Sterile Processing Technician

Graham Regional Medical Center•Graham, TX

34d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment for a 2–3 OR suite hospital. This role supports a wide range of services including orthopedics, general surgery, cataracts, podiatry, and rotating specialty providers. The technician ensures all sterile processing standards are met to provide safe, efficient, and timely support to the surgical team.

Requirements

Demonstrate an acute attention to detail
Ability to clearly communicate
High school diploma or equivalent required
Prior sterile processing experience required; hospital or ASC experience preferred
BLS – AHA required within 90 days of employment
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at times
Ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and reach overhead for the duration of a shift. Technicians may walk the equivalent of several miles a day within the facility; Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization’s physical premises.
Fine motor skills and grip strength are essential for meticulously handling, inspecting, disassembling, and assembling tiny surgical instruments.
Ability to rely heavily on touch and temperature differentiation to operate ultrasonic cleaners, handle hot autoclaves, and assess moisture.
Ability to comfortably wear heavy personal protective equipment (PPE)—including impervious gowns, face shields, goggles, gloves, and surgical masks—for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Understanding of orthopedic and ophthalmic instrument sets strongly preferred
Certification preferred (CRCST, CBSPD)

Responsibilities

Perform all steps of instrument reprocessing, including decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization.
Operate and maintain autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, washer–disinfectors, and other SPD equipment.
Ensure instrument sets are complete, functional, and assembled according to specialty-specific standards (ortho, eyes, general, podiatry, etc.).
Manage immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) appropriately and within policy.
Prepare trays, peel packs, and supplies required for daily OR cases.
Assist with case cart assembly and delivery to OR suites.
Maintain readiness for high-volume orthopedic instrumentation and delicate cataract/ophthalmic sets.
Monitor par levels of sterile supplies, instrument sets, implants, and disposables.
Report damaged or missing instruments; coordinate repairs and replacements.
Track loaner trays, ensuring timely arrival, proper processing, and accurate documentation.
Utilize tracking software to monitor instrument sets from decontamination to the operating room.
Follow AAMI, AORN, and hospital standards for sterilization and infection prevention.
Document sterilization cycles, biological indicators, and load records accurately.
Participate in quality checks, audits, and ongoing process improvements.
Maintain a clean, organized SPD work environment.
Communicate effectively with OR staff regarding urgent needs, add-on cases, or instrument issues.
Support smooth daily operations by anticipating case needs and adjusting priorities as necessary.
Coordinate with vendor representatives for specialty instrumentation and implants.