Sterile Processing Technician (SPD) PRN

East Tennessee Children's Hospital Association•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Performs functions associated with the care, handling, and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment, within the limits of the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act and nursing policies and procedures. The position reports to the Sterile Processing Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities. The technician supports sterile supply, operating room stocking, inventory, and supply ordering; processes and sterilizes instruments and equipment; documents sterilization and equipment monitoring; and provides expertise and education on sterile processing practices. The role also includes endoscopy duties, assisting the registered nurse during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures from the team perspective, and collaborating professionally with patients, families, visitors, and colleagues.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician, Certified Surgical Technician, or CRCST is required within two years of employment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Computer skills.
Work respectfully, cooperatively, and professionally with team members.
Light lifting, pushing, and pulling of 10–20 pounds occasionally; frequent movement of objects weighing less than 10 pounds.
Frequent sitting, with some walking, standing, squatting, bending, and reaching; keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

Nice To Haves

Two years of sterile processing experience preferred.
Basic Life Support (BLS) preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with checking sterile surgical supplies, operating room stocking, inventory, special supply orders, and routine supply orders.
Care for and handle surgical instruments; perform equipment decontamination, assembly, and sterilization.
Practice aseptic technique and standard precautions, and follow manufacturers’ recommendations when processing instruments and supplies.
Perform biological monitoring and maintain accurate, complete documentation for sterilized loads.
Assemble and wrap instrument trays and sterilization pouches with correct documentation.
Inspect instruments for needed repairs, remove broken instruments from service, replace broken instruments, and report needed replacements to the Assistant Nurse Manager.
Record room temperature and humidity and alert a supervisor to deviations from acceptable ranges.
Record sterilizer downtime and repairs, report equipment-monitoring outcomes, and clean sterilizers according to schedule.
Perform weekly testing to monitor the effectiveness of automatic washers.
Stay current with sterile processing practices governed by AORN, JCAHO, AAMI, and CDC, and serve as a resource on instrument and equipment sterilization.
Network with Purchasing Department and Central Supply staff and participate in educational offerings related to sterile processes.
Educate staff on proper instrument care and handling and sterile processing concepts.
Participate in patient care conferences and staff meetings as needed.
Perform endoscopy duties related to endoscope care and handling and supply inventory per physician orders.
Assist the registered nurse during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures from the team perspective.
Meet unit and hospital quality management goals and maintain hospital- and unit-specific competencies.
Interact and collaborate professionally with other patient-care providers; treat patients, families, visitors, and employees with dignity and respect.
Accept other assignments as requested and use hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.