Sterile Processing Tech - PRN (Evenings)

Surgery Partners, Inc•San Antonio, TX

12d

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician processes surgical instruments for the hospital and hospital outpatient department, including decontamination, cleaning, wrapping, sterilization, storage, and documentation of the sterilization process. The technician maintains and cares for surgical instruments and equipment, confirms sterility, keeps inventory, and ensures instruments are in working order, arranging repair, sharpening, or lubrication as needed. Work is performed under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager, Administrator, or Director of Nursing, according to the organizational structure, and at the direction of registered nurses. The role supports surgical cases by reviewing the daily schedule, preparing cases based on preference cards and patient-care needs, assisting with case turnover, and helping retrieve instruments and equipment. The technician maintains a safe, clean, orderly environment; follows infection-control, safety, and facility procedures; and handles specimens and biohazardous materials according to policy. The position also involves communication and teamwork with staff, management, physicians, patients, and families; participation in quality improvement, staff meetings, orientation, peer evaluations, competency programs, and annual education; and contributing to resource conservation and cost-saving initiatives. The employee may be required to work between the facility and its hospital outpatient department as needed. The role serves the needs of a patient population ranging from at least 12 years old or adult stature through geriatric patients at the hospital, and from 6 months through geriatric patients in the outpatient department. 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. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be worn for direct contact with blood or other body fluids. Hours may be irregular or unexpectedly extended.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Basic Life Support (BLS) prerequisite.
2–4 years of experience in the field or a related area.
Demonstrated eligibility for employment in the United States.
Awareness of sterilization standards and ability to work 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.
Basic computer literacy and computer skills needed to perform essential job duties.
Ability to work under stress and demonstrate patience, stamina, endurance, and tact.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, or up to 150 pounds with assistance; ability to push or pull 150–300 pounds with assistance.
Ability to walk or stand most of the time while on duty; visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity are required.
Ability to use judgment regarding precautions when exposed to potential hazards, including blood and body fluids, hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, and limited radiation.
Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for professional advancement.

Nice To Haves

Certification in sterile processing.

Responsibilities

Perform decontamination, cleaning, wrapping, sterilization, and storage of surgical instruments according to facility policies and procedures.
Use sterilization equipment properly, confirm sterility, and document the process according to policy and procedures.
Maintain the inventory of instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for the sterile processing department.
Ensure instruments are in working order and oversee repair, sharpening, and lubrication as needed.
Review daily schedules and prepare cases according to preference cards and specific patient-care needs.
Assist with case turnover and help retrieve instruments and equipment for surgical cases.
Handle surgical specimens and biohazardous materials according to policies and procedures.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment and follow safety and infection-control requirements.
Communicate changes to preference cards as necessary.
Communicate effectively with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members, and provide service to customers.
Adhere to staffing schedules and attendance policies, and cooperate with daily assignments.
Participate in new-staff orientation, peer evaluations, competency programs, staff meetings, and quality-improvement activities as requested.
Complete annual HealthStream education in a timely manner and participate in educational and goal-setting activities.
Conserve resources, minimize costs, and contribute ideas or assistance for cost-saving and cost-containment initiatives.
Report in good faith known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations, or the SP Code of Conduct.
Maintain patient, coworker, and facility confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA policy.
Work between the facility and hospital outpatient department as needed.