Sterile Processing Tech - PRN (Evenings)

South Texas Spine Hospital•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager, Administrator, or Director of Nursing, and at the direction of Registered Nurses, the Sterile Processing Technician processes instruments through decontamination, sterilization, and storage in accordance with facility policies and procedures. The role ensures proper care and maintenance of surgical instrumentation and equipment, documents sterilization processes, and maintains knowledge of equipment and instruments used in operating-room procedures. The employee may be required to work between the facility and Hospital Outpatient Department as needed. The position calls for professional conduct, confidentiality, compliance with HIPAA and the SP Code of Conduct, teamwork, accountability, and the ability to work effectively under stress. The role supports safe and effective patient care for populations ranging from six months through geriatric patients in the outpatient department, and from age 12 or adult stature through geriatric patients at the hospital.

Requirements

Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the United States.
High school diploma or GED.
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 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.
Basic computer literacy and fundamental computer skills needed to perform essential job duties.
Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, accountability, teamwork, and effective performance under stress.
Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including extended walking or standing and handling equipment and instruments.

Nice To Haves

Certification in sterile processing.
Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for professional advancement.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate, clean, wrap, sterilize, store, and document the processing of surgical instruments according to policies, procedures, and sterilization standards.
Use sterilization equipment properly and confirm sterility in accordance with policy and procedures.
Care for and maintain surgical instruments and equipment, ensuring instruments are in working order and arranging repair, sharpening, and lubrication as needed.
Maintain inventory of instruments, supplies, and equipment for the sterile processing department.
Review the daily schedule and prepare cases using preference cards and specific patient care needs; communicate updates to preference cards as necessary.
Assist with instrument and equipment retrieval and case turnover to support surgical services.
Handle surgical specimens and biohazardous materials according to policy and procedures.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work environment and follow safety and infection-control requirements.
Follow staffing schedules, attendance policies, and daily assignments; cooperate with the team and assist others as needed.
Participate in new-staff orientation, peer evaluations, competency programs, staff meetings, and quality-improvement activities.
Complete annual Healthstream education requirements and participate in professional development activities.
Communicate effectively with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members, and provide exceptional customer service.
Conserve resources, support cost-saving initiatives, and communicate ideas for cost containment.
Maintain patient, coworker, and facility confidentiality; report in good faith known or suspected violations of laws, regulations, or the SP Code of Conduct.
Contribute to facility growth by communicating service-line development ideas and engaging in customer-service conversations with physicians.