Sterile Processing Technician

Parkland Health•Parkland, WA

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for monitoring equipment and supply levels to ensure that clean, sterile, and packaged supplies and equipment are readily available to supported departments. This role involves maintaining inventory, preparing case carts, decontaminating instruments, assembling instrument sets, preparing items for sterilization, and ensuring the proper functioning of sterilization equipment. The technician also handles the storage of sterile items, identifies process improvements, and contributes to customer satisfaction. Additionally, the role requires maintaining knowledge of relevant regulations, policies, and industry changes, as well as training new employees and taking responsibility for professional growth.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED required.
Must be able to read written directions and to write legibly.
Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and hospital staff.
Must be able to lift, carry, and push heavy objects.
Must have the ability to learn basic PC skills as needed to complete daily tasks.
Must have knowledge of principles and policies concerning sterilization techniques and practices.
Must be able to operate all sterilization equipment and recognize equipment malfunctions.
Must be able to demonstrate basic record-keeping and inventory control skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a hospital environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintains inventory par levels in assigned areas by acquiring cataloged stocked supplies and informs superiors of needed non-stock and special-order supplies.
Prepares needed case carts according to pull sheets and specialty carts according to inventory sheets and reports all discrepancies.
Decontaminates all used instruments and equipment according to departmental policy and the manufacturer's recommendations while adhering to OSHA guidelines for employee safety.
Maintains competencies on equipment in the area and validates and documents that all equipment functions properly.
Assembles instrument sets according to the count sheets and departmental guidelines while ensuring cleanliness, functionality, and proper setup for sterilization.
Ensures equipment requiring validation testing is completed.
Prepares instruments for sterilization by utilizing proper packaging and wrapping techniques or following the manufacturer's guidelines for rigid containers.
Collects, reads, and documents autoclave indicator and biological results to ensure functionality of all sterilization equipment.
Sterilizes instruments and equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations while adhering to departmental standards for loading, validating, and documenting each item processed.
Maintains competencies on all equipment and processes in the area.
Properly handles transport and stores sterile instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental guidelines.
Identifies ways to improve the work processes of the Sterile Processing area, and to improve customer satisfaction/internal contacts.
Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the department goals and the mission of Parkland.
Maintains a positive working relationship with patients and other hospital personnel to ensure that the needs of the prospective groups are met.
Takes responsibility for own professional growth and development by attending seminars and workshops (both in-house and off campus), and remains current on industry changes, validating this knowledge as appropriate into job responsibilities.
Trains new employees as required.
Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Sterile Processing area.
Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans.
Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
Other duties as assigned.