Sterile Processing Technician
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, instruments, and procedure trays. The role monitors sterilizers and related equipment, stocks supplies and instruments, and helps orient and train other technicians. The technician is familiar with case cart processes, instrument pick lists, and instrument repair processes, and is expected to learn the department’s range of work, including surgical services, outside clinics, specialty instrumentation, implant trays, power equipment, flexible endoscopes, and the Instrument Management System. The position works in a general hospital environment with conditions associated with patient care. It follows established policies and procedures, referring complex situations to a supervisor. No supervisory responsibility is assigned. The scheduled shift is Monday through Friday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., with rotating weekends and holidays.
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 stockroom functions; experience may come from central services, surgical reprocessing, or a surgical stockroom.
- 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 and refer complex situations to a supervisor.
Nice To Haves
- Sterile Processing Certification through the Health Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or equivalent is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Decontaminate surgical instruments, syringes, equipment, procedure trays, instrument sets, orthopedic sets, and endoscopes according to established procedures.
- Use detergents, disinfectants, washers, and related equipment as prescribed, following standard precautions.
- Inspect instruments and sets for cleanliness, sharpness, burrs, proper function, and overall condition; assemble and wrap trays according to established procedures.
- Label and initial assembled procedure trays and ensure quality control monitors are accurately placed.
- Operate steam sterilizers, the EPS Scope Processor, and other sterilization equipment according to written quality assurance procedures.
- Perform daily Bowie-Dick and biological testing of department and operating-room sterilizers; 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, print and use schedule pick lists, and perform distribution rounds and daily nursing-unit instrument distribution and pickup.
- Maintain prescribed inventory levels and rotate supplies and carts appropriately within and outside the department.
- Monitor workflow and shift communications to ensure work assignments are completed.
- When assigned as SPD Tech Charge, assist with workload assignments based on priorities and employee skills, complete required shift reports, and coordinate operating-room needs with the department.
- Answer department telephone calls courteously and maintain accurate records of messages and requests.
- Submit suggestions to facilitate departmental workflow.
- Clean, inspect, and maintain equipment; perform routine cleaning of areas and carts; and follow safety procedures, particularly when operating sterilizers.
- Follow hospital dress-code and name-badge requirements, maintain confidentiality, and monitor supply availability and report low levels.
- Assist with orientation and training of new staff in decontamination, instrument inspection, tray assembly, packaging, sterilizers, sterile storage, distribution, and case carts.
- Participate in completion of new staff competencies and contribute to team meetings when precepting employees.
- Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality-improvement practices, and health and safety requirements; maintain reliable attendance and professional, respectful conduct.
- Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
