Sterile Processing Technician

Lexington Medical Center • Columbia, SC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician supports daily reprocessing of instrumentation for the hospital and affiliate physicians’ offices. Work includes decontaminating, cleaning, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing instruments, trays, and equipment; preparing and delivering case carts; and replenishing Operating Room supplies stored within the Sterile Processing Department. Technicians are cross-trained in all department areas and may help precept new employees when directed by the manager. The role requires integrity and compliance with internal procedures and external regulatory processes.

The technician cleans and prepares instruments and procedure trays for sterilization, selects appropriate packaging, and uses knowledge of steam and Sterrad sterilization methods. The position operates cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization equipment, assembles supplies for Operating Room procedures, returns unused supplies and trays, and restocks OR suites. The technician also reports broken equipment and low supply levels, participates in department meetings and education, uses the electronic instrument tracking system, and may serve as a resource on specialty instruments and trays.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills and aptitude.
• Must obtain CBSPD-Technician from IAHCSMM or CBSPD from C.S.P.D.T. certification within one year of employment. Employees employed in this role at LMC before 2002 are exempt from this certification requirement.
• Willingness to learn, understand, and properly use decontamination and sterile processing equipment.
• Willingness to learn and understand surgical instrumentation, including its function, processing, cleaning, and sterilization.

Responsibilities

• Clean instruments and supplies using accepted techniques and procedures.
• Prepare instruments, procedure trays, and instrument sets for sterilization; inspect instruments and package them appropriately or place them in sterilization containers.
• Determine the proper sterilization method using knowledge of steam and Sterrad, and follow proper loading techniques and operating procedures.
• Operate equipment used in cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization, including steam and Sterrad sterilizers, sonic washers, washer decontaminators, and cart washers.
• Assemble instruments and supplies for Operating Room procedures.
• Return unused supplies and instrument trays from the OR to the proper location in the SPD sterile supply room.
• Restock supplies in OR suites from SPD sterile supply inventory.
• Report broken instrumentation and equipment and communicate low par levels of SPD consumable supplies to the team lead or department manager.
• Attend and participate in SPD department meetings and education.
• Use the electronic instrument tracking system proficiently.
• Act as a resource for SPD and OR staff in identifying and assembling specialty instruments and trays.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the team lead or department manager.
• Cross-train in all areas of the department and, if directed by the manager, participate in precepting new employees.

Benefits

• Day-one medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for benefit-eligible employees and their families.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 403(b) match plan enrollment eligibility starting day one; LHI matches dollar for dollar up to 6%.
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• Optional supplemental life insurance with low-cost premiums, up to three times salary.
• Adoption assistance.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage for full-time employees after 90 days of eligible employment.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Student loan forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED