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, decontaminates, packages, and sterilizes equipment, supplies, and procedure trays. The role includes stocking supplies and instruments, monitoring sterilizers and related equipment, and orienting and training other technicians. The technician is familiar with case cart processes, instrument pick lists, and instrument repair processes, and is expected to learn all aspects of the Sterile Processing Department, including surgical services, outside clinics, specialty instrumentation, implant trays, power equipment, flexible endoscopes, and the Instrument Management System. The role helps ensure safe and effective instrument processing, sterilization, biological monitoring, inventory control, distribution, and case cart preparation. The technician maintains a clean and safe work environment, supports department workflow, communicates operating-room needs, and assists with onboarding and competency development for new personnel. Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

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 stock room functions; experience may be from central services, surgical reprocessing, or a surgical stock room.
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.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate, clean, identify, and inspect surgical instruments, syringes, equipment, procedure trays, instrument sets, orthopedic sets, and endoscopes according to established procedures.
Use detergents, disinfectants, washers, and other prescribed methods for cleaning, decontamination, and drying while following standard precautions.
Inspect instrumentation for cleanliness, sharpness, burrs, function, proper operation, and overall condition.
Assemble, wrap, label, and initial instrument and procedure trays, ensuring quality control monitors are correctly placed.
Operate steam sterilizers, EPS Scope Processor, and other sterilization equipment according to written quality assurance procedures.
Perform Bowie-Dick and biological testing of department and operating-room sterilizers daily; incubate, interpret, and record biological test results.
Implement recall procedures immediately after positive biological testing and notify affected departments and the Sterile Processing Supervisor.
Prepare operating-room case carts, assemble carts accurately from schedule pick lists, maintain prescribed inventory levels, and rotate supplies and carts appropriately.
Perform daily distribution and pickup on nursing units for instrumentation and monitor shift workflow and communication to ensure assigned work is completed.
When assigned as SPD Tech Charge, assist with workload assignments, prioritize work, and complete required shift reports.
Answer telephone calls courteously and maintain accurate records of messages and requests.
Coordinate daily operating-room needs with the SPD department and incorporate those needs into daily assignments.
Submit suggestions to facilitate department workflow.
Clean, inspect, and maintain equipment and perform routine cleaning of work areas and carts.
Follow safety procedures, especially those related to sterilizer operation; adhere to hospital dress code and wear a name badge.
Maintain confidentiality, inventory control systems, and awareness of supply availability; report low supplies to group leaders or supervisors.
Assist with orienting new staff, demonstrate required techniques and applications, participate in competency completion, and contribute to team meetings while precepting new employees.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality improvement practices, and health and safety requirements; maintain reliable attendance and perform other related duties as required or directed.