and wrapping of surgical items, the performance of all equipment in Sterile Processing (Steam sterilizer, VPRO Max etc.), inventory/storage/distribution functions, and the exchange and delivery of Code Blue case carts. This role also participates in quality improvement initiatives within the department. The position requires adherence to established procedures to ensure a sterile product and a safe working environment. Competency is demonstrated through observation by the Sterile Processing Supervisor, Lead Tech/Educator, and/or Preceptor.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent.
• Ability to Communicate and Follow Directions
• Good Human Relations Skills
• Basic computer knowledge skills
• Central Service Tech Certification Obtained within 12 Months Upon Hire
• Heavy lifting: Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly.
• Job responsibilities involve long periods of standing and walking.
• Frequent contact with blood and body fluids.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situation with full motor function.
• Strength and dexterity to handle sterilization equipment and supplies.
• Ability to adjust work schedule when need arises (i.e., illness/vacation of other staff members).
• Ability to work under time constraints in stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

• 1 year experience preferred, but not required.
• Certified Central Service Tech preferred, but not required.
• Current Employees to Obtain Certification Within 12 Months as of July 1st, 2013

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation or equipment delivered to the department is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross-contamination.
• Wears proper protective attire when performing decontamination.
• Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination completion.
• Collects soiled/reusable equipment each shift following appropriate transport techniques.
• Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and continuous work flow throughout the shift.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area at all times.
• Reports improper equipment operation to person in charge.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and work area at completion of shift as assigned.
• Handles infectious waste according to established hospital procedure.
• Demonstrates independent function in ensuring a sterile product by professional assembly of surgical items, instrument sets, floor trays, and appropriate packaging in preparation for terminal sterilization.
• Examination surgical instrumentation for cleanliness, proper assembly, proper performance.
• Assembles instrument sets, ensuring that the correct number and type of instruments are present following established lists provided by the user department and placing the instruments appropriately to ensure sterilization and ease of use by the user.
• Completes count sheets/supply sheets as necessitated by user departments to document the contents of the tray.
• Follows established procedures to package and/or wrap the trays/items for terminal sterilization.
• Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that sterility is achieved utilizing the appropriate sterilization process.
• Use of test packs for the purpose of monitoring the function of the sterilizers on a daily basis (i.e., chemical and biological monitors).
• Observes and assesses the operation of each sterilizer for every cycle by interpreting the recorder data provided.
• Labels each item processed in the sterilizer with correct load label.
• Positions each item on the sterilizer cart to ensure sterilization.
• Documents what type and how many of each item is processed in every load.
• Reviews the data of the test packs processed, interprets the results and completes required documentation for verification by supervision (i.e. chemical and biological).
• Reports malfunctions to Sterile Processing Supervisor immediately.
• Demonstrates independent function in maintaining inventory and appropriate storage of sterile items in anticipation of distribution to various departments upon request.
• Receives supplies from storeroom and outside vendors, ensuring that supplies entering Sterile Processing Department are devoid of external contaminants.
• Completes case carts for Operating Room following the standard procedure for loading the cart and ensuring items requested that are ready for distribution to Operating Room utilizing the established schedule.
• Assists with cleaning of storage areas and work stations to maintain a contaminant-free environment.
• Places sterile items in appropriate area for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately sorted by department.
• Stores sterile items in Sterile Processing Department storage area, ensuring that items are rotated so the first-in/first-out inventory control is maintained.
• Answers the telephone in a courteous manner to take requests for supplies, trays, instruments and promptly responds to ASAP and STAT requests.
• Completes Sterile Processing Department paperwork accurately for supply requisition.
• Demonstrates independent function in processing crash carts to guarantee a complete cart with equipment that is operational at all times.
• Cleans cart, removing all soil.
• Examines the existing inventory, removing non-standard items and checking the packaging integrity if sterile items to ensure that sterility has not been compromised.
• Checks operation of the flashlight, laryngoscope handle and blades, wall suction each time the cart is processed, along with bulbs and back-up batteries.
• Follows established procedures for exchange of crash carts.
• Works with the units and pharmacy to ensure a timely exchange.
• Correctly assembles the intubation roll after use and readies it for exchange.
• Monitors quality assurance indicators.
• Assist in revision of policies and procedures.
• Acts as Preceptor for new employees.

Benefits

• Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
• Competitive compensation
• Generous retirement offerings
• Programs that invest in your career development
• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED