Sterile Processing Technician

Parkland Health•Parkland, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Primary Purpose Monitors equipment and supply levels within assigned area to ensure that clean, sterile, and packages of supplies and equipment are readily available to the departments that the function supports. Parkland Health, one of the nation’s largest public hospital systems, is dedicated to delivering exceptional care to the Dallas community. A career at Parkland means joining a collaborative, engaged team focused on excellence, innovation, and patient-centered service. Our employees are supported with resources to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact every day.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED required.
Must be able to read written directions and to write legibly.
Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors and hospital staff.
Must be able to lift, carry and push heavy objects.
Must have ability to learn basic PC skills as needed to complete daily tasks.
Must have knowledge of principles and policies concerning sterilization techniques and practices.
Must be able to operate all sterilization equipment and to recognize equipment malfunction.
Must be able to demonstrate basic record keeping and inventory control skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a hospital environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintains inventory par levels in assigned areas through acquisition of cataloged stocked supplies and informs superiors of needed non-stock and special order supplies.
Prepares needed case carts according to pull sheets and specialty carts according to inventory sheets and reports all discrepancies.
Decontaminates all used instruments and equipment according to departmental policy and the manufactures recommendations while adhering to OSHA guidelines for employee safety.
Maintains competencies on equipment in the area and validates and documents all equipment functions properly.
Assembles instrument sets according to the count sheets and departmental guidelines while ensuring cleanliness, functionality and proper set up for sterilization.
Ensures equipment requiring validation testing is completed.
Prepares instruments for sterilization by utilizing proper packaging and wrapping techniques or following the manufactures guidelines for rigid containers.
Collects, reads and documents autoclave indicator and biological results to ensure functionality of all sterilization equipment.
Sterilizes instruments and equipment according to the manufactures recommendations while adhering to departmental standards for loading, validating and documenting each item processed.
Maintains competencies on all equipment and processes in the area.
Properly handles transports and stores sterile instruments and equipment according to departmental guidelines.
Identifies ways to improve the work processes of the Sterile Processing area, and to improve customer satisfaction/internal contacts.
Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the department goals and the mission of Parkland.
Maintains a positive working relationship with patients and other hospital personnel to ensure that the needs of the perspective groups are met.
Takes responsibility for own professional growth and development by attending seminars and workshops (both in-house and off campus), and remains current on industry changes, validating this knowledge as appropriate into job responsibilities.
Trains new employees as required.
Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Sterile Processing area.
Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans.
Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
Other duties as assigned.
Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction.
Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure.
Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.