Sterile Processing Technician

Singing River Health System•Ocean Springs, MS

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician provides sterile instruments and decontaminated, safe equipment for patients of all ages under the supervision of a Patient Care Manager/Coordinator or Chief Technician. He/She cleans, disinfects, assembles, packages and sterilizes surgical instruments; tests, operates and monitors sterilization equipment; documents and maintains sterilization records; assembles surgical supplies; and decontaminates, disinfects and distributes patient care equipment. The Sterile Processing Technician verifies and assures accurate patient charges; orders patient equipment and supplies; and operates computer equipment to meet patient supply needs, for patient charge inquiry, and to post and credit charges. The Sterile Processing Technician must demonstrate knowledge of: sterilization supplies and requirements, equipment and instruments; organizing, containing, and transporting items of varying compounds, textures or quantities; transporting and disposing of hazardous materials and sharp objects according to hospital procedures. He/She must demonstrate knowledge of sterilization procedures of various equipment and instruments and knowledge of wrapping and repackaging sterilized instruments. The Tech must demonstrate the following skills: using sterilization equipment and instruments; arranging instruments on surgical trays; following written instructions and performing multiple tasks; and in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with others.

Requirements

High School diploma required or GED equivalent
Knowledge of medical terminology essential
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and do a great deal of walking without experiencing undue fatigue
Must have a high energy level and be capable of handling high pressure situations
Must possess sufficient strength in arm and back muscles to tighten and open sterilizer doors, to push carts, to frequently lift instrument trays weighing up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift items weighing 30 lbs.
May be exposed to communicable diseases and toxic fumes
Must be able to wear gloves and protective clothing for prolonged periods of time
Keen mental faculties, sound judgment and decision making skills for the preparation and sterilization of surgical instruments and the monitoring of computerized sterilization equipment
Must be able to consistently perform with a high degree of accuracy
Emotional stability conducive to dealing with high stress level associated with correctly and efficiently preparing patient instrumentation on a daily basis while maintaining effective working relationships with peers, managers, physicians, and other health care workers
Must be able to function unsupervised in a highly conscientious manner
Must be able to set priorities and give close attention to details
Must be adaptable to change

Nice To Haves

Central Service, OR Instrument/Supply and computer entry experience preferred
Certification recommended within two (2) years of employment

Responsibilities

Cleans, disinfects, assembles, packages and sterilizes surgical instruments
Tests, operates and monitors sterilization equipment
Documents and maintains sterilization records
Assembles surgical supplies
Decontaminates, disinfects and distributes patient care equipment
Verifies and assures accurate patient charges
Orders patient equipment and supplies
Operates computer equipment to meet patient supply needs, for patient charge inquiry, and to post and credit charges
Organizing, containing, and transporting items of varying compounds, textures or quantities
Transporting and disposing of hazardous materials and sharp objects according to hospital procedures
Wrapping and repackaging sterilized instruments
Arranging instruments on surgical trays
Following written instructions and performing multiple tasks
Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with others