STERILE PROCESSING TECH 48/52 WEEKENDER

Covenant HealthCare•Saginaw, MI

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician demonstrates working knowledge of the complete sterilization process, including decontamination, reprocessing, reassembly, and sterilization of surgical instruments and supplies. The role also demonstrates customer service consistent with Covenant HealthCare’s Vision, Mission, and Values and its commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation. The technician examines, identifies, cares for, and assembles surgical instruments and trays; follows cleaning and sterilization instructions; and ensures instruments and equipment are clean and functioning properly before sterilization. The position works with multiple sterilization processes, decontamination and case cart systems, sterilization documentation and testing, specialty beds, loaner equipment, and cart restocking. The role requires attention to infection control, supply expiration dates, equipment condition, and timely, accurate work. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing course is preferred. Work involves constant standing, frequent lifting up to 25 pounds, occasional lifting up to 100 pounds, and other physical activities and sensory demands.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of surgical instrumentation, including examination, identification, care, and assembly.
Working knowledge of the sterilization process.
Working knowledge of a Case Cart system.
Strong understanding of sterilization-record documentation.
Working knowledge of biological and DART tests for autoclaves.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong customer-service skills.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to work independently or in a group.
Ability to resolve problems effectively.
Ability to motivate and precept new employees.
Ability to perform the physical demands described, including constant standing, frequent lifting up to 25 pounds, and occasional lifting up to 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of an accredited Sterile Processing course.

Responsibilities

Examine, identify, care for, and assemble surgical instruments and trays.
Follow cleaning and sterilization instructions for surgical instruments and equipment, including power equipment.
Check instruments for cleanliness and proper working order before sterilization.
Use the appropriate sterilization process, including steam, Sterrad, Steris, and flash processes.
Follow departmental policies for sterilizer malfunctions and wet loads.
Follow infection-control practices, including hand washing, proper use of soaps and disinfectants, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
Perform decontamination work, disassemble items correctly for cleaning, and prioritize daily workload to maximize turnover of high-volume instruments.
Use the Case Cart system and GEMS computer system to access Surgeon Pick Sheets and pick case carts accurately, checking wrappers, procedures, instruments, and supplies.
Complete sterilization records and perform or understand daily Bowie-Dick vacuum and biological tests; follow procedures in the event of a test failure.
Order and discontinue the use of specialty beds.
Order loaner equipment when census is high.
Restock used or expired carts promptly.
Ensure carts and boxes contain no expired supplies and remove expired supplies from carts, boxes, and the department.
Check that all equipment is in working order.
Maintain punctual attendance consistent with applicable standards.