Sterile Processing Technician I

Covenant Health • Lewiston, ME

16d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician is an integral part of the Surgical Services team. This staff member performs and participates in decontamination, assembling, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment in a manner that consistently follows infection control and safety standards. The role supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certification in process.
• Must sit for the CRCST exam within 2 years of hire date once HSPA testing requirements are met.
• High attention to detail required.
• Ability to read instructions and follow them appropriately.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand written instructions in English is required.
• Ability to work well both with a team and working alone after training completion.
• OSHA standards Category I, exposure to blood/body fluids or tissue.
• Must be able to work in a high-paced environment where multi-tasking, prioritizing and sound decision-making skills are required.
• Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, (standing up to 8+ hours), twisting, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Lifting/carrying frequently up to 15 pounds, occasionally up to 30 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Previous Sterile Processing experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collects and cleans used and contaminated equipment, wearing appropriate PPE and using approved cleaning solutions and materials.
• Manually wipes down or disassembles equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions (IFU) and completes the decontamination process, re-assembly, and testing of equipment.
• Collects and processes contaminated instruments for all patient care areas, following disassembly protocols and ensuring all instrument surfaces are exposed for the cleaning process.
• Follows established policy and procedure on receiving of loaner trays, including visual inspection, verification of each item to the inventory list, and completion of necessary documentation.
• Identifies instrumentation as clean and free of bioburden, reassembles instruments, and verifies all instrument mechanisms are working smoothly.
• Reports any instruments that fail to the appropriate department and takes instruments out of service.
• Sorts and assembles sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment and makes them available promptly.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and follows department protocols for wrapping materials, wrapping techniques, peel packs, and use of rigid sterilization containers.
• Follows department policy on documentation of all sterilization loads, contents of each load, and instrument tray labels.
• Follows the appropriate sterilization method and settings and utilizes all appropriate biological/verification indicators for each tray.
• Follows department protocols for sterilizer operations and processed biological indicator monitoring.
• Follows established sterilization parameters on each item based on manufacturer IFU.
• Completes all daily/weekly testing requirements for washers, eye wash stations, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilizers.
• Follows established protocols for the recall process of a positive biological attest.
• Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills.
• Works with the OR/CS liaison to address issues.
• Completes the required amount of education specific to hip and knee replacement as outlined by St. Mary’s Hip & Knee Replacement Interdisciplinary Team.
• Actively supports and participates in the education and mentorship of students assigned to the unit.
• Maintains required competencies and completes annual compliance courses on time.

Benefits

• Covenant Health Mission Statement We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities. Our Core Values: Compassion We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering. Integrity We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources. Collaboration We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities. Excellence We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

What This Job Offers

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