Copy of Sterile Processing Tech - PRN (Evenings)

Surgery Partners•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician processes surgical instruments—including decontamination, sterilization, and storage—according to facility policies and procedures. Under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager, Administrator, or Director of Nursing, and at the direction of Registered Nurses, the technician maintains and cares for surgical instrumentation and equipment, documents sterilization processes, and demonstrates knowledge of the instruments and equipment used for procedures at the facility and its Hospital Outpatient Department. The role supports safe, effective service by preparing cases from daily schedules, preference cards, and patient-care needs; maintaining instrument and supply inventory; ensuring instruments are in working order; and following safety, infection-control, and biohazard procedures. The technician collaborates with coworkers and customers, participates in staff education and quality improvement, and contributes to cost-containment and facility growth initiatives. The position may require interchange between the facility and Hospital Outpatient Department as needed. The work involves direct contact with blood or other body fluids requiring standard precautions. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be worn. The work environment is clean, neat, and well lit, but may involve unpleasant sights or odors, stress, limited radiation, hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, and temperature variations. Work hours may be irregular or unexpectedly extended based on job requirements.

Requirements

Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the United States.
High school diploma or GED required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a prerequisite.
Two to four years of experience in the field or a related area.
Awareness of sterilization standards and ability to perform in accordance with them.
Ability to relate to and work effectively with others.
Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the field.
Verbal and written English communication skills sufficient for safe and effective patient care and documentation.
Ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for professional advancement.
Basic computer literacy and computer skills required to perform essential job duties.
Ability to work under stress and in situations requiring patience, stamina, endurance, and tact.
Ability to be self-directed, accountable, professional, receptive to change, and to seek guidance when needed.
Ability to set priorities, respond promptly to issues requiring decisions, and follow through to achieve results.
Ability to work as part of a team and perform other job duties as requested.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Sterile Processing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Process instruments through decontamination, cleaning, wrapping, sterilization, and storage according to policy and procedure.
Care for and maintain surgical instrumentation and equipment, including arranging repair, sharpening, and lubrication as needed.
Use sterilization equipment properly, confirm sterility, and document the sterilization process according to policy and procedure.
Review the daily schedule and prepare cases based on preference cards and patient-care needs; communicate necessary preference-card changes.
Maintain inventory of instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for the sterile processing department.
Follow facility sterile processing, safety, and infection-control policies; maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment.
Handle surgical specimens and biohazardous materials according to policy and procedure.
Adhere to staffing schedules and attendance policies, cooperate with daily assignments, and assist others in retrieving instruments and equipment for surgical cases.
Participate in orientation of new staff, peer evaluations, competency programs, staff meetings, and annual Healthstream education.
Communicate effectively with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members, and contribute to effective service and case turnover.
Participate in quality improvement activities as requested.
Conserve resources, support cost-saving initiatives, and communicate cost-containment ideas.
Contribute to facility growth through competency, customer service, and communication of service-line development ideas to facility leadership.
Maintain patient, coworker, and facility confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA policy.
Report in good faith known or suspected violations of laws, rules, regulations, or the SP Code of Conduct.