Sterile Processing Technician

Brown Medicine•593 Eddy Street - Bridge, AZ

11d•$27 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager and/or Sterile Processing Supervisor, the Sterile Processing Technician identifies, inspects, assembles, cleans, packages, decontaminates, and sterilizes equipment, supplies, and procedure trays. The role monitors sterilizers and related equipment, stocks supplies and instruments, and helps orient and train other technicians. The technician is familiar with case cart processes, instrument pick lists, and instrument repair processes, and is expected to learn the department’s range of work, including surgical services, outside clinics, specialty instrumentation, implant trays, power equipment, flexible endoscopes, and the Instrument Management System. The position supports safe and efficient sterile processing by carrying out decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, biological monitoring, inventory, distribution, and case-cart duties according to established procedures. It also helps maintain a clean and safe work environment, supports new staff training, and follows departmental policies and quality, health, and safety requirements. Complex situations are referred to a supervisor. The position has no supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English.
Three to six months of previous related work experience demonstrating familiarity with surgical instrumentation, decontamination and sterilization techniques, and stockroom functions; experience may come from central services, surgical reprocessing, or a surgical stockroom.
Visual and manual dexterity to operate automatic washers and sterilization equipment according to operating instructions.
Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift and carry moderately heavy surgical trays, push carts into sterilization units, and receive and store supplies, materials, and equipment.
Follow policies and procedures, referring complex situations to a supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Sterile Processing Certification through the Health Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate surgical instruments, syringes, equipment, procedure trays, instrument sets, orthopedic sets, and endoscopes according to established procedures.
Use detergents, disinfectants, washers, and standard precautions for cleaning, decontamination, and drying.
Inspect instruments and sets for cleanliness, sharpness, burrs, function, proper operation, and overall condition.
Assemble, wrap, label, and initial instrument and equipment trays, ensuring quality-control monitors are accurately placed.
Operate steam sterilizers, EPS Scope Processor, and other sterilization-related equipment according to written quality-assurance procedures.
Perform daily Bowie-Dick and biological testing of department and operating-room sterilizers; incubate, interpret, and record biological test results.
Immediately implement recall procedures and notify affected departments and the Sterile Processing Supervisor when biological testing is positive.
Prepare operating-room case carts, print and use schedule pick lists, assemble carts accurately, and perform distribution rounds and daily nursing-unit distribution and pickup.
Maintain prescribed inventory levels and ensure proper rotation of supplies and carts.
Monitor workflow and shift communications to ensure assigned work is completed.
When assigned as SPD Tech Charge, assist with workload assignments based on work priority and employee skills, and complete required shift reports.
Answer telephone calls courteously and maintain accurate records of messages and requests.
Coordinate day-to-day operating-room needs based on the schedule and communicate them to the department.
Submit suggestions to improve departmental workflow.
Clean, inspect, and maintain equipment; routinely clean work areas and carts; and follow safety procedures, particularly when operating sterilizers.
Follow the hospital dress code, wear a name badge, and maintain confidentiality of information obtained while performing duties.
Maintain inventory control systems for procedure trays and equipment, monitor supply availability, and report low levels to group leaders or a supervisor.
Assist with orienting new staff, demonstrate assigned techniques and applications, participate in competency completion, and contribute to team meetings when precepting new employees.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality-improvement practices, and health and safety requirements; maintain reliable attendance and perform other similar duties as required or directed.