Sterile Processing Technician II

The Christ Hospital Health Network • Cincinnati, OH

3d

About The Position

Responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of trays, instruments, supplies, and equipment while following infection control practices. The role dispenses equipment upon request, maintains accurate records and departmental inventory usage, builds surgical case carts, and responds to requests from surgery.

The technician performs decontamination and cleaning; assembles instrument trays and packs; operates sterilizers, documents loads, and returns stock to the appropriate area; and builds surgical cases. The role also fulfills requests from the OR and Pre-op/PACU, supports one-on-one training, responds to emergency codes when required, follows departmental sterility guidelines, attends required meetings and in-services, and communicates courteously with department customers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of Central Service experience required.
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification must be obtained within the first year of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Disassemble, clean, and disinfect patient-care instruments and equipment using appropriate manual and mechanical processes.
• Operate decontamination equipment, including sonic washers, cart washers, washer sterilizers, and decontaminators.
• Perform assigned cleaning tasks in the work area and use universal precautions in the decontamination area.
• Retrieve reusable instruments and equipment from throughout the facility and transport them to the Sterile Processing Department.
• Unload instruments from washer sterilizers and distribute them to appropriate workstations.
• Assemble instrument trays and packs according to written instructions and proper protocol; check instruments for sharpness and proper functioning.
• Recognize and memorize a large variety of instruments, apply sterilization wrappers properly, use a heat sealer as needed, and identify items on their packaging.
• Load sterilizer carriages and transport trays to the sterilization area.
• Check trays, packs, and basins on sterilizer carriages to ensure correct procedures have been followed.
• Operate each type of sterilizer and select the appropriate cycle and time for each load; use sterilization methods including Sterrad and steam.
• Accurately document sterilization information manually or by computer and complete biological monitoring according to departmental policy.
• Handle sterile instruments and supplies properly, restock the sterile storage area, and rotate items as required.
• Continuously monitor equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
• Obtain surgical preference lists from the computer and pull supplies for each case.
• Label the locations of instruments and supplies to improve efficiency and perform a final quality-control check before items leave the department.
• Restock, store, or return procedural carts to the appropriate area.
• Fulfill requests from the OR and Pre-op/PACU.
• Assist with one-on-one training of other associates and respond to emergency codes when required.
• Follow instructions and departmental guidelines regarding sterility; attend departmental in-services and mandatory meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of all areas in the Sterile Processing Department and act as a courteous liaison with customers.
• Use time effectively and distinguish between low- and high-priority activities.

What This Job Offers

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